I wrote my novel during National Novel Writing Month in 2022. Then, I spent the next two-plus years futzing around with the manuscript until I got it as polished as I thought I could get it. At the beginning of May, I reached out to an editor who came highly recommended by a family member. I sent an introductory email, along with the blurb and a little about my background. Less than a week later, I heard from her.

We had a Zoom meeting and talked about my book. She was interested and asked for the manuscript. By mid-month, the file was in her hands. We met again at the end of May. As we chatted about the book, her editing style, and my response style, we agreed our goals match. I am excited to hear her feedback and work with her to add that additional vision to my manuscript to make it better than before. So now, I wait until she’s read with her editorial mind.

Of course, my novel isn’t the only thing moving forward in our lives.

First Reader and I have spent the last six months settling into the new home. We’ve had plenty of help from family and friends getting the house furnished and in order. FR’s daughter and family have been helping us get the walls decorated as well. My Eldest Kid donated several loads of paving stones we’ll use when we (finally) get the decks built. Which is another long, sad tale of get started, then wait.

We found a construction company willing to work out of town, so we met with, then hired them. They’re great. Two days after we talked with the general contractor, someone was up looking at the job site and taking measurements. A few days after that, they staged their equipment. After a short weather delay (spring rains, ya know), the auguring began, and the holes prepped for the open hole inspections.

Only to be halted by the lack of engineered plans. So, off to get engineered drawings. To be informed by the original contracted company that they would require the same amount of money we paid for the original drawings to get ours updated. (Tell me you don’t want my business without telling me you don’t want my business.) Our GC got the new set drawn in-house.

We received the updated plans and toddled them over to the building department for approval. And now, once more, we wait.

I’ll have pictures of the work once it’s complete. For now, I’ll leave you with the landscape grading we’ve done so far.