I asked Y, a friend to help review my blog, UncoverSpecial turning to a book. She gave me 3 suggestions/ ideas. (1) Distinguish situation and story: though my blog is not a novel yet each post shall has both elements: what’s the situation and why is it ‘special’ (story); (2) Show, don’t tell: show (engage) readers in the story, more active and go deeper than describing to them. I googled examples to learn the difference and when/ how to apply both techniques. I will keep this in mind in writing, reviewing, and editing forward; (3) Two kinds of copy editors: one focuses on the story development to make it impactful and the other emphasizes the accuracy (sentence structure, grammar, word usage, etc.). She recommended to have both before publishing a book.
Y successfully published her memoir, Stay Daughter in Sri Lanka (her home country) and US about the Muslim girlhood. I’m reading it and enjoying the story. I met Y last year at a writer group and became fast friends, see ‘Surprise’ post for more details. We both love reading, have a global background, and are fascinated by people’s stories. We met up later for dinner. I’m thrilled when in March 8, Y invited me to her book launch party to celebrate the ‘triple crown’: her book, birthday, and internal women day, see ‘Special Weekend’ post for more details. What could be a better way to celebrate for a talented, genuine, and loving woman? Y reminds us that we all have stories to tell, we can do it (whatever your dream is), and people (your tribe) will love it!