Okay, I admit it. Every once in a while, I log onto Amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com and type in my name just so I can look at the list of books. It sounds stupid, I know. After all, it's not like I don't have most of the books here at the house. Still, there's something about seeing them on the computer that motivates me. There I am, Shirlee McCoy the AUTHOR. Who'd have thought it? Not any of my elementary school teachers. Not my middle school language teacher. A couple of high school teachers encouraged my writing, and maybe a college professor or two might have had an inkling that I'd be published one day.
What's my point? Just that we can never know what the future will bring, or how God will use our gifts. We can plan and set our goals. We should plan and set goals. In the end, though, it is God's timing that moves us forward into whatever success we might find. God and a whole lot of hard work and persistence.
When I was a kid, making up stories in my head and day dreaming my life away, I never thought I'd write books one day. The first time I remember actually thinking about writing a novel was when I was a young teen and my sister said she planned to write a book. Suddenly all that daydreaming didn't seem so pointless. I thought, "I can write a book." I actually began my first novel that day. Of course, writing a book is a lot more difficult than actually conceiving the idea. It took me another couple of decades to complete a novel. My sister is still trying to finish one.
I suppose I could still be where she is, not quite committed to the dream. Somehow, though, I was able to go from dream to effort and from effort to success. Maybe I was too much of a daydreamer to worry about how much money I would or wouldn't make or whether or not the sacrafice of time and sleep would be worth the eventual results.
You see, to be an author, we must suspend disbelief, stop worrying about reality, and sink wholeheartedly into the dream. Rejections, writer's block (and, yes, there is such a think), harsh critisisms, they must be in the periphery, shaping and molding us without causing us to colapse. We must be tough and soft at the same time. Committed without being overly attached to our ideas. Sure of ourselves without being arrogant. We must, in essence, be people of character. In an industry like the one we strive to be part of, living with Christ as our center provides the grounding that keeps our reputations pure. And whether we want to believe it or not, reputation means a lot.
Where is your focus today? Who is your model as you interact with the world and deal with the harsh reality that comes from pursuing your dreams?
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
One of Those Days
This is the second post I've done. Let's see if either will show up before the night is over!
Recently, several people asked if there were more Lakeview books in my series. For those interested, here's the list in the order that the books take place -
STILL WATERS
DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL
EVEN IN THE DARKNESS
WHEN SILENCE FALLS
VALLEY OF SHADOWS
STRANGER IN THE SHADOWS
LAKEVIEW PROTECTOR
The next three stories are also set in Lakeview, but are part of trilogy about the Sinclair brothers (who had appearances in WHEN SILENCE FALLS). I don't know how SH will market the books, so it remains to be seen whether the books are part of Lakeview or part of something else.
In case you're wondering how seven and three add up to twelve books, I also wrote books for two different continuities. That makes twelve books. Yep, I can still add most of the time.
Which reminds me, my daughter announced yesterday that she couldn't remember the name of one of the girls on her gymnastic team. I told her not to worry about it, because I forget things all the time. She replied. "I guess we're both just getting old." She's six.
Recently, several people asked if there were more Lakeview books in my series. For those interested, here's the list in the order that the books take place -
STILL WATERS
DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL
EVEN IN THE DARKNESS
WHEN SILENCE FALLS
VALLEY OF SHADOWS
STRANGER IN THE SHADOWS
LAKEVIEW PROTECTOR
The next three stories are also set in Lakeview, but are part of trilogy about the Sinclair brothers (who had appearances in WHEN SILENCE FALLS). I don't know how SH will market the books, so it remains to be seen whether the books are part of Lakeview or part of something else.
In case you're wondering how seven and three add up to twelve books, I also wrote books for two different continuities. That makes twelve books. Yep, I can still add most of the time.
Which reminds me, my daughter announced yesterday that she couldn't remember the name of one of the girls on her gymnastic team. I told her not to worry about it, because I forget things all the time. She replied. "I guess we're both just getting old." She's six.
Go Ahead and Eat Dessert First
I don't know why I picked that title. Maybe because I really wanted to eat dessert instead of dinner, but needed to set a good example for my kids.
Here's what I'm thinking about today - trials.
I have two dear friends that are going through very difficult times. Today they both called me. Neither was complaining, whining, or filled with self pity, but it was obvious both were struggling. I struggled, too. To say the right thing, to word my responses in ways that weren't coddling or dismissive, because I understood the truth of our conversations. My friends didn't want or need my advice, they just wanted my ear. And really that was all I could give them. After a while the conversation died down, we hung up, and I was left wondering if I'd helped at all.
It's tough when things are going just the way you planned and suddenly the floor drops out from under you. I think human nature demands we look for answers. Sin. Poor choices. Lack of faith. Most of the time, though, the truth is simply that trials are part of life. No matter how loved by God, no matter how close to Him, there will be times when we will walk into the brick wall of uncertainty and have a truckload of doubt crash down on our heads. Look at Job, so loved by God and yet he lost everything. One day life was good, the next he was sitting in ashes and covered with sores. In the end, God lifted Job up again, pulling him out of grief and pain and back into life renewed. In the darkest moments, this is what we need to remember. God may not intervene, but He is there, ready to create joy from sorrow and blessings from loss.
Here's what I'm thinking about today - trials.
I have two dear friends that are going through very difficult times. Today they both called me. Neither was complaining, whining, or filled with self pity, but it was obvious both were struggling. I struggled, too. To say the right thing, to word my responses in ways that weren't coddling or dismissive, because I understood the truth of our conversations. My friends didn't want or need my advice, they just wanted my ear. And really that was all I could give them. After a while the conversation died down, we hung up, and I was left wondering if I'd helped at all.
It's tough when things are going just the way you planned and suddenly the floor drops out from under you. I think human nature demands we look for answers. Sin. Poor choices. Lack of faith. Most of the time, though, the truth is simply that trials are part of life. No matter how loved by God, no matter how close to Him, there will be times when we will walk into the brick wall of uncertainty and have a truckload of doubt crash down on our heads. Look at Job, so loved by God and yet he lost everything. One day life was good, the next he was sitting in ashes and covered with sores. In the end, God lifted Job up again, pulling him out of grief and pain and back into life renewed. In the darkest moments, this is what we need to remember. God may not intervene, but He is there, ready to create joy from sorrow and blessings from loss.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Title
After all the wonderful suggestions I received and passed on to my editor the title for book ten was taken to committee where a unanimous decision was reached. The title for my chocoholic's story is now - THE GUARDIAN'S MISSION.
It's growing on me. :0)
It's growing on me. :0)
Planning a Writing Career
Much as I'd like to say otherwise, writing is a job. Sure, it's also an expression of self, an artistic endeavor, and a gift, but when the day is done, you're exhausted and you've got a thousand words to write it's just another job that must be done.
Not to pop any balloons or anything like that. The fact is, I love my job. I can't imagine doing anything else. As a matter of fact, I'm trained as a teacher, but I don't plan to ever go back to the classroom (my dining room table and my four kids aside) unless it's to teach writing at a community college or university. What's the sense? My dream is to write. It's what I'm doing.
Here's the thing, though. Writing is a tough job. And I'm not saying that because it opens us up to criticism and rejection. When I was a teacher, I went to school every day. I saw my boss. I saw my fellow teachers. I saw the results of my teaching efforts in test scores and kids' success. Every two weeks I got a paycheck that proved that I was indeed doing a job. As a writer, I don't talk to my editor every day. Mostly I don't talk to her even once a month. I know what I need to do and I focus my energy on doing it so that she can do her job (which involves a whole lot more than my manuscripts). That means that eighty-five percent of the time, I'm working on my own without any input from my 'boss'. She buys the book and sends me off to write it trusting that I can produce what I've said I can. I don't have a crowd of people standing around me cheering me on, I don't have a boss telling me every day what to do and how to do it, I don't have colleagues that I can meet at the water cooler to discuss plans with. And I don't get paychecks every two weeks. The money comes in as my books sell and my royalty statements arrive, or as I receive further advances for work done. That may mean months or weeks between paychecks.
Why am I saying all this? Because the road to publication always begins with a dream. Acheiving that dream, though, is only the beginning of a very fun, fulfilling, and tough career. Careers require plans. If you haven't already jotted down your goals as an author, you should take the time to do it. Do you want to write one book a year? Two? Will you spend twenty hours a week writing or forty? Do you have a dream publisher, or just a vague idea of where your manuscript is headed?
I sold STILL WATERS four years ago in December. Up until that point, my plan was to sell a book in five years. Once I acheived my goal I immediately made a new one. I wanted to sell book ten within five years. I've worked hard to acheive that goal, knowing that name recognition is a good part of being successful in this industry and that the only way to have my name recognized by LI readers was to get more books out a year. I may be a busy homeschool mom, but I have spent time thinking through my writing career. I know what I want to acheive today, this month, and this year. I also know what my long term goals are.
Whether you're just starting out, or have been doing this for a while, I recommend that you take the time to think about your future as a writer. Dreams are nice, but it's concrete goals that set the stage for success.
Not to pop any balloons or anything like that. The fact is, I love my job. I can't imagine doing anything else. As a matter of fact, I'm trained as a teacher, but I don't plan to ever go back to the classroom (my dining room table and my four kids aside) unless it's to teach writing at a community college or university. What's the sense? My dream is to write. It's what I'm doing.
Here's the thing, though. Writing is a tough job. And I'm not saying that because it opens us up to criticism and rejection. When I was a teacher, I went to school every day. I saw my boss. I saw my fellow teachers. I saw the results of my teaching efforts in test scores and kids' success. Every two weeks I got a paycheck that proved that I was indeed doing a job. As a writer, I don't talk to my editor every day. Mostly I don't talk to her even once a month. I know what I need to do and I focus my energy on doing it so that she can do her job (which involves a whole lot more than my manuscripts). That means that eighty-five percent of the time, I'm working on my own without any input from my 'boss'. She buys the book and sends me off to write it trusting that I can produce what I've said I can. I don't have a crowd of people standing around me cheering me on, I don't have a boss telling me every day what to do and how to do it, I don't have colleagues that I can meet at the water cooler to discuss plans with. And I don't get paychecks every two weeks. The money comes in as my books sell and my royalty statements arrive, or as I receive further advances for work done. That may mean months or weeks between paychecks.
Why am I saying all this? Because the road to publication always begins with a dream. Acheiving that dream, though, is only the beginning of a very fun, fulfilling, and tough career. Careers require plans. If you haven't already jotted down your goals as an author, you should take the time to do it. Do you want to write one book a year? Two? Will you spend twenty hours a week writing or forty? Do you have a dream publisher, or just a vague idea of where your manuscript is headed?
I sold STILL WATERS four years ago in December. Up until that point, my plan was to sell a book in five years. Once I acheived my goal I immediately made a new one. I wanted to sell book ten within five years. I've worked hard to acheive that goal, knowing that name recognition is a good part of being successful in this industry and that the only way to have my name recognized by LI readers was to get more books out a year. I may be a busy homeschool mom, but I have spent time thinking through my writing career. I know what I want to acheive today, this month, and this year. I also know what my long term goals are.
Whether you're just starting out, or have been doing this for a while, I recommend that you take the time to think about your future as a writer. Dreams are nice, but it's concrete goals that set the stage for success.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Things That Bug Me
I've had a really bad headache for the past three days. It's got to be weather related. Anyhow, I'm trying to keep on top of it so I don't get a migraine. Shudder. The problem is that life goes on no matter how sick I feel, so I've just got to keep going and pray eventually this nasty pollen/heat/humidity will go away and take my headache with it!
In honor of my foul mood and pounding head, I'm making a list of things that bug me. Yes, I do get bugged by things. Generally, I'm a laid back, easy going person. My husband will agree with that. Really. I like people. Most of the time I look for the best in them. Sometimes, though, the best is hard to see. Especially when people make comments like:
1. Once you put your kids in school, you'll have more time to write. Then you can write more meaningful book.
2. You're a writer? I thought all you did was homeschool your kids.
3. You're adopting another kid? Isn't four enough?
4. I've always wanted to be a writer, but I wouldn't write those kind of books. I want to write something that matters.
5. You're so lucky.
6. I've always wanted to be a writer, but I just don't have the time.
I think that's it. I'm sure, though, that if given enough time, I could think of more.
That's one of the things about a bad mood. If we allow ourselves to dwell on it, we'll just keep sinking lower and lower into a pit of our own making. This morning I woke up with a verse running through my head - Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. When we choose to dwell on the negative, we become negative people. When we seek out the positive, we'll find it. That can only make us happier, more positive people.
In the long run, the things that bug me aren't nearly as important as the things that make me smile - my children, my husband, my family, my friends, the kids in my children's choir, the readers who search library and used book stores trying to find my books and those that write to tell me my stories touched their hearts. Today, I choose to dwell on the gifts rather than the grievances.
Go forth with joy!
In honor of my foul mood and pounding head, I'm making a list of things that bug me. Yes, I do get bugged by things. Generally, I'm a laid back, easy going person. My husband will agree with that. Really. I like people. Most of the time I look for the best in them. Sometimes, though, the best is hard to see. Especially when people make comments like:
1. Once you put your kids in school, you'll have more time to write. Then you can write more meaningful book.
2. You're a writer? I thought all you did was homeschool your kids.
3. You're adopting another kid? Isn't four enough?
4. I've always wanted to be a writer, but I wouldn't write those kind of books. I want to write something that matters.
5. You're so lucky.
6. I've always wanted to be a writer, but I just don't have the time.
I think that's it. I'm sure, though, that if given enough time, I could think of more.
That's one of the things about a bad mood. If we allow ourselves to dwell on it, we'll just keep sinking lower and lower into a pit of our own making. This morning I woke up with a verse running through my head - Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. When we choose to dwell on the negative, we become negative people. When we seek out the positive, we'll find it. That can only make us happier, more positive people.
In the long run, the things that bug me aren't nearly as important as the things that make me smile - my children, my husband, my family, my friends, the kids in my children's choir, the readers who search library and used book stores trying to find my books and those that write to tell me my stories touched their hearts. Today, I choose to dwell on the gifts rather than the grievances.
Go forth with joy!
LITTLE GIRL LOST
In the past week or so, I've received many emails from readers who can not find LITTLE GIRL LOST. If you're looking for the second book in the Secrets of Stoneley series and find your way here, I do have some copies of the book which I am more than happy to send out. Just email me your address and I'll pop one in the mail for you. Of course, I have a limited supply of these books, but what I have, I'll share! :0)
Shirlee
Shirlee
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Preparing a Multi-Book Proposal
My friend Lynette who recently sold her second book to Steeple Hill asked me about writing a multi-book proposal. You can find Lynette and news about her books here -
If that link works it'll be a minor miracle considering how bad I am at this stuff.
Anyway, on to the subject at hand. Multi-book proposal writing.
First, I've got to be honest, I've never actually written one until this last sale, so I'm no expert.
Are you wondering how it's possible to get a multi-book contract without writing a multi-book proposal? So am I. Sometimes things fall into place. For me, I guess they did. My first sale was for two books - completely unexpected as I'd written one book and hadn't even suggested an idea for a second. My thought on this is that Steeple Hill was offering all their trade book authors multi-book contracts. They wanted STILL WATERS for their trade line. They offered me a two book deal. That seemed to set off a pattern which I'd love to have repeated over and over again. I feel truly blessed by how many books I've sold in multi-book deals. It doesn't typically happen this way, and my only answer to the question why is that God has reasons. It certainly isn't because of anything I've done.
Okay, that's not quite true. I have worked really hard. I meet my deadlines and I produce clean manuscripts (thanks to my freelance editor Sara Parker). I also listen to my editors and take their suggestions to heart. In other words, I try to make their work as easy as possible.
All that aside, I did finally decide to write a proposal for more than one book. In my latest proposal, I suggest a three book series. Here is how I set it up. First, I prepared a thorough proposal for the book I was working on. That included the three elements you saw in yesterday's post. It may seem like a lot of effort to come up with a sales handle, back cover copy, and promo sentence when you could simply send in three chapters and a synopsis, but by doing this you create a concise summary of your book. This allows the editor to know immediately whether or not the idea will work for her. It also looks very professional. That's always a plus!
Along with the above mentioned three elements, you also need to have a stellar three chapters and a three to eight page synopsis. Yes, I know three to eight pages is vague. I've had editors who like them short and editor who want more detail. If you're unpublished, I'd suggest the longer of the two because your synopsis allows the editor to see that your story works, that it has a clear plot and compelling characters, that it has both focus and direction. These are all vital characteristics of a well-written book.
In the proposal I just sold, I suggested three brothers and my cover letter read something like this -
Meet the Sinclair brothers - Tristan, Grayson, and Jude. One is an ATF agent, one is a lawyer, one is a New York cop. They're all men of faith, willing to do whatever it takes to protect the women they love. Once they find them, that is.
Lakeview Heroes, each of the brothers finds love in the most unexpected of places. Enclosed you'll find Tristan's story. The youngest of the three, Tristan is a man with a plan. Until Martha Gabler arrives on the scene and ruins it.
The next step is the hardest. Prepare a short summary of each of your proposed stories. This will give the editor an idea of where you're headed with the series. I'd suggest no more than a page. As a matter of fact, something along lines of the backcover blurb I posted yesterday would probably work. You don't need tons of details. Just enough to show the editor that you have a plan.
And, no, I stupidly did not include summaries when I proposed the Sinclair brothers. Don't follow my example. The fact is, I've already written nine books for Steeple Hill, and they have faith in me. Unless you are a multi-published author, you really do need to have a summary of each story. Even multi-published authors should have summaries. As I mentioned, sometimes I'm not all that savvy about such things until after the fact.
I think that's it.
We're Tye-dying shirts with my nieces and nephews today, so I've got to go prepare for the onslaught. If you have any questions about proposal writing, feel free to ask. It's the one part of writing that I actually feel pretty confident about!
http://www.suspensewithatwist.blogspot.com/
If that link works it'll be a minor miracle considering how bad I am at this stuff.
Anyway, on to the subject at hand. Multi-book proposal writing.
First, I've got to be honest, I've never actually written one until this last sale, so I'm no expert.
Are you wondering how it's possible to get a multi-book contract without writing a multi-book proposal? So am I. Sometimes things fall into place. For me, I guess they did. My first sale was for two books - completely unexpected as I'd written one book and hadn't even suggested an idea for a second. My thought on this is that Steeple Hill was offering all their trade book authors multi-book contracts. They wanted STILL WATERS for their trade line. They offered me a two book deal. That seemed to set off a pattern which I'd love to have repeated over and over again. I feel truly blessed by how many books I've sold in multi-book deals. It doesn't typically happen this way, and my only answer to the question why is that God has reasons. It certainly isn't because of anything I've done.
Okay, that's not quite true. I have worked really hard. I meet my deadlines and I produce clean manuscripts (thanks to my freelance editor Sara Parker). I also listen to my editors and take their suggestions to heart. In other words, I try to make their work as easy as possible.
All that aside, I did finally decide to write a proposal for more than one book. In my latest proposal, I suggest a three book series. Here is how I set it up. First, I prepared a thorough proposal for the book I was working on. That included the three elements you saw in yesterday's post. It may seem like a lot of effort to come up with a sales handle, back cover copy, and promo sentence when you could simply send in three chapters and a synopsis, but by doing this you create a concise summary of your book. This allows the editor to know immediately whether or not the idea will work for her. It also looks very professional. That's always a plus!
Along with the above mentioned three elements, you also need to have a stellar three chapters and a three to eight page synopsis. Yes, I know three to eight pages is vague. I've had editors who like them short and editor who want more detail. If you're unpublished, I'd suggest the longer of the two because your synopsis allows the editor to see that your story works, that it has a clear plot and compelling characters, that it has both focus and direction. These are all vital characteristics of a well-written book.
In the proposal I just sold, I suggested three brothers and my cover letter read something like this -
Meet the Sinclair brothers - Tristan, Grayson, and Jude. One is an ATF agent, one is a lawyer, one is a New York cop. They're all men of faith, willing to do whatever it takes to protect the women they love. Once they find them, that is.
Lakeview Heroes, each of the brothers finds love in the most unexpected of places. Enclosed you'll find Tristan's story. The youngest of the three, Tristan is a man with a plan. Until Martha Gabler arrives on the scene and ruins it.
The next step is the hardest. Prepare a short summary of each of your proposed stories. This will give the editor an idea of where you're headed with the series. I'd suggest no more than a page. As a matter of fact, something along lines of the backcover blurb I posted yesterday would probably work. You don't need tons of details. Just enough to show the editor that you have a plan.
And, no, I stupidly did not include summaries when I proposed the Sinclair brothers. Don't follow my example. The fact is, I've already written nine books for Steeple Hill, and they have faith in me. Unless you are a multi-published author, you really do need to have a summary of each story. Even multi-published authors should have summaries. As I mentioned, sometimes I'm not all that savvy about such things until after the fact.
I think that's it.
We're Tye-dying shirts with my nieces and nephews today, so I've got to go prepare for the onslaught. If you have any questions about proposal writing, feel free to ask. It's the one part of writing that I actually feel pretty confident about!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
The Story
My editor has sent me back to the drawing board for the title.
For those who asked - here is the story (as well as a peek at how I set up my proposals):
Promo Sentence: When a camping trip turns deadly, a heart-broken woman and an undercover ATF agent must count on their faith and on each other to survive.
Sales Handle: Hero or hit man?
Back cover copy:A family cabin deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect place for Martha Gabler to escape sympathetic friends when she breaks up with her fiancé, but her getaway turns deadly when she encounters a group of gun runners determined to keep her from revealing their identities.
Undercover ATF agent Tristan Sinclair is expecting to close down an illegal weapons ring. Instead, he’s fighting for the life of a woman whose faith and courage inspire him. Determined to keep her safe, Tristan travels to the sleepy town of Lakeview, Virginia, and learns that protecting Martha isn’t nearly as difficult as protecting his heart.
For those who asked - here is the story (as well as a peek at how I set up my proposals):
Promo Sentence: When a camping trip turns deadly, a heart-broken woman and an undercover ATF agent must count on their faith and on each other to survive.
Sales Handle: Hero or hit man?
Back cover copy:A family cabin deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect place for Martha Gabler to escape sympathetic friends when she breaks up with her fiancé, but her getaway turns deadly when she encounters a group of gun runners determined to keep her from revealing their identities.
Undercover ATF agent Tristan Sinclair is expecting to close down an illegal weapons ring. Instead, he’s fighting for the life of a woman whose faith and courage inspire him. Determined to keep her safe, Tristan travels to the sleepy town of Lakeview, Virginia, and learns that protecting Martha isn’t nearly as difficult as protecting his heart.
Titles, Titles, Titles
I'm really horrible at naming my books. Especially now that I've been told the titles need to be more 'hooky'. That's hook as in draw the reader in and let them know what the story is about immediately. You may be wondering how this is different than what I've been doing all along. Here is a list of my titles for my Lakeview series. Let's play that old Sesame Street game - Which of These Things is Not Like the Other -
STILL WATERS
DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL
EVEN IN THE DARKNESS
WHEN SILENCE FALLS
VALLEY OF SHADOWS
STRANGER IN THE SHADOWS
LAKEVIEW PROTECTOR
Did you spot it? It's like a green apple in a bowl full of red ones. LAKEVIEW PROTECTOR. No, I didn't come up with that title. I came up with about fifteen others. None of which worked.
Personally, I like the idea of hooky titles. I think they really do make a reader stop and take notice. They specifically name key elements of the book and let the potential buyer know before even reading the back cover blurb what the story is about. Obviously, my seventh Lakeview book is about...gasp...a protector.
Here's the problem, I can't write hooky titles. I try. Really, I do. But they just don't come easy to me. Case in point - book number ten. You'd think that by this point, I'd be able to pull a title out in five seconds flat, but over the past twenty-four hours, I've begged, borrowed, and stolen ideas from a variety of people (including, at my editor's suggestion - and how bad must my ideas have been if she made this suggestion - my children).
The original title was purposefully hooky - A HERO BY CHANCE. It was also knowingly bad. I expected to have to change it, but somehow neglected to think up new ideas. Probably because any idea I did come up with was equally bad. At this point, I'm wondering if the book will have a title at all. After consulting with friends, family and kids, there are a more than a few possibilities. Among them - Guardian Hero, Her Kind of Hero, Gunrunner Hero, Her Perfect Hero, A Hero By Design, Unlikely Hero, A Forever Hero, A Hero to Count on, A True Hero, Hero on the Mountain, A Hero at Heart, A Hero at Mind, A Sheep In Wolf's Clothing, The Lost and Lonely Hero, The Hero that is an Agent but is Protecting Someone
The ones in bold are the ones my kids came up with.
What will my editors come up with? That's the real question.
BTW, I'm still taking suggestions. Feel free to make some!
STILL WATERS
DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL
EVEN IN THE DARKNESS
WHEN SILENCE FALLS
VALLEY OF SHADOWS
STRANGER IN THE SHADOWS
LAKEVIEW PROTECTOR
Did you spot it? It's like a green apple in a bowl full of red ones. LAKEVIEW PROTECTOR. No, I didn't come up with that title. I came up with about fifteen others. None of which worked.
Personally, I like the idea of hooky titles. I think they really do make a reader stop and take notice. They specifically name key elements of the book and let the potential buyer know before even reading the back cover blurb what the story is about. Obviously, my seventh Lakeview book is about...gasp...a protector.
Here's the problem, I can't write hooky titles. I try. Really, I do. But they just don't come easy to me. Case in point - book number ten. You'd think that by this point, I'd be able to pull a title out in five seconds flat, but over the past twenty-four hours, I've begged, borrowed, and stolen ideas from a variety of people (including, at my editor's suggestion - and how bad must my ideas have been if she made this suggestion - my children).
The original title was purposefully hooky - A HERO BY CHANCE. It was also knowingly bad. I expected to have to change it, but somehow neglected to think up new ideas. Probably because any idea I did come up with was equally bad. At this point, I'm wondering if the book will have a title at all. After consulting with friends, family and kids, there are a more than a few possibilities. Among them - Guardian Hero, Her Kind of Hero, Gunrunner Hero, Her Perfect Hero, A Hero By Design, Unlikely Hero, A Forever Hero, A Hero to Count on, A True Hero, Hero on the Mountain, A Hero at Heart, A Hero at Mind, A Sheep In Wolf's Clothing, The Lost and Lonely Hero, The Hero that is an Agent but is Protecting Someone
The ones in bold are the ones my kids came up with.
What will my editors come up with? That's the real question.
BTW, I'm still taking suggestions. Feel free to make some!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Double Digits
Yesterday, I received an email from my editor which stated that she wanted to buy my proposed manuscript. I was very excited for two reasons. First, I'm always excited when I sell a book. Second, I love my chocoholic heroine and I'm THRILLED that Melissa Endlich and Krista Stroever do, too (I plugged in the names in case anyone happens to have a great RS manuscript to send in). Third (ooops, I guess there are more than two reasons), I had a personal goal of selling book # ten by the end of this year and I DID IT!
To my surprise, when I spoke to Melissa on the phone she said she wants to buy all three of my Sinclair brothers' stories. That will make book 10, 11, and 12.
Wow! I can't quite wrap my mind around that. I remember when I sold the first two books, and I wondered if I'd be a one book wonder. I remember just two weeks ago wondering if I'd ever sell another book again. I remember all those moments of doubt and angst as I got ready to mail my proposal in.
It's strange how life is. You can be so convinced you're going to succeed and then fail. And you can be completely sure you'll fail and then succeed. It's in God's hands. Talent alone is never the driving force in success. Determination and faith - those are the things that eventually see you through.
Sabrina, if you're out there we need to chat!
To my surprise, when I spoke to Melissa on the phone she said she wants to buy all three of my Sinclair brothers' stories. That will make book 10, 11, and 12.
Wow! I can't quite wrap my mind around that. I remember when I sold the first two books, and I wondered if I'd be a one book wonder. I remember just two weeks ago wondering if I'd ever sell another book again. I remember all those moments of doubt and angst as I got ready to mail my proposal in.
It's strange how life is. You can be so convinced you're going to succeed and then fail. And you can be completely sure you'll fail and then succeed. It's in God's hands. Talent alone is never the driving force in success. Determination and faith - those are the things that eventually see you through.
Sabrina, if you're out there we need to chat!
Monday, July 16, 2007
And They're Off
My hero and heroine finally took a one-way flight to New York. The manuscript will hit my editor's desk on her first day back from RWA. Poor Melissa. I didn't actually plan it that way. I was holding on to that proposal as if my entire life depended on its success. Which, of course, it didn't.
If you're wondering, I suppose I like the story. Actually, I love the story, but I'm sure I'll hate it before the wait is over.
And just so that no one thinks I'm a shoe-in for a contract because I'm already published, there is a good possibility Steeple Hill won't buy the story that I just sent out. See, it's not about whether I love my chocoholic heroine and her hunky hero. It's not even just about whether the writing is good or the story is compelling. It is also about timing. Has anyone else done any thing like this recently?
It's about personal taste. Will my editor hate the fact that my villain is a freckle-faced killer (Probably not, but she might get annoyed with number of times I say it. I do so love to repeat myself!)?
It's about supply and demand. Are there slots that need filling and is my book going to be marketable enough to be fit into one of them?
Though rejection always feels very personal, it's not. Most often it's simply a matter of two or three of the above things combining to make an editor think - not this one. Not this time.
It stinks (I know this from experience), but it's part of the process.
I'm going to keep that in mind as I wait and wonder how my chapters and synopsis are fairing.
If you're wondering, I suppose I like the story. Actually, I love the story, but I'm sure I'll hate it before the wait is over.
And just so that no one thinks I'm a shoe-in for a contract because I'm already published, there is a good possibility Steeple Hill won't buy the story that I just sent out. See, it's not about whether I love my chocoholic heroine and her hunky hero. It's not even just about whether the writing is good or the story is compelling. It is also about timing. Has anyone else done any thing like this recently?
It's about personal taste. Will my editor hate the fact that my villain is a freckle-faced killer (Probably not, but she might get annoyed with number of times I say it. I do so love to repeat myself!)?
It's about supply and demand. Are there slots that need filling and is my book going to be marketable enough to be fit into one of them?
Though rejection always feels very personal, it's not. Most often it's simply a matter of two or three of the above things combining to make an editor think - not this one. Not this time.
It stinks (I know this from experience), but it's part of the process.
I'm going to keep that in mind as I wait and wonder how my chapters and synopsis are fairing.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
How to Say Goodbye
Okay, I admit it. I've been holding on to my proposal for six weeks. It's been done, finished, ready to go for all that time, but I'm still holding onto it. Every day before I begin working on THE BOOK, I open up my proposal file and read it through. I change words, I change sentences, I wonder if it make sense. Then I tell myself that I'm going to print it out and mail it off.
And then I don't. Print it out. Or mail it off.
This isn't my usual MO. I'm usually quite good at saying goodbye. Maybe I'm really busy right now and doubting my abilities because of it. Maybe there's something not quite right about the story and my instincts are trying to tell me that. Maybe I'm just afraid of failure.
Whatever the case, I need to get that proposal out the door.
If you've got something you've finished, but are holding on to, here's my sure-fire way to get your baby out the door.
1. Read it again.
Yes, I know you've read it a half-million times, but read it once more. Not on the computer scree, either. Print it out. Read it like it's a book. Mark any grammatical errors, missed words, or poorly worded sentences with red.
2. Make the changes.
If you've found any of the above, fix them. Rework sentences, reread paragraphs, spend time working toward elusive perfection.
3. Tell yourself you've done it.
You've made the manuscript the best it can be without editorial help. You've polished and shined until your book nearly glows. There is nothing (repeat it with me...nothing) more that you can do.
4. Print it out again.
5. Do not read this copy.
Instead, clip it and slide it into the envelope it will make its journey in.
6. Write your cover letter. Make it brief and professional.
7. Package everything together and seal the envelope.
8. Immediately head for the post office and send that baby out.
Do not let children, pets, jobs or husbands interfere with this task. If you do, the envelope will remain where you've lain it for the next six weeks.
Easy, right?
So why haven't you done it?
Why haven't I done it?
Believe it or not, I know the answer to this. Once we send our manuscripts out, we can no longer rework, revise, recreate. Our words and, therefore, pieces of our soul are racing toward their destination and we know they aren't perfect. No matter how many times we search, our eyes aren't refined enough to show us all the flaws. We know they're there and we want desperately to see them, but even as we find and fix, more mistakes remain and are made. Instinctively, we know this. We just don't want to accept it. In a world where good isn't necessarily saleable, we need great, fantastic, beyond the norm. Until we send our book off, we can hope it is that, dream it is that. Once it's gone, there's no chance to make it what we're striving so hard for.
Here's something else we must know and accept. No manuscript is perfect, no story is without flaw. We're not alone in our imperfection. We're the norm. Our words aren't being compared to other, better manuscripts. They're being weighed in the heart reaction of the editor. When she reads, does the story come alive? Do the characters touch her? Does she want to keep turning pages? If so, the flaws - small and large - will be noticed only as items that need changing, not as deal-breaker, send-this-back-to-that-horrid-writer catastrophes.
Okay. So let's get this done. We've got much better things to do with our time than rework already reworked writing. Like writing the next book!
And then I don't. Print it out. Or mail it off.
This isn't my usual MO. I'm usually quite good at saying goodbye. Maybe I'm really busy right now and doubting my abilities because of it. Maybe there's something not quite right about the story and my instincts are trying to tell me that. Maybe I'm just afraid of failure.
Whatever the case, I need to get that proposal out the door.
If you've got something you've finished, but are holding on to, here's my sure-fire way to get your baby out the door.
1. Read it again.
Yes, I know you've read it a half-million times, but read it once more. Not on the computer scree, either. Print it out. Read it like it's a book. Mark any grammatical errors, missed words, or poorly worded sentences with red.
2. Make the changes.
If you've found any of the above, fix them. Rework sentences, reread paragraphs, spend time working toward elusive perfection.
3. Tell yourself you've done it.
You've made the manuscript the best it can be without editorial help. You've polished and shined until your book nearly glows. There is nothing (repeat it with me...nothing) more that you can do.
4. Print it out again.
5. Do not read this copy.
Instead, clip it and slide it into the envelope it will make its journey in.
6. Write your cover letter. Make it brief and professional.
7. Package everything together and seal the envelope.
8. Immediately head for the post office and send that baby out.
Do not let children, pets, jobs or husbands interfere with this task. If you do, the envelope will remain where you've lain it for the next six weeks.
Easy, right?
So why haven't you done it?
Why haven't I done it?
Believe it or not, I know the answer to this. Once we send our manuscripts out, we can no longer rework, revise, recreate. Our words and, therefore, pieces of our soul are racing toward their destination and we know they aren't perfect. No matter how many times we search, our eyes aren't refined enough to show us all the flaws. We know they're there and we want desperately to see them, but even as we find and fix, more mistakes remain and are made. Instinctively, we know this. We just don't want to accept it. In a world where good isn't necessarily saleable, we need great, fantastic, beyond the norm. Until we send our book off, we can hope it is that, dream it is that. Once it's gone, there's no chance to make it what we're striving so hard for.
Here's something else we must know and accept. No manuscript is perfect, no story is without flaw. We're not alone in our imperfection. We're the norm. Our words aren't being compared to other, better manuscripts. They're being weighed in the heart reaction of the editor. When she reads, does the story come alive? Do the characters touch her? Does she want to keep turning pages? If so, the flaws - small and large - will be noticed only as items that need changing, not as deal-breaker, send-this-back-to-that-horrid-writer catastrophes.
Okay. So let's get this done. We've got much better things to do with our time than rework already reworked writing. Like writing the next book!
Saturday, July 07, 2007
What's at the Bottom of the Bowl?
When I was a kid, my grandmother had beautiful blue and white china painted with swirls and flowers and other (to me) exotic things. At the bottom of each bowl was a scene. I believe they were China inspired. Maybe Japanese. We're talking several decades here, so my memory is dim. What I do remember is this - there were certain things that I did not like to eat: Oatmeal (ew!), clam chowder (double ew!), that weird chicken stuff my grandfather made (shudder). My grandmother, being pragmatic and wise, would put these things in the blue and white bowls and I would immediately begin scooping food into my mouth. I hated the taste, but I loved the end result. Each bite revealed a bit more of the picture at the bottom of the bowl and each time I saw the picture I'd discover something new in it. Eventually, the bowl would be empty, the picture revealed, and I'd have those few moments to daydream and imagine as I stared into the oatmeal speckled depths of painted fantasy.
Oddly enough, these memories had been lost to me for a while. My busy life sometimes prevents me from looking back. A week ago, I was sitting in church, listening to a sermon about Heaven, thinking about loved ones who'd traveled on ahead of me, and I thought about those bowls. I realized then, that life is often the same. Hard to swallow, difficult to get down, but in the end revealing a picture filled with details and ripe with fantastic revelations.
I'm not a kid anymore. I'm not so hot for surprises. At times I think it would be easier to be given an empty life bowl....one with a clear view to the bottom and the painting waiting there for me. As I work on a novel and struggle to bring it to life, I wonder if I'm meant to do this. If perhaps the contents of another bowl might be easier to swallow. Really....how insane is it to sit in front of a computer, typing away hours of one's life? How crazy to daydream the lives of make believe people? How difficult to never know if an idea will fly or fail? Each bite out of the bowl reveals only a tiny bit of the picture beneath and that's soon covered with the muck and mire of an author's life. Still, I press on, one sentence at a time, one page at a time, alone in my quest for the story's end.
Crazy?
Maybe.
But I believe, and maybe you do, too, that we are knit together in our mother's womb with talents and gifts that can be used or not. When the going is tough, we can collapse and retreat, or we can keep moving forward, knowing that we are doing what we are meant to do. Personally, I believe that scooping a mouthful of bitter defeat gets me a step closer to that glorious picture. The one painted by God. The one only He can see.
Yes, it's true that I'm doing a lot of internal searching late. Chalk it up to heading for that BIG birthday. Or perhaps moving toward our daughter so far away from home. Or maybe it's just me, scooping, scooping, scooping at the oatmeal, the chowder, the chicken, looking for the beauty beneath the struggles.
Oddly enough, these memories had been lost to me for a while. My busy life sometimes prevents me from looking back. A week ago, I was sitting in church, listening to a sermon about Heaven, thinking about loved ones who'd traveled on ahead of me, and I thought about those bowls. I realized then, that life is often the same. Hard to swallow, difficult to get down, but in the end revealing a picture filled with details and ripe with fantastic revelations.
I'm not a kid anymore. I'm not so hot for surprises. At times I think it would be easier to be given an empty life bowl....one with a clear view to the bottom and the painting waiting there for me. As I work on a novel and struggle to bring it to life, I wonder if I'm meant to do this. If perhaps the contents of another bowl might be easier to swallow. Really....how insane is it to sit in front of a computer, typing away hours of one's life? How crazy to daydream the lives of make believe people? How difficult to never know if an idea will fly or fail? Each bite out of the bowl reveals only a tiny bit of the picture beneath and that's soon covered with the muck and mire of an author's life. Still, I press on, one sentence at a time, one page at a time, alone in my quest for the story's end.
Crazy?
Maybe.
But I believe, and maybe you do, too, that we are knit together in our mother's womb with talents and gifts that can be used or not. When the going is tough, we can collapse and retreat, or we can keep moving forward, knowing that we are doing what we are meant to do. Personally, I believe that scooping a mouthful of bitter defeat gets me a step closer to that glorious picture. The one painted by God. The one only He can see.
Yes, it's true that I'm doing a lot of internal searching late. Chalk it up to heading for that BIG birthday. Or perhaps moving toward our daughter so far away from home. Or maybe it's just me, scooping, scooping, scooping at the oatmeal, the chowder, the chicken, looking for the beauty beneath the struggles.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
And So It Begins
My second son will be eleven next month. We call him (with great affection) the absent minded professor. The world just isn't big enough to contain Caleb. Often, he's deeply involved in thoughts that have nothing to do with whatever might be going on in his physical world. Thus, my sweet Caleb is always the last to walk out the door when we're going somewhere, the last to realize I'm handing out snacks, the last to involve himself in conversations (quite often he'll pipe in with his opinion five minutes after the conversation is over!). He often trips, bumps his head, walks into things that most people would see and avoid. In essence, Caleb is me when I was a kid. Daydreamer. Story maker. Thinker.
A few weeks ago, our church had children's week. All the kids participated in the service. As children's choir leader, I helped organize the children, giving as many as possible jobs. We had several children play instruments. Some read scripture. Others were ushers. Caleb read a poem he'd written for a visit to an assisted living facility. Afterwards, the pastor told Caleb that he wanted to publish his poem in our church newsletter. Sure enough, a few weeks later, we received the newsletter with Caleb's poem printed inside. When I showed my son, he took the newsletter from my hand, a half-smile playing across his face as he read. Then he looked up, his big blue eyes behind those thick-lensed absent-minded professor glasses filled with awe, and said - "My first publication. I'm a real author now."
My heart soared and broke simultaneously. My son the writer. It's in his blood like it's in mine. The passion for stories. The determination. The near obsession with the written word. A hard path to travel. A joyful one. But one that must be accepted for whatever God will make it to be. The further along the path I wander, the more I know how little of the journey is in my hands. I write. God moves...bringing my words where He will.
Maybe I can teach my son that as he grows. Maybe it's just something that has to be learned by experience. One way or another, I know Caleb's path as a writer will be as rocky and wonderful as mine.
Happy 4th!
A few weeks ago, our church had children's week. All the kids participated in the service. As children's choir leader, I helped organize the children, giving as many as possible jobs. We had several children play instruments. Some read scripture. Others were ushers. Caleb read a poem he'd written for a visit to an assisted living facility. Afterwards, the pastor told Caleb that he wanted to publish his poem in our church newsletter. Sure enough, a few weeks later, we received the newsletter with Caleb's poem printed inside. When I showed my son, he took the newsletter from my hand, a half-smile playing across his face as he read. Then he looked up, his big blue eyes behind those thick-lensed absent-minded professor glasses filled with awe, and said - "My first publication. I'm a real author now."
My heart soared and broke simultaneously. My son the writer. It's in his blood like it's in mine. The passion for stories. The determination. The near obsession with the written word. A hard path to travel. A joyful one. But one that must be accepted for whatever God will make it to be. The further along the path I wander, the more I know how little of the journey is in my hands. I write. God moves...bringing my words where He will.
Maybe I can teach my son that as he grows. Maybe it's just something that has to be learned by experience. One way or another, I know Caleb's path as a writer will be as rocky and wonderful as mine.
Happy 4th!
Monday, July 02, 2007
The Writing Dilemma
If you're reading this you're probably a writer, maybe a mother, more than likely working either at home or outside the home. In other words - you're busy. With a million chores and responsibilities calling you away from writing, it seems almost impossible to focus on putting word to page. Perhaps you're wondering if you should even try. After all, isn't your time better spent doing laundry, dishes, windows, and floors? Couldn't you make more money more quickly if you did what any rational person would and got a job (or a second job, or even a third one)? If you don't need the money, you surely need the time. More time for you, more time for your spouse, more time for kids, family, friends.
This is the writing dilemma. On the one hand, every writer I know believes writing is what she's meant to do. On the other, she believes that writing is secondary to the rest of her life.
So, how does a woman balance writing and life?
She doesn't.
Instead, she carves out time for writing and makes it as much of a priority as floors, laundry, and dishes. I know this is hard. I've lived it for a long time. My struggle is always this - I'm a Christian who believes my most important job is raising my children. How in the world does that coincide with writing books (which takes an inordinate amount of time and energy and perseverance). Both tasks are limitless, draining and difficult. Neither has a clear-cut end. After all, we will continue to be mothers long after our kid leave the house, and when we finish one book, there is always another to write.
How can one person possibly be called to do both?
The answer to that is as simple as it is complicated - God, in is His infinite wisdom and all-knowing power, has willed it to be so. He does not give more than we can handle, but He always gives more than we can handle alone. If this were easy, we wouldn't have to return again and again to the feet of the cross. If it were easy, we wouldn't have to lean ever more heavily on the shoulders that bore our sins and carried them away.
If it were easy, everyone would do it.
But it isn't.
The task is for those strong enough to persevere, weak enough to know their limits, and wise enough to understand that God can and will give us what we need to be successful as He defines the term.
Perhaps that's the hardest task of all - knowing that what we define as success doesn't always match with God's vision and plan. If writing is our life, so is failure, disappointment, and disillusion. In that, we learn to be humble, to stretch beyond our comfort zones, and to rely not on the world's opinion, but on the peace that we achieve when we are working hard toward His vision for our life.
This is the writing dilemma. On the one hand, every writer I know believes writing is what she's meant to do. On the other, she believes that writing is secondary to the rest of her life.
So, how does a woman balance writing and life?
She doesn't.
Instead, she carves out time for writing and makes it as much of a priority as floors, laundry, and dishes. I know this is hard. I've lived it for a long time. My struggle is always this - I'm a Christian who believes my most important job is raising my children. How in the world does that coincide with writing books (which takes an inordinate amount of time and energy and perseverance). Both tasks are limitless, draining and difficult. Neither has a clear-cut end. After all, we will continue to be mothers long after our kid leave the house, and when we finish one book, there is always another to write.
How can one person possibly be called to do both?
The answer to that is as simple as it is complicated - God, in is His infinite wisdom and all-knowing power, has willed it to be so. He does not give more than we can handle, but He always gives more than we can handle alone. If this were easy, we wouldn't have to return again and again to the feet of the cross. If it were easy, we wouldn't have to lean ever more heavily on the shoulders that bore our sins and carried them away.
If it were easy, everyone would do it.
But it isn't.
The task is for those strong enough to persevere, weak enough to know their limits, and wise enough to understand that God can and will give us what we need to be successful as He defines the term.
Perhaps that's the hardest task of all - knowing that what we define as success doesn't always match with God's vision and plan. If writing is our life, so is failure, disappointment, and disillusion. In that, we learn to be humble, to stretch beyond our comfort zones, and to rely not on the world's opinion, but on the peace that we achieve when we are working hard toward His vision for our life.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Where oh Where Did My Post Go...take 2
I think I've got another MIA post.
Let's see if this one shows up.
Let's see if this one shows up.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Nope
Going on vacation did not refresh me.I repeat - it did NOT refresh me.
I want to say it did. I'd like to believe it did. But at eight o'clock on Monday morning, knowing that VBS is tonight and that my kids are riding a weekend long sugar high, I'm thinking I'm not refreshed enough for the week ahead. I'm tired. I'm grumpy.
I'm simply not ready.
Really, by this time in the day we should be at the dining room/homeschool table, bent over school books, writing reports on Booker T. Washington (went to the plantation where he was a slave)and D-day (visited the memorial in Bedford...if you're ever there, go see it!). Instead, I'm listening to ds #3 cry because he doesn't want to do gym, dd encourage her brother in a loud and obnoxious (I can say that, I'm her mom)voice, and ds#1 boss everyone around. DS#2 is busy creating a fantasy world. I'll leave him to it for a while.
I think the kids and I need some focus. Unfortunately, I'm the adult. It's my job to focus everyone. If I had the energy, I might do it.
Whether or not I do remains to be seen.
Writing? Ha! I've still got to finish the proposal. The writing portion is done, but I want to prepare the package. We'll see if that gets out this week.
On a happier note, I'm making steady progress on the book in a month.
How about you?
I want to say it did. I'd like to believe it did. But at eight o'clock on Monday morning, knowing that VBS is tonight and that my kids are riding a weekend long sugar high, I'm thinking I'm not refreshed enough for the week ahead. I'm tired. I'm grumpy.
I'm simply not ready.
Really, by this time in the day we should be at the dining room/homeschool table, bent over school books, writing reports on Booker T. Washington (went to the plantation where he was a slave)and D-day (visited the memorial in Bedford...if you're ever there, go see it!). Instead, I'm listening to ds #3 cry because he doesn't want to do gym, dd encourage her brother in a loud and obnoxious (I can say that, I'm her mom)voice, and ds#1 boss everyone around. DS#2 is busy creating a fantasy world. I'll leave him to it for a while.
I think the kids and I need some focus. Unfortunately, I'm the adult. It's my job to focus everyone. If I had the energy, I might do it.
Whether or not I do remains to be seen.
Writing? Ha! I've still got to finish the proposal. The writing portion is done, but I want to prepare the package. We'll see if that gets out this week.
On a happier note, I'm making steady progress on the book in a month.
How about you?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
We're Off to See the Wizard!
Well, not quite. We are, however, heading off into the sunset (or sunrise, as the case may be). A few days of vacation will go a long way in getting rid of kid, mom, and dad grumpies. Of which there seems to be a lot lately. Or so I'm thinking.
When we get home, I've got to mail in a new book idea, finish the manuscript I'm working on and face the unfortunate laundry that vacation always results in. While we're away, I'm going to relax. For me that means polishing up a few writing ideas while the sounds of rural night life dance in the air around me. Somehow the rhythm and pulse of Smith Mountain Lake sooths me, helping me focus on ideas that have been percolating in my suburbanite brain (read that: over-stimulated brain). In the hush of water lapping against earth, the softness of night's silence, I can hear my thoughts again. And find direction where there was only floundering before.
Perhaps that is simply because it is there that I hear Him most clearly...the Spirit's nudge just a little stronger when there aren't so many voices pulling my attention away from it.
Everyone needs a place and a time like that, don't you think? Without it we run, run, run.....full tilt hearing nothing but the cacophony of demands that spring from one job to the next. Home school, writing, house work, vacation Bible school, children's choir, Sunday School. More, more, more. Faster, faster, faster. Like one of those spinning tops - at first making tight, effectives circles, but eventually growing wider in its circuit, sloppier in its form, controlled by momentum that is quickly fading, energy that is fast seeping away.
When we get home, I've got to mail in a new book idea, finish the manuscript I'm working on and face the unfortunate laundry that vacation always results in. While we're away, I'm going to relax. For me that means polishing up a few writing ideas while the sounds of rural night life dance in the air around me. Somehow the rhythm and pulse of Smith Mountain Lake sooths me, helping me focus on ideas that have been percolating in my suburbanite brain (read that: over-stimulated brain). In the hush of water lapping against earth, the softness of night's silence, I can hear my thoughts again. And find direction where there was only floundering before.
Perhaps that is simply because it is there that I hear Him most clearly...the Spirit's nudge just a little stronger when there aren't so many voices pulling my attention away from it.
Everyone needs a place and a time like that, don't you think? Without it we run, run, run.....full tilt hearing nothing but the cacophony of demands that spring from one job to the next. Home school, writing, house work, vacation Bible school, children's choir, Sunday School. More, more, more. Faster, faster, faster. Like one of those spinning tops - at first making tight, effectives circles, but eventually growing wider in its circuit, sloppier in its form, controlled by momentum that is quickly fading, energy that is fast seeping away.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Now About the Adoption
It's funny that my writing and the adoption process seem to be so closely linked in my mind. They have absolutely nothing to do with each other except for one thing - they're both a lot of work!
We've completed the paper work that's involved with the home study, had a health inspector and fire marshal visit our home, been to the vet to make sure our cats were updated on all their vaccinations, been to animal control to pick up licenses for the cats. Rodney and I have been fingerprinted, had our motor vehicle records scrutinized, filled out financial statement (twice!), purchased and turned in copies of our marriage license and birth certificates for every member of the family (not cheap!). Filled out multi-question self-studies, family history reports for each of us, home safety check-lists. Each of the kids visited the doctor for Hep A vaccines and boosters on their chicken pox vaccination. Rodney and I both have appointments to get physicals which mostly involve drug screening, HIV tests, a tetanus shot and a Hep A vaccination (Hepatitis A is a problem in China).
And this is all before we have our individual meetings with our social worker.
Needless to say, I'm beginning to wonder if there is an end in sight.
Of course, this is how I always feel when I'm writing a book. Will I ever finish? Will there ever be a completed project? What will the end results be? The unknown is a scary but necessary evil in life. We have no choice but to step forward in faith when we feel that God is calling us to do something. Doing so is often uncomfortable, pulling us into unfamiliar territory and forcing us out of our comfort zone. It's there that we grow, becoming stronger as our faith sustains us and carries us through.
Don't let fear keep you from moving toward your goal and dreams. Whatever they may be!
We've completed the paper work that's involved with the home study, had a health inspector and fire marshal visit our home, been to the vet to make sure our cats were updated on all their vaccinations, been to animal control to pick up licenses for the cats. Rodney and I have been fingerprinted, had our motor vehicle records scrutinized, filled out financial statement (twice!), purchased and turned in copies of our marriage license and birth certificates for every member of the family (not cheap!). Filled out multi-question self-studies, family history reports for each of us, home safety check-lists. Each of the kids visited the doctor for Hep A vaccines and boosters on their chicken pox vaccination. Rodney and I both have appointments to get physicals which mostly involve drug screening, HIV tests, a tetanus shot and a Hep A vaccination (Hepatitis A is a problem in China).
And this is all before we have our individual meetings with our social worker.
Needless to say, I'm beginning to wonder if there is an end in sight.
Of course, this is how I always feel when I'm writing a book. Will I ever finish? Will there ever be a completed project? What will the end results be? The unknown is a scary but necessary evil in life. We have no choice but to step forward in faith when we feel that God is calling us to do something. Doing so is often uncomfortable, pulling us into unfamiliar territory and forcing us out of our comfort zone. It's there that we grow, becoming stronger as our faith sustains us and carries us through.
Don't let fear keep you from moving toward your goal and dreams. Whatever they may be!
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