Update on the book
I have been working on my book for almost a year. I started last Fall and then dropped it for a long while. I am now back to working on it most days. I am not sure what to do or how to write a book but I am trying. I added posts from the blog, edited them and now am writing more stories to put this together in a logical order. It is a huge task but I am now motivated to get it done so wish me luck!
Typical park in Riyadh
Happy Wednesday
This is a little blip of a story about the first time I walked to pick my boys up from school.
Noon call to prayer echoed through the villa, it was a signal to worship God and a reminder for the pious. The unabating desert swirled never ceasing, spewing dust and sand yet somehow tamed by these impassioned phrases of devotion. This ritual proclamation kept my day on track and in order, alerting me that school was almost done for the day.
The time had come to don my abaya, cart the two little ones and the double stroller down the stairs and head out into the neighborhood streets of Riyadh. It would be the first time we left the villa without a mahram (male relative or guardian) giving me a chance at independence and a meted freedom. The boy’s school was just 2 blocks away and my eagerness to explore the area was at last reality.
The street looked much like it had the night we drove from the airport but in the noon heat it was eerily vacant. No men in tattered clothing rag and bucket in hand, no boys raucously kicking footballs. I made a mental note of how many streets we passed and any landmark that might guide us back to Abu Abdullah’s little white pickup parked just outside the doors.
Garbage dumpster in a vacant lot, remnants of litter whisked into rumpled mounds where feral cats skulked poised and ready for a skirmish. Two streets had passed no signs or names to plant inside my mind only houses, cars and random writing sprayed on walls. A metal appliance complete with faucet and a cup attached stood on the sidewalk in front of a large white home, blue metal gate. A nearby park emerged and just beyond it the road that lead to the boys only school.
I stood to one side looking for a crosswalk, glancing left and right, back and forth waiting for a break in traffic. Workers rode bikes narrowly missing cars that jammed the street, blocking vehicles from passing. Honking and screeching tires collided with the sounds of a school bell. Men crowded near the school gate waving hands and arms to gather up their passengers. Fathers, drivers and passersby stared and surveyed us as we made numerous attempts at crossing. The school let out and panic rose inside me, my son would soon emerge and I had to be there as I had promised. I stepped out into the street only to be rebuked by honking and endless cars that showed no sign of relenting. Moving back and forth looking for a gap to make my move, I checked on the girls both secured in the brightly colored stroller. At last I saw a break and took the opportunity to sprint moving to and fro until I reached the other side.
It seemed as if all eyes were narrowly focused on my gallant show of force running boldly past everyone and taking charge of my own passage. A surge of reality took hold when I realized no other females were present at the school or on the streets that had taken me there. Inching towards the gate I felt I had become an anomaly, a spectacle.
Very good Lynn! xoxoxo b-2
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Thanks xo
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A mix of fear and joy at a brief escape I imagine. Well done Lynn. You will get it written.
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Thanks so much Peter!
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I have enjoying your ‘excerpts’ and it is a captivating story. As it happens, one of my favourite bloggers (although she hasn’t been very active lately – I suspect she’s without internet access right now) is an editor. She’s got a list of services on her site, which is here:
https://roughseasinthemed.wordpress.com/editing-writing/
You’ll see that there are ‘beta’ readers online. You might consider putting out a plea for beta readers; they might even agree to doing it for free. Of course, their opinions would not be professional ones, understand, but it would give you a sense of what kinds of things they’d recommend on your way to publication.
Just my .02 cents worth, Lynn. Carry on!
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Thanks so much xxx
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I so still remember, that I read this before Lynn, so some of an impression, it did to me. It is good, that you are writing again, it will help you to set yourself free again, dear sister ❤
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Thanks dearest sister! Much love
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You write well. clear and concise. Punctuation etc etc come later. Write for yourself that is the ingredient of writing. I know you will do this and then a publisher which I can see.
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Thanks so much Joseph!
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You’re welcome 🙂
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You are such a gifted writer! Keep at it! I just published my first little children’s book 🙂 Nothing as great a task as what you are doing, but if I can do it, you can too. 🙂 ❤
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Lynn just get it out on paper or screen first, you can polish later. This is your story and you have to do it your way.
Leslie
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So very glad you are back working at it. I know it is not easy but your story needs to be told. It is captivating and inspiring to see where you are now.
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Thanks so much Marci ❤️❤️
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Like I have always said, your a force to be reckeon with when it comes to your children, no one, no car, no man gets in your way. I love your writing. I feel like a could be standing by watching you, however just so you would know, I would of been there walking with you!! great job Lynn..XXkat
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Thanks sister it would have been great xxx
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This is written magically with such description… as if we were right there. You are doing wonderful Lyn! You are such a good writer, and your story needs to be told!
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You are so sweet dearest blue! Thank you for your sweet words!! Xxx
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Excellent descriptions, Lynn. I’m carried with your story and I really feel your emotions.
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Thanks so much for the input it is greatly appreciated!
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You’re welcome!
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You have a gift, Lyn, of transporting the reader to that exact place and time. Well done! 🐝
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Thanks Gail you are so kind 😀😀
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there is no rule to writing a book. Remember that. Whatever suits you is right and if it is maleable so be it. You have an amazing story – sometimes those are the hardest to write. But the excerpts are tantalizing. Just keep doing what seems right, dear friend. Because if it feels so, it is 🙂 xxx
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Thanks so much Fiona!! I will take your advice 😘
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That makes me happy 😊 xx
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Quite a culture gap. It must have been so disorienting to be both invisible and a spectacle. Your writing is amazing as always, your story mesmerizing. Keep it up, my friend.
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Thanks so much Diana!
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Keep going, Lynn. Your story is amazing, and so authentic. Just write with this kind of honesty, and it will all come together.
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Thank you van! I will try. You have given me great encouragement!
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All the best for your book!
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Thanks so much
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Stay inspired and stick with it, soon you’ll see your book published and printed! I know you can do it!! 🙂
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Thanks so much!
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You’re welcome!
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You will finish this book. The healing that will have taken place will be extraordinary! You will then be able to look back at what you have overcome, the strength inside you, and the beautiful woman you are and always have been! Love you my friend!
Alice
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Love you dear Alice! Thank you
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The description of the feral cats sums up the sense of menace that pervades this piece
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Thanks so much Derrick. I never feared cats before but I learned to! They were scary and like wild animals
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Your writing style is very descriptive Lynz, And I know your book will be a big success.. I am so pleased you are back writing again.. Getting all of our thoughts out is very liberating and frees us tremendously from the burden of carrying it and keeping it all inside..
And I can not even begin to imagine how difficult your journey was, and how recalling it in detail, must bring it all back.. But with the added bonus that you are now free ,,,
Sending LOVE dear Lynz. take care of you.. and pace yourself.
Love Sue xxx
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Thanks so much dear Sue. I am hoping it will be a liberating exercise and healing as well. Thank you for your support ❤️❤️
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You are welcome.. and i know it will be healing.. xx
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Thanks Sue xx
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All the little details are so important…how else do we navigate life? But in this situation, crucial to survival. You can feel the tension and alertness. (K)
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Thanks k
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I am glad you are back doing your book. It is a huge task, and you are doing it so well. Well done my friend. Take care. xxx
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Thanks lynne xx
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You have a voice, Lynn, and you have a story. Carry on and put in on paper. Once your first draft is finished, and assuming you want to publish (I think it is a highly publishable story) you will need some help. Beta readers, someone to edit, maybe a mentor…Good luck with everything. If I can be of any help, I’d be more than happy💕
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Thank you Marina! Yes I will need lots of help!!
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Beautifully written, Lynn. I feel you have an excellent beginning for your book.
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Thanks so much Franci!
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😉
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I think this is excellent, Lynn. Your writing makes the scene come alive and you build to the ending as you walk along describing the people and objects on the street. You haven’t mentioned that you are the only woman out but it is no surprise when this comes to light. You are a gifted writer. Just keep on going. You have a vital story to tell and the natural skills to write it. Underneath I can sense the emotions roiling within you. Great work!
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Thanks so very much Ina! You really inspire me and give me wisdom and it makes me feel I can do this! I am unsure most of the time as to whether I can finish this book. But I will try xo
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I’m sure you will find your way with the book – from reading all these blog posts, it certainly feels as if you are!
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Thanks Sarah, I am trying
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You jave a wonderful story and a compelling way of telling it. Keep pursuing “how to do it” — maybe join a writer’s group? The right one can do wonders for you.
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Thanks so much Belinda! I just read your story about heart break!
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Thank you!!
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I left a lengthy response on the style and details in your last rewrite, Lynn. I’m not sure if it was on Sept 12 or 13 post but 11 days late. It was full of compliments. . . hugs xo 💖 🌻
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Your so sweet I will go look! Thanks dear friend 😃❤️
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This was a harrowing situation and one most of us have no idea about being the only female or male in a foreign country. ❤ Lynn, you are and always were a wonderful and brave mother! Good luck with your editing and finishing the most devastating period of your life.
This new chapter of your U.S. life is exciting and you’re close to the Finish Line. 🎖🏆
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Thanks so much!!😍😍
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So glad to see you working on this.
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Thanks! So glad to see you xo
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Keep writing from your heart as you do.. You can see from the feedback that you reach people and draw them in, just by being yourself and sharing this journey.. There are ways to offer your book as an e-book.. Whether you publish in paper or as an e-book, I will be happy to buy it.. ( if in paperback or hardcover, I’m going to ask you to sign it)..
I believe you will be astounded at sales, maybe not right away but as people share and word of mouth, your sales will rise.. I am sure of this..
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Thanks so much Pan! I am trying, I need words like yours to help me keep going on the book! Thanks so very much xoxo
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So powerful: I felt I was there, watching. Keep up the fine work! I look forward to the book!
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Thanks so much!!
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