I am going through the proofs of A Message from Martha.
I’m not very good at checking proofs – not of things I wrote – because I let the words on the page take me back to the ideas and the places and the species about which I was writing. Surely all writers are like that?
So, I’ve been thinking about Wyalusing WI, Cincinnati OH, Henderson KY, Ithaca NY, Petoskey MI and a host of other places.
I’ve been thinking of old trees, beechmast, free-ranging pigs (or hogs), snow cover and the American chestnut.
I’ve thought of axes, and guns, and nets, and bows and arrows.
I’ve thought of Arlie Schorger, John James Audubon, Alexander Wilson, Aldo Leopold and John Muir.
I’ve thought of breakfasts in the USA, Bobolinks, motel rooms, waitresses, gas stations and the wide open road.
And, perhaps surprisingly (as you have not read what I have written), I’ve been reminded of standing by a grave in Ohio, a speech from President Obama, a racist conversation, biofuels and bison.
Publication date 10 July 2014.
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Nice cover
Yes Mark, I’m sure all writers are like that, I’m the same; never actually read what’s there, just what I recall is there, and often drift off into a revery remembering the back story.
Professional proof-readers sometimes read from right to left to check the words rather than the context. Might be worth trying? Would have been a good tip for a colleague who recently emailed students about a field trip to Irthlingborough and Stanwick, reminding them that it was very wet and they should “bring their willies”….
Jeff – well, I hope they didn’t forget them!
Well if that is anything to go by – it is going to be beautiful. Those few words brought to my mind everything I love about America. Reminded me of the bluebird nesting we saw there. Looking forward to publication.
The cover is wonderful. Carrie Akroyd usually is. Looking forward to getting beneath the cover.
You need to read them backwards, that’s the best way of spotting literals.
Kate – slaretil?
Can’t wait to see the book
And presumably you have also been thinking of the lovely waitresses…
Mark, I look forward to getting my hands on your book when I’m ‘back home’ in Britain, later this year. In the meanwhile, please do feel free to promote it on our own, brand new ‘Wildlife and Photography’ blog, here in the USA!