In late July, I began reading my novel, The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout, in preparation for writing the screenplay. It had been nearly four years since I last really read my book before publishing it in early 2022.
Within the first few pages, I had some changes to make. I found a few misspellings, dropped words, and repeated phrases. I was slightly horrified – and all this after two editors, a proofreader, and myself had reviewed it.
Granted, over the last few years, my writing has matured. That’s the idea of practicing our writing. It’s a path to mastery, and there’s always room for revision. There is a saying that floats around my screenwriting groups: “All writing is rewriting.” I’d say that is true for all genres.
It took me several months to finally reach a point where I was satisfied with my revisions. Then, one Sunday afternoon, I was rereading the latest revision, and I had just 50 pages to go. I promised my designer I’d have the files to her by Monday. Little did I know I was in for a surprise. With my feet propped up on the chair and a glass of chardonnay nearby, I began reading, and then suddenly, the sequel unfolded in my imagination.
The readers of my first edition had been calling for the next book. On the launch day of the first revision, I saw the opening scene unfold as I sat on the rocks on a La Jolla beach sipping a cup of coffee. But then nothing…I had no idea what came next – and didn’t for years.
Now, I knew – and that knowing made me smile.
And this meant I had more revisions to make. I had to go back into the storyline and plant seeds for this surprise to unfold.
I’m proud to announce that the second edition of The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout is now available as an ebook and in paperback. Later in the year, I’ll release the audiobook.
The sequel is coming along – Beyond the Mother Lagoon – as well as the screenplay! My screenwriting coach is very encouraging, and I spend much of my weekends on that project. Plus, I’m revising the prequel to The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout. In 2002, my memoir On the Mother Lagoon: Fly Fishing and the Spiritual Journey was published by Wish Publishing. It’s been out of print for years and I’ve had the rights back, but only recently opened the files and began the revisions. This is not only an important part of my life journey, but also an important story to share in the women’s fly-fishing world.
I’m grateful for your support.
Get your copy of The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout here.