Proofs in the Pudding

Waiting…waiting for those proofs to get here. I admit to feeling a bit nervous.

First, how much time will the go-over require? The book is 130,000 words. The worksheet for changes/corrections is more intimidating than IRS forms. And I am terrible at finding the little stuff. Plus, between my school work and preaching, my time is squished.

Second, this will be my last chance to make any changes! After this, the story will be frozen in the time, released only in the short electric bursts required to hit print on a very big zerox machine. I am not really too worried about humiliating myself by having written ‘reigned’ instead of ‘reined’—that’s all in a days work, for me! But have I really made the point? Have I really created something to get under your skin? To captivate and repulse you? To frighten and enlighten you? To bring you joy and struggle in the very heart of crucible??

Have I done that?? Lord knows I tried to.

And if I didn’t…well, here it is, my last chance to attain it. My sights set on the great abstract ideal shining atop a grassy hillside. Have I created the…(gasp) happy reader?

I hope so.

(In closing, there’s a ‘proofs’ and ‘pudding’ joke here somewhere. I can’t find it, however. A pity.)