Tuesday, October 9, 2007

The Mystery Project


It’s been a few days since I've come up for air. It's as if I have been chained to my light box and computer.

Nearly a week’s worth of newspapers and magazines have been piling up while I toil away on what I will refer to for the time being as TMP (The Mystery Project).

Although I expected to be finished with Sections 1 and 2 by the end of this week, that is not the case.

The scope of my involvement expanded before I wrote a single word. (Actually that isn’t totally true—I wrote a sample chapter for the publisher to approve before I was officially hired.)

Instead of starting to write, my first mission was reorganizing the more than 1,000 photographs shot specifically for the book or bought as stock. The folks involved with TMP had worked so long and hard on their “baby” that they “no longer could see the forest through the trees,” so to speak. They needed someone fresh (me!) to sort things out.

Next, once we more or less knew what photographs would go where in the book, I put together a new PL (photo log) and TOC (table of contents).

As of this morning , I am finished editing The Introduction, and I am putting together a visual presentation to show to the book’s editor at the Publishing House tomorrow.

I plan to catch a train to New York City in the morning to meet her for the first time and get her blessings on the new outline and book structure. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. (In the photo above, the vintage rhinestone buckles, ikat accessories, shell earrings and EsMor necklace are a few of the treasures that I brought back from Renita's house. They were still sitting on my work table!)

Before my meeting, Dan and I are going to get together to work on our Romantic Cottages book. It’s always easier when we are in the same city at the same time.

And as an extra incentive, he usually treats me to a nice lunch. Thai noodles? Cuban sandwiches? Perhaps, Jamaican roti? Hmm-- I'd better not choose anything with a drippy sauce. I’d hate to meet my new editor wearing a stained blouse.

Later, I plan to have dinner with some of my friends and go to hear Miguel Pena Vargas, known to flamenco fans as the legendary “El Funi”. No girls in polka dot skirts and castanets, El Funi sings pure Flamenco. It's just Miguel singing, while devotees hang on every flick of his wrist or click of his heels. I can’t wait!

12 comments:

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I wish you the best on your meeting tomorrow! TMP sounds like something great!

Safe trip!!
Penny

Anonymous said...

Never mind the mystery project, what I want to know is if the guy IS the reward that comes with the reward pamphlet?????
Curious Fifi......

Susie Q said...

It sounds like a lot of hard & hectic work mixed with delicious food, wonderful com[any and glorious music.
ALL of it sounds exciting!

Do take care Barbara!

Hugs,
Sue

cjan said...

Hi Barbara,
So happy new Job opportunities are happening for you. I know you'll do just fine with your meeting with the Editor tomorrow. She already knows your tract record or else she wouldn't have taken you this far. I hope you have a great time with your friends in the Evening as well.
Hugs,
Jan

Vintage Rose Collection said...

She will love you! Your going to do just awesome barbette!
Good Luck, AND, Go get her!!!!
Jo

PAT said...

Oh Barbara, I love a mystery! Sounds like a wonderful time in NYC! Will be waiting patiently to hear the latest about TMP!

Pat

FrenchGardenHouse said...

obviously bad Fifi is feeling MUCH better!

Hope all went well, sure it did. Sounds like an exciting and full day, hope you loved Miguel Pena Vargas.

Lidy

Unknown said...

All the best on your meeting tomorrow! And by the way LOVE Miguel Pena Vargas!

Gypsy Purple said...

Dear Barbara...thanks so much for your wonderful comment....I`m glad to be back....missed you all and can`t wait to see al the new posts and wonderful things

Gypsy

Anonymous said...

I sure do love reading your blog. I also loved reading your editor's page in Cottage Style and so hate that the magazine is no longer available.

I do like reading about what you're doing now.

Good luck and have fun with TMP.

Q said...

I just know all went well and your new editor loves your work and all your ideas!
Yummm... Miguel Pena Vargas!
Sherry

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

What an awesome time of fun and work it sounds like, putting together your book ~ I can't wait to see more ~ it is great to read your posts and get caught up on how it is going ~