I know there’s a writing metaphor in here somewhere … if I can just put my finger on it.
The underside of most dresses isn’t meant to be seen, and yet it’s where all the stitching that holds the clothing together can be found. I suppose a book in its final form isn’t meant to show all the hard work and sweat and tears and possibly even throw-yourself-facedown-on-the-floor-despair that went into creating it. It’s a pretty clever dress that can be worn inside-out and um …
Wait, I’m getting there …
It’s a good thing that writers blog about the interior aspects of creating a book, so that we all can appreciate the hard work that goes into them and learn to appreciate our own, sometimes messy, creative process. The underneath side of the book can be beautiful, too, if you accept that all the mistakes and missteps and re-envisioning along the way is necessary and beneficial.
I don’t know if that metaphor really works. It’s just a ruse anyway, so I can show off my daughter’s second prom dress, which is really her first prom dress turned inside out. It’s reversible!
Two proms, two dates, one dress.
Pretty cool, huh? Which side do you like better?
Moving away from my flawed metaphor, but sticking with the theme of proms and, by extension, royal balls, I want to congratulate Mary Waibel on the release of her YA novella, The Mystery Prince — an alternative spin on the Cinderella story.
Tristan enjoys being in the shadows as Prince Rand’s bodyguard. Similar in looks, the two often exchanged places in their youth, but he never expected the king to order him to impersonate the heir to the throne in order to win the hand of a princess.
Princess Zoe needs to find a husband. After a year of searching with no success, her father insists on hosting a masquerade ball for the eligible princes of the nine kingdoms. Not one prince piques her interest, until she meets the mysterious stranger who won’t tell her his name.
When Tristan meets Zoe he finds the girl of his dreams. The only problem? She’s a princess and he’s impersonating a prince―a crime punishable by imprisonment and floggings.Â
Unable to tell Zoe his real name, he gives her a special navigation device. One that leads to the owner’s true love. Will this magic device lead Zoe to Tristan, or will her true love forever remain a mystery prince?
You can add The Mystery Prince on Goodreads and find it at Amazon today! Congratulations, Mary!
I love both dresses but I think I like the second one a little better. Boy is Gabbey gorgeous or what?!
She looked fantastic! And I like the patterned side better — but the plain side would look good at a steampunk event, with some gear-related jewelry!
That is SO neat! Whose idea was it to turn it inside out? Or was it a reversable dress to begin with? I think both dresses look great, Gabbey’s beautiful! And I liked the different jewelery for each dress! Magnifique!
Oh yes, it was meant to be a reversible dress.
How interesting! The inside-out version has so much pizzazz and is theatrical. I pick that one.
I think she can wear the patterned side to any formal function. The plain side does suggest “prom.”
Your daughter’s dress is so pretty and practical. My daughter is already warning me that hers may cost over $100 next year.
Well, this one was not cheap. But it did not cost as much as two dresses!
Both dresses are totally beautiful. I like they each have a different edge – or tone if you will (I’m trying to run with your metaphor).
She looked great in both of them, and I like how she got the boys to wear different color cummerbunds for each dress.
I think your metaphor works… And the dress, of course, is gorgeous, as is your daughter. I remember seeing part one on facebook. I think I like part two the best.
Mary’s book sounds lovely. And your new website is impressive!
The metaphor was a little labored, but thanks for going along with me, Joanne!
That is a seriously awesome dress! I’m so jealous. I mean it’s reversible! Very cool.
I know! How cool is that?
That really is a pretty dress. Er, dresses. I think I like the first one better, but it’s a close call.
I like you pointing out that writer’s blogs make us appreciate the work that goes into writing. I never thought about it that way. I guess it’s just as important as the other “side”.
Thanks, Jeanne. The underside isn’t normally meant for viewing, but I think it helps us writers a lot to peek at the underside of other writers’ work.
Hi Dianne .. I love the dress – both sides, but think I prefer the red .. but so amazing to have a dress you can wear and wear, whichever which way … clever find.
Good thoughts on blogging – I’ve enjoyed being around authors and seeing what goes into books …then the Princess story … sounds a great read and one I’d have loved years ago ..
Cheers Hilary
I can see her wearing each side to different functions over the years — for as long as she can keep that waistline!
OMG – I can’t believe that gorgeous dress is inside out! I love it, and I think it even cooler than the original. Congrats to Mary for her new book! 🙂
Well, it’s hard to say which side is the original side, since it was made to be reversible. But she liked the red side better, which is why she wore it to the Junior prom, which was HER prom. However she was pleased that many Seniors, even ones she didn’t know, complimented the other dress, too.
I wish more dresses had two sides. I absolutely love it. She looks beautiful and you must be so proud! I love the new website too. 🙂
Congrats to Mary on her new release! 🙂
Thanks, Mina!
I was proud! And took lots and lots of pictures!