Remember Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison facing off in the movie My Fair Lady, the famous adaption of George Bernard Shaw’s stage play Pygmalion?
Spunky girl, Eliza Doolittle, the living, breathing language experiment of Henry Higgins, screams in exasperation when her boyfriend Freddy declares his love in elegant, eloquent words, “Words, words, words, I’m so sick of words. If you’re in love, show me!”
Then she follows up, insisting even louder,
Don’t talk of stars
Burning above;
If you’re in love,
Show me!
Tell me no dreams
Filled with desire.
If you’re on fire,
Show me!
Here we are together
In the middle of the night!
Don’t talk of spring!
Just hold me tight!
Anyone who’s ever been
In love’ll tell you that
This is no time for a chat! . . .
Sing me no song!
Read me no rhyme!
Don’t waste my time,
Show me!
Never do I ever want to hear another word.
There isn’t one I haven’t heard.
Here we are together in
What ought to be a dream;
Say one more word and I’ll scream!
. . .
Don’t wait until wrinkles and lines
Pop out all over my brow,
Show me now!
Writing tutors all over the world coach their protégés to show rather than tell, for example:
Eliza stormed out of the room. (telling)
“That’s it!” Eliza shouted. (showing)
“I’ll tell you how the sun rose—a ribbon at a time.” ~ Emily Dickinson (both showing and telling)
In other words, writers are urged to transmit sensory experiences to the reader, rather than just relaying information.
How do they do that? They summon the character’s five senses, they often insert dialogue and choose vivid verbs–among other techniques.
***
I believe there is space in a writer’s bag of tricks to do both: vivid telling and expressive showing in the description of setting, and in character and plot development.
And so, I’ll show you in 8 pictorial steps, which sketchily illustrate the process of creating My Checkered Life: A Marriage Memoir this past year.
Just as home improvement shows compress 3-5 months of design and construction work into a 40-minute show, the steps below skip over lots of time and plenty of material, including a melt-down or two. Maybe even a marital argument!
1. Combed through family documents (Beaman, Koethe, and Longenecker) to find content for the “heritage” section of the book.
2. Completed first draft of My Checkered Life A Marriage Memoir (then approx. 220 pages) a single-spaced WORD document, September 7, 2022. The final manuscript expanded into 352 pages, including photographs and illustrations.
3. Published writing requires an ISBN number (different for both print and e-book) along with metadata. Three categories of metadata are shown on the book’s back cover. Here are more specific identifiers listed with distributors: Metadata: memoir—biography—Christian women—women’s studies—marriage—self-realization—anniversary gift
4. Husband Cliff volunteered to transform WORD documents (some handwritten) into an InDesign layout. He didn’t realize how challenging it would be to learn the nuances of this highly sophisticated software program, nor did I understand the challenges of taking on many more publishing tasks than in my first memoir.
5. Cliff’s original artwork accompanied numerous restored photos to illustrate chapters in the book. Some started out as “studies” in colored pencil and water-color shown here.
6. Author, speaker, and podcaster Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes interviewed me for a podcast months before book launch. Several author friends/mentors who comment here often agreed to write an endorsement for this book: Laurie Buchanan, Melodie Miller Davis, Elfrieda Shroeder, Shirley Showalter, and Pamela Wight. Huge thanks!
7. “Write a book with your husband/wife/partner.” Said no one ever!
Still, we managed to make it through unscathed. And we discovered that the months writing/revising/formatting a book together turned into a microcosm of the peaks and valleys of our married life in general.
8. In January 2023 I received a press proof copy of my book, available for my inspection. This was just the beginning of another intense round of revisions and editing to bring the book up to snuff.
April 5, 2023 is the official launch date. 😀
You can purchase the book here!
***
In one ending to the movie, the Cockney flower girl transforms into a self-possessed woman, who can function independently of her sparring partner, the elocutionist Henry Higgins or her well-born boyfriend, Freddy Eynsford-Hill.
She probably learns also that she doesn’t have to be dressed to the nines to stand out.
What do you like about Eliza Doolittle as portrayed in My Fair Lady? Have you seen the stage play Pygmalion?
Can you add more steps in the writing process to the sketchy outline I’ve pictured here? What was the easiest part for you? the hardest?
Good morning, Marian! I know well the process of writing a book. However, I’ve never self-published one with all the steps you and Cliff have taken. I stand in awe! The closest experience I can think of was when I had to print out my dissertation, following all the guidelines from the university. We only had a dot matrix printer at the time, but my husband managed to borrow a printer from his high school. And I had to stop and fix page numbers and reprint. I don’t ever remember quite how we did it then with no WiFi. We were up late into the night while our firstborn slept. . .
And our firstborn as a toddler loved My Fair Lady, but we would only watch a few scenes at a time before bedtime. Getting Eliza into the bath was a favorite scene. And we became aware of this child’s sense of color with the request for a scene with particular color doors or dresses. (I also had a CD of the Julia Andrews theater version. Marni Nixon, of course, sings in the movie.)
I’ve pre-ordered your book. 🙂
Wow! Obviously I prodded your memory of challenging times: completing a doctoral dissertation and birthing a baby, one who grows up to create lovely artwork. Your latest book cover is stunning. I appreciate also all the details, reminiscing about My Fair Lady.
Huge thanks for purchasing my new book, Merril. 😀
Marian — I’m still laughing at #7: “Write a book with your husband/wife/partner.” Said no one ever!
I’m so excited for your up-and-coming April 5th release. Woohoo!
I notice that your launch date is just a day before mine, April 4. Woo Hoo to you too! Since I met you, you have birthed at least five books–and more mysteries waiting in the wings. You have a strong following with the Sean McPherson series, which is bound to increase with every new release. Congratulations! 😀
Your journey with this second book has certainly showed you (and me) I don’t want to ever publish a book truly on my own … too many hoops to jump through. I admire your and Cliff’s efforts and hope the book finds many who love the underlying message of long love and bonafide commitment.
We got to see My Fair Lady at our local high school (productions were superb at that high school) where our two younger daughters participated in the stage play (one in orchestra, one in a bit part). I had forgotten about the original Pygmalion.
As editor, you have your fingers on the pulse of publishing, something I have lacked. I could have pursued traditional publishing, but that takes time; age is certainly a consideration in my case. I have to look at the benefits of self-publishing: ownership of copyright and complete creative control, necessary for Cliff.
Thanks for sharing your memories of My Fair Lady, all the rage when we were coming of age. And I certainly appreciate your good wishes for the success of my sequel, Melodie! ;-D
Marian, this is a great post to share as a resource for other writers who decide to tackle the memoir. What an achievement for you and for Cliff! Great connection to Eliza Doolittle and My Fair Lady. I haven’t seen the stage play, but I have seen the Audrey Hepburn movie.
Yes, that was my intent, sharing the process to enlighten other writers, especially those who haven’t published yet. Thanks, always, for sharing your insight, L. Marie!
😀
What an interesting, behind-the-scenes, view of what it takes to write a book. You are still the girl in the tomato patch, Marian, full of dreams and pluck. My laugh out loud moment? “Write a book with your husband/wife/partner.” Said no one ever!
Shirley, I remember that you mentioned around the time BLUSH was published that you thought growing up on a farm was good preparation for authoring a book. “Tomato Girl” reminds me of the persistence and hard work I observed in my family and in my Mennonite world back then. I’m glad you enjoyed the commentary! 😀
Writing a book is a labor of love. Finishing a book brings feelings of both pride and relief. Congratulations!
You nailed it, Lynn! Next comes promotion, which seems daunting at times. Thanks for being part of the cheering section here, so appreciated! 😀
I enjoyed this sneak peek into your process, Marian. As you know, my biggest challenge when it comes to the process is the waiting. Number seven cracked me up!
I’m guessing you can skip many of the steps because you are an established author in great demand. Still, it may be daunting at time to “hurry up and wait” as you comment implies. Best wishes on your new release, Searching for Home, Jill! 😀
Impressive Endorsement lineup.
Sister Jean
Thank you, Sister Jean, and see you soon! 😀
Writing a book is certainly a labor of love, and in your case, an intensive exercise in love and commitment. I laughed at your number seven, but, in truth, laboring over this memoir together is a triumph of a solid marriage, considering you made it through unscathed. I love how you illustrated the process, and your comparisons to My Fair Lady. I’ve had your book on pre-order since you first made it available, and April 5 can’t get here quickly enough!
Your enthusiasm is awesome, Patty, and I’m thrilled to have you in my cheering section. The fact that you have authored several books gives even more credibility to your comment. Thanks so very much, my friend! 😀
Thanks Marian for outlining the stages of your experience. I love the picture of Cliff’s running over two cones. Only two? Well done for coming through it all with a smile and a twinkle in spite of it all! And thank you for so clearly highlighting the show and tell and that they CAN both be used.
i’m glad this post resonated with you, Susan. You are well acquainted with the minutiae of writing and publishing, so your well wishing is especially meaningful. Thank you! 😀
Congratulations, Marian. All the best with the launch.
Thank you so very much, Fatima. I enjoy seeing you and your activities on Facebook. 😀
When I saw the title of your post come across my email, I thought we were going to be treated to your singing from “My Fair Lady.” I look forward to reading My Checkered Life (even without the singing).
The novel I’m currently working on attempts multiple timelines with two point-of-view characters, something I’ve never attempted before. I’m doing the 2nd of two deep developmental edits, including storyboarding, character timelines, identification of date, day and time for each scene, etc. etc. And more historical research, including visits to brick-and-mortar libraries. I’m using a master Evernote document to keep track of it all. Needless to say, this is gonna take awhile, but I think it’s necessary. This morning, I found a character wondering whether her estranged husband had had a hard day working at his store–which had burned to the ground two chapters before. Oops.
Liz, thanks for sharing your complex process. My jaw dropped when I read “multiple timelines with two point-of-view characters.” I admire all of your careful steps.
Yes! Developmental editing is so crucial. It was during this step that my editor diverted me from putting together a themed blog collection toward developing a marriage memoir, which in my case is more focused–and, I believe, more in sync with readers’ interest. As narrator, I used both present and past tense. My husband has narrated stories within a few chapters, one from a journal entry.
I appreciate knowing the nuts and bolts of your process. I hope you can also document it with some photos, like library visits, a view of your desktop, an “oops!” moment. Just a thought! ;-D
This is why I haven’t tackled the book publishing process. Just can’t deal with all that hassle! You are way more courageous than I will ever be! Bravo, Marian and all the best at your book launch
Thank you for your good wishes, Elfrieda. I have a “partner in crime,” so to speak. My husband Cliff has published children’s books before. Also he has encouraged me to write stories, either on my blog or in books. And I must admit, readers like you have been my inspiration too. I’m so grateful for your support. 😀
Congratulations, Marian! I’ve been waiting for this post. Thanks for sharing your process. I don’t think the general public realizes what goes into a writing/publishing project. Looking forward to picking up my copy and reading this soon.
You “get it,” Pete. You have the imagination and insight to appreciate this arduous journey because you have been there, publishing a book about your teaching experience–and now exploring another genre.
Thanks so much and best wishes on your own “next” book. . . looking forward to it!
Kudos to you for accomplishing this feat. I think you are entering into the most difficult phase – selling the book. It is more difficult than people think to sell books. A non-stop task.
I have yours on pre-order, so you’re off to a good start!
Oh, thanks for the pre-order–and your constant support here, Arlene! Yes, book promotion, like writing and revising, is not for the faint-hearted. 😀
I loved My Fair Lady when I was a girl. I could sing along with all the songs. Nothing better than Eliza’s spunk. I like your statement: “Write a book with your husband/wife/partner.” Said no one ever! This made me laugh out loud, but the mere thought of that makes me anxious.
In retrospect, the whole idea of husband/wife collab sounds ridiculous. I got into the whole project sideways (sort of) at another author/friend’s suggestion. Now that it’s out in the world, I feel anxious. But que sera, sera.
I appreciate your clever comments always, Ally Bean! ;-D
I enjoyed the show and tell tips and the excellent suggestion to find authors who will write endorsements. I ordered it about 2 weeks ago and received an email update this week. The official delivery date is April 14th. Congratulations, Marian.👏👏
Huge thanks, Melanie!
When I began blogging, I looked longingly at bloggers who were publishing books. With their example, I very slowly built a following just as you are doing. It seemed to take forever but every little step gets us where we want to go.
Thanks for faithfully commenting and giving me an update about what is happening on the other side of the screen. And thanks for the compliment with that cute hand-clap emoji. 😀
Thanks for your wisdom as always. ♥
😀
Oh, the life of an author, lol. You are doing marvelous dahling. Congrats on the almost birth of your baby. I should look forward to reading it. <3
Welcome back, Debby dear! I’ve missed your brand of flair and insight. You deserved a long break; I’ll be sashaying away for a few days very soon. Thanks for reading both blog and book; I look forward to your comments. Take care! 😀
I’ve seen the play and the movie. One of my favourite stories. I love how you tied it in to your publishing experience.
A few days ago I read about Eliza Doolittle and Pygmalion in another book, and then the light bulb turned on. Why I could use it to explain writing expressively. I’ll bet such serendipitous moments have happened to you too. Thanks, Darlene! 😀
I love when that happens!!
Hi Marian, I love My Fair Lady, it is one of my favourite theatre productions and films. Your writing journey for this book has really been fabulous and it is great you did it with your husband. I could not write with anyone else. I am to bossy.
Well, Robbie, I did mention a few clashes, so it was not all smooth sailing. Both of us are headstrong, but we had to work through the blowups, knowing we had a common goal. It turned out Cliff added some stories about his boyhood in the Heritage section of the book, and we did save some money with the layout/design, but I’d never do it again. Probably, I don’t have to–haha! 😀
I’ve loved Audrey Hepburn since I was a kid. I have to say I love Cliff’s “You have run over two cones.” I have your book, Marion, but confess I’m not yet reading it. I’m deep in my own book project again and dealing with grief after the death of my beloved dog companion of 14 years. I’ll get to ‘A Checkered Life’ and I hope it won’t be too long. I look forward to the joy I’m sure to find there. (Your collaboration is a testament to your marriage.) May you have a time of peace and recovery. With love from spring in the NY Finger Lakes.
Oh, dear Elaine, I am aware that you are dealing with A LOT right now! Do not feel a single twinge of guilt that you haven’t started reading this memoir. Go ahead with you book project, a most worthy one–and take time to savor the memories of Willow, your long-time, furry friend.
Yes, our collaboration is a testament to our marriage, but make no mistake, there are plenty of darks to offset the light-hearted chapters. (I hope you received the updated edition; the first run had enough errors to make me blush.)
Hugs! ((( )))
This was fun, Marian (and yes, I just got to this post) ;-0 But I felt a little PTSD, reading it, because it brought me back to publishing my books. It’s so much work! And at the time, seems like the process will go on forever (like childrearing) and then suddenly, the book (like children) is all grown up. Yours turned out very, very well. <3
Dear Pam, I’m taking a blog break so “my soul can catch up to my body,” as Grandma Longenecker used to say. I realize a blog haiku is also good for readers too, especially other bloggers, like you, who post regularly, and have other projects–not to mention an active family life!
Yes, book writing/publishing/promotion is SO much work, as you can imagine. By the way, I hope you got the updated version in e-Pub file. The first run was fraught with errors, which has caused me a little PTSD as well–ha! 😀