So
glad it’s IWSG. I’ve been waiting for it since I’ve missed one or two months.
I’ve
been off work since October 29th, because of a surgery I had on that day. I knew I’d be unable to do much at all for about a week or so,
but then planned to do an amazing amount of reading and writing during the
remainder recovery time.
The
reading went well, extremely well for the first three weeks. The writing
trickled along. Then it picked up, but never got to where I’d hoped it would
be. I have a critique partner, which is helpful to some degree. But actually it may not be the best idea for a first draft in progress, especially as he’s getting
closer to where I don’t know how the ends of the story will tie up. This can be
disheartening. I start to get the feeling that the story will never come
together like I want, and will never be written as well or be as concise a
story as I hope, or as I feel my first book is.
But
then I remember that this is a topic that I believe God wants me to write
about, and I have to remember that the first several drafts of Anticipation of
the Penitent were, unbeknownst to me, subpar. I’ve got to believe that after I
finally get the first draft of Anticipating Dawn done and start rewriting, the
story will begin to flow. Then I’ll be able to connect the two diverging
storylines within it to make a cohesive, moving, shocking and revealing novel.
Well,
tomorrow (Thursday), I go off to Hawaii for a vacation before I go back to work. This was planned
for a Writer’s Conference hosted by Mark Koopmans in Honolulu. I’d scheduled it knowing the conference wasn’t a definite go, but decided if it didn’t happen,
it’d be a nice vacation. The conference did cancel, but the cool thing is, I'll still be able to meet MK. That'll be a great end of my leisure time, as it just so happened that it overlaps the end of my medical
leave from work. I get back from Hawaii on the 11th, will go to a book fair to promote my books on the 12th, then go back to work on the 16th.
I’ve
had a great time during my break, even if it wasn’t as productive as I’d hoped.
I’m grateful for this group in listening to me and for your comments.
For more info on this wonderful writer's support group blog hop, click on Alex J. Cavanaugh or Facebook.
My book is being featured Friday at The
Fussy Librarian, a new website that offers personalized ebook recommendations.
You choose from 40 genres and indicate preferences about content and then the
computers work their magic. It's pretty cool -- check it out! www.TheFussyLibrarian.com
So awesome you get to meet MK! Glad your surgery went well and enjoy the vacay.
ReplyDeleteHawaii! Oh, go to the Windward side and walk barefoot there for me. I used to love it. Glad you're recovering well - please continue, regain your strength and you'll do great!
ReplyDeleteDiana at About Myself By Myself
Ohhh so jealous you are going AND for all the people you'll get to meet. Wonderful! ENJOY!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, during revisions you will get that story flowing and it will all 'Click' ;)
ReplyDeleteHave fun in Hawaii and meeting MK! Glad your surgery went well also!
Its so nice to meet one's blog buddies. Mark is a great guy. Glad your surgery went well.
ReplyDeleteHave a good time in Hawaii with M-Koo (that's one of his other titles...)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that your surgery went well Nancy.
Writer In Transit
Hope you get your ending sorted out, that's the main problem I'm having with my story at the minute - it just isn't where I want it to be.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that the surgery went well and I hope you have an awesome trip! Thanks for recommending the Fussy Librarian. I love it!
ReplyDeleteWow, Nancy! You've got a lot going on for a woman on medical leave! Have a fantastic trip to Hawaii and good luck with the book fair.
ReplyDelete--December IWSG co-host
What a wonderful place to vacation, Nancy. I'm truly envious of you heading toward that warm, beautiful weather. It's a perfect way to celebrate your successful back surgery. Have fun and let Mark know he's awesome!
ReplyDeleteOoh enjoy that trip and meeting MK! I hope you find a way forward with your editing soon. :)
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you get to meet Mark! Have a fantastic trip and I will look forward to reading all about it. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your vacation! I know the stage of writing you were talking about. With every book, I get to the point where I'm not sure how to get there, but I know what the end is going to be.
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool you will be meeting M-Koo in person! Enjoy Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteDon't panic with the manuscript. God will give you the right words if you listen to Him.
Hi, Nancy…
ReplyDeleteWOW…. what a fantabulous trip! Mark is the best! SUCH great energy! Give him a hug from me! I hope to visit him there some day.
Have a awesome trip and good luck with your book fair!!!
You said it yourself - have faith, and trust that the story will come out as it's supposed to. i know, that's HARD, but it's something to hold on to. Have an amazing trip to Hawaii!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Hawaii and the conference. Congrats on being featured on The Fussy Librarian.
ReplyDeleteGlad the surgery is behind you and you're off to enjoy some island relaxation. I'll stop by and see you at the Fussy Librarian's hangout.
ReplyDeleteWishing you such luck with your writing (sometimes thinking too hard can make what's on the tip of our tongue blur: I hope you find the clarity) and that you have a great time in Hawaii … X
ReplyDeletehttp://wp.me/p2rnfx-2C9
What? Hawaii? The invitation for me to come along, and the airline tickets you sent me must have gotten lost in the mail. I'll check with the post office. Also, glad you had a nice recovery period, and I'm sure you're not in a hurry to get back to work. Who's ever in a hurry to get back to work. Anyhoo, I pray blessings over, under, and all around you! :)
ReplyDeleteAloha Nancy :)
ReplyDeleteThis MK chap sounds nearly as approachable as that M-KOO fellow :)
Glad you had a nice break and will look out for you this Friday :)