Nearly the end for my Book and Goat.
LB Blog
I’m finally on the last ten chapters of the first version of Tallis. My editor, Ruairi has done a fabulous job. He’s such a vital part of the writing process. He is able to see the parts of the plot where my thought processes haven’t been accurate and I have got the time line wrong, or haven’t explained how the characters have come to the conclusions they’ve reached. Sometimes just a few extra words added to the manuscript can make all of the difference.
One thing that needs some more work, during the second round of edits, is my character’s home life. Outside of work she rides horses and has a boyfriend. Once I start writing those pieces, I automatically slip into my romance writer persona. I couldn’t feel that, but know it has been pointed out to me, I can see how my writing changes. That is something I need to look at again during the next rewrite. Hopefully that will be the last one and the book will be ready for proofing.
The reason I’m so behind with editing is that I’ve been checking the audio version of Trainers which is soon to be released on Audible. It is strange listening to a book you’ve written being spoken back to you. Barbara, my narrator has a fabulous voice, it suits my work so well. I’m thrilled with what she has done.
My ever growing goat herd had a near fatal crisis this weekend. I found two of the young goats literally foaming at the mouth and looking very sorry for themselves. I made a panicked phone call to the vets and was told, without the vet having seen them, just from my description and his knowledge of the area that the goats had rhododendron poisoning, something that can be fatal and for which there is little that can be done other than some home remedies. If the poison has damaged their kidneys, or other organs there is nothing that can be done.
The goats, Stella and Swinshaw were given painkillers, electrolytes and good old fashioned Milk of Magnesia, gently syringed into their mouths. Great care has to be taken that the liquid does not go down their wind pipe. The following day Stella seemed a lot better, but Swinshaw, the boy was till very poorly. He was drinking, but would not eat. I went into the stables this morning, half expecting him to be dead. I was so happy to see him on his back legs, rearing up against the wall, tucking into the net of hay. Really made my day.