Background image used in the cover of my book on U.S. 89
After making the last 22 tweaks today, I can finally say this: done. As in finished, burned to a DVD, down payment check written, U.S. Highway 89 has been shipped off to be printed.
The feeling of completion is peculiar. I have lived with this project for over three years as my number one thing to do each day, and now that has changed. There is plenty to do, just not "finish the book." I will keep traveling U.S. 89, to make more photos, visit with friends I've made, maybe even peddle a book or two, but as the person who "has written" rather than "is writing" and it isn't the same at all.
I did an interview taping for some friends with the Utah Heritage Highway 89 last week and the cameraman asked me how this project has changed me. That's what this whole blog has been about, the things I've learned from the doing of the thing. I am bolder: I couldn't afford the luxury of shyness and finish. I am more entrepreneurial, driven to it by necessity when the publishing industry collapsed. I drive better: you would too if the pinnacle of your career was emblazoned on your license plate.
The most important thing I learned, photographically speaking, is that if I say "what the?" then I need to stop the car immediately. There are no second chances. Maybe different chances, with different light, posture, expression, but no rewind button. Too many things that I photographed are gone forever now. To paraphrase a line from elsewhere: if you are thinking about making a photograph, make it and then think about it afterwards.
My acknowledgements section is the longest single paragraph in the book, and it's almost certainly not complete. I'm grateful to my blog readers for the encouragement and gentle (ok, not so gentle) nudges to finish this project and send it out into the world. Thank you.
They tell me that Sagebrush Press will have books in stock in about 10-12 weeks. There are proofs and more proofs and container shipments and customs and lift-gates in my future. But today it is done. I have written a book, the best book I could. Like the time I jumped from a cliff at Elves' Chasm in Grand Canyon National Park, I still getting used to the idea of having actually done it.
Comments (5)
Let me be the first to congratulate you on this achievement. I can only dream of doing what you've accomplished. Maybe this will inspire me to seek out my own "Highway 89."
Posted by Alexander | August 10, 2009 3:28 PM
Posted on August 10, 2009 15:28
Ann!!! I am so excited for you! I can't wait to see the finished product!
Posted by Lindy Leigh | August 10, 2009 4:19 PM
Posted on August 10, 2009 16:19
Congratulations Ann!
Posted by Scott Smith | August 11, 2009 7:12 AM
Posted on August 11, 2009 07:12
YAY! congratulations! great news! and I can't wait to see it!
Posted by jkiel | August 11, 2009 11:35 AM
Posted on August 11, 2009 11:35
Congrats Ann! What an accomplishment! Cant wait to see it!
Posted by Brittney | August 20, 2009 10:40 AM
Posted on August 20, 2009 10:40