Book Update #2: My First Book Draft is Complete!
Over 50K Words and Counting—Reflections, Doubts, and Moving Forward
In this post you’ll read about…
✨ How AI and literary giants are coming together in my new book
✍️ Why even the craziest ideas might be worth pursuing
⚡️ What I talk about with my dentist
3-Minute Story: One week down, one book written.
After days of writing, researching, and countless cups of coffee, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve just finished the first draft of my book! 🎉 It’s currently sitting at 52,506 words, and while my goal is 60,000, I’m more than happy with where I am—especially since 50k is often considered the lower end for a non-fiction book.
The journey has been intense, but it’s all come together in 25 chapters with an intro, covering a timeline of ideas that have been simmering in my mind for what feels like forever. Now, I’m excited to share just a little bit about what’s to come.
No Spoilers: What is it about?
This book blends two of my favorite subjects—literary giants and AI. It’s a project that aligns perfectly with what this Substack is all about, and I can’t wait to share more with you soon. 📚✨
The Journey So Far...
Right now, I’m using AI tools to edit the draft. Once that’s done, I’ll be hiring a professional editor to give it the polish it deserves. Afterward comes the formatting and cover design. Fun fact: the cover and spine design are heavily influenced by the actual page count, so formatting really matters first, I have learned. For this, I’ll be turning to Fiverr, and then it’s on to the final step: self-publishing or pitching it to a publisher.
Doubts and Destiny
Last night, I had one of those classic writer moments—wondering if I should even go through with publishing this. It’s a bit out there, right? But then someone in my work chat brought up a best-selling mystery book where Obama and Biden solve crimes. That was all the reassurance I needed to push forward with my crazy idea. And if all else fails, I’m more than happy to publish it chapter by chapter right here on Substack for all of you to enjoy.
A Dentist's Approval
Today, I shared the news with my dentist at my cleaning, who’s also a huge literary fan (he’s the one who got me to read Les Miserables). His eyes lit up, and he told me this idea could really be big. I promised him a mention in the book since we always end up having great book chats whenever I visit (and with six kids, I’m there more often than not!).
Inspirational Quote:
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." — Maya Angelou
More posts of mine I think you’ll love…
✨2 Things I’ve Loved This Week…
I finished Get Paid More and Promoted Faster: 21 Great Ways to Get Ahead in Your Career by Brian Tracy this week. I loved it, it's packed with actionable insights that truly help you accelerate your career without just spinning your wheels or ending up burned out.
BLANK SLATE™ - The Game Where Great Minds Think Alike | Fun Family Friendly Word Association Party Game, 3 to 8 players. Right now this is my #1 favorite game to play with the kids. Everyone can play, it’s a fun wipe/erase game and we always have tons of laughs. I lack the patience these days for complicated strategy games; this always slaps. (Is that how the kids say it today?)
✍️ 1 Journal Prompt
What is one “crazy” idea you’ve had that you’ve been hesitant to pursue? Write about what’s holding you back and how you might overcome those obstacles.
Feel free to share anything that came up for you in the comments:
📸 Photo of the Week: Puggy Buddy
My son got his first little paying gig, dog sitting, and so our pug had a BFF sleepover. It definitely got it all out of our system of having more than one dog. One is definitely enough. Side note- yes we are a total Millennial gray household. (Even having a gray roof installed today to match the new gray color scheme on the outside of the home).
Follow me on Substack Notes and LinkedIn for more!
Sending inspiration and joy in your writing journey,
-Karen
p.s. I create my newsletter voiceovers and my podcast episodes using the tool Wondercraft AI, a text-to-speech tool that speaks in YOUR voice. 🎙 Use this link to get started on Wondercraft! (paid/affiliate link)