I must admit, I thought the story would not be as good after such a huge revision, but it is actually much better than before. It is much more focused with fewer things to explain and with a much faster pace.
As Pearl would surely say, “I have probably had more failed plans than anyone, but a failed plan simply means you are closer to the solution.” And so I remained as persistent as Pearl and treated each day of rewriting as a new opportunity.
The character called The Bottle Cap Lady has been completely rewritten. She is no longer a shadowy and possibly scary character, and she now only collects soda pop bottle caps. She is more like a human version of Pearl because they both like collecting things, wearing hats, and doing silly things. They have both always felt like they were never quite loved and accepted like others. Most importantly, they both have felt the loss of someone they loved very much.
There are still happy things and sad things because a chicken’s life (and a person’s life) can be that way. Blanche still becomes sick and dies on Easter Sunday in this version because that is what happened in real life.
But her illness and death bring into sharper focus The Promise of Easter, the promise that Love makes all things new. Then rest of the book is built more on The Promise of Christmas, the promise that Love gives its very best even to those who have nothing to give in return. These reinforce Blanche’s original message about laying an egg. “Laying an egg is all about giving. Light and Life and Love are all about giving too.”
What was once a 40,000 novel with an undetermined audience has become an 8,000 chapter book with a 3rd grade reading level. This seems to be where it belongs best. There is also a happier ending with Pearl and The Bottle Cap Lady becoming friends with the possibility of future adventures together.
Honestly, I could really use some test readers to make sure the story works as it should and also remains true to how sweet and wonderful Pearl truly is. As I tell her each day, “No chicken has ever had a better heart than yours.”
A huge amount of appreciation goes out to my volunteer test readers! This option is now closed while I prepare the files.
Don’t we learn best from our mistakes? I’ve realised I need to rewrite The Pond People but have yet no idea what must change… I’m letting it stew a while in my subconscious.
I’m currently in the middle of proofreading a colleague’s novel so a bit over-committed, but I’m sure you’ll find your beta-readers. Good luck with the edits.
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Thanks, Cathy. Just knowing that you would if you could means a great deal. I feel like I let a good number of my regular readers down, and so I really do home that this has a things fixed up nicely. Thanks again!
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I am the guilty party in taking so much of Cathy’s time, she is absolutely brilliant.
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If you would like another test reader I would be THRILLED to do so! I spent thousands of hours reading to my kids and still do read to one of them……..
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Oh, yes! Absolutely! I would truly appreciate your feedback and honest opinions. Let me know what you think either here or at my personal email john.spiers@yahoo.com Thanks so very much!!!
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thank you so very much!
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Here’s the exact link which I just tested to make sure it’s working right.
https://howtoexplainchristmastochickens.pressbooks.com
And my little girls and I would be thrilled to send you a free copy once it’s all ready to go!
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thank you so much! I am going to read this myself and read it aloud to my two youngest, even though they are teens, I still read aloud to them and get there take on it too…….i’ll get back to you sometime next week. Thank you for giving me such a honorable task!
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I just got done reading this version, John. I loved it! It’s so heartwarming and should be relatable to every child who feels different.
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Thank you, Renee! I am so glad and appreciate you so much for taking the time to read and to comment!
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It was my pleasure! 🙂
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When I have the final print version all set, I would love to send you a free copy. My little girls and I really do appreciate your kindness!
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John, my grandbabies would love that! Thank you!
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Hi, Renee. The book is finally available on Amazon. Please send your delivery address to john.spiers@yahoo.com, and I will be happy to send you a complimentary copy! Thanks so much for your encouragement and feedback!
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I know you are so happy it is finally polished! And you are welcome. I’m all about celebrating and supporting someone else’s accomplishments! 👏🏼 🥳
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I’m sorry. I cannot commit at this time.
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It’s okay, Ruth. No worries. I know you would if you could. Sometimes things just get that way. I do hope all is well with you and your family.
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We are well thank you
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I’m glad and relieved. 🙂
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Do let me know when the paperback version is ready John… the children will absolutely love this 💙💙💙💙💙
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Thanks, I will!
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Great and well done for getting so far now… just the final hurdle I guess!!!
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