Hip, hip hooray! After 10 years and who-knows-how-many drafts, I’m so
excited to announce that Summertime Sleepers: Animals that Estivate entered
the world yesterday.
A few weeks ago, I described the 10-year story behind the book on
Shay Fan’s wonderful new blog First Draft to Final Book. Be sure to check it out.
What I didn’t fully explain in that post is WHY I kept working on the manuscript for
so long? It’s because I was personally
invested. There was a little piece of my heart at the core of this book,
and it fueled my work despite the obstacles and setbacks.
One of the examples in
the book is the leopard gecko. And for most of the time I was working on the
manuscript, my nephew, Emile, had one of these little lizards as a beloved pet.
Every time I talked to him, he asked me how the book was going. How could I
possibly let him down?
Thanks to Emile, editor
Julie Bliven, art directors Susan Sherman and Diane Early, and most especially
illustrator and friend Sarah S. Brannen, kids can now learn
about hibernation’s summertime counterpart.
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5 Responses
Wow, I am touched by your sharing the personal reason for never giving up. Now, when I feel discouraged at the months and years I am spending on my book, I'll remember the gorgeous little leopard gecko. I continue to write to make an impact on others.
Thank you for giving me the courage to carry on with mss that are eluding me.
LOL. It takes as long as it takes.
Congratulations Melissa! I had no idea there were all these summertime slumbers. So glad you never gave up.
Thank you so much Melissa for sharing this journey.