Musings of a Hopeful Author

 So, believe it or not, but I have actually worked on writing every single day since my last post. Shocker, I know! It's not been all fun and games, though, since I am in the process of editing and rewriting my Angel story. I've given it some time to breathe since I last sat down to look at it with a critical eye, and I think the break has done us both some good. Time has given me some distance and time to ruminate on some of the feedback I got from early readers (aka. friends and family who I begged to give my first draft a look). Now for diving in and getting it done! Well, a week into the process and I've gone over the prelude chapter and the first three chapters of the book. I feel like I've fixed some language that didn't flow like I would have liked, hopefully rounded out some back story points a bit better, and helped flesh out some of the driving forces between one of the main romances. I think there's still more to do in each of those areas, but at leas...

 So, yeah, still alive, just haven't been that productive on the writing front. I will say, though, in some small defense I have moved to another state, taken on a new job, bought a house, and got a puppy, so haven't been just sitting still. That said, I have had spare time, so no real excuse for not getting some writing done. But here's hoping I can get back into the swing of things (something I am being held accountable for thanks to a friend who also needs someone to shame her into doing some hobbies she oft ignores).  What's new? Well, funny you should wonder. I am in the rewriting phase (finally) for my Angel story so that I can take the feedback I was given and incorporate it into the story to make the characters a bit more rounded and the plot a little richer. It's taken me this long to get enough distance to be able to absorb the feedback and get to a point where I can actually start making some updates. It was hard to think how to even go about it until rec...

After months of brainstorming, thinking, and writing, I've finally gotten the first take of the first draft of my angel story done!  I've felt like this ever since I finished. Now, though, it's time to really buckle down and start editing that first draft to get it in a bit better shape and add in the little bits here and there I realized I needed as the story progressed.  But for just a little while longer, I am going to simply enjoy the excitement of having finished a draft.

Has it really been two months since my last post?  Where does the time go?  Well, while I might have been neglecting to post on here, I was not neglecting to write at home.  I am now working on Chapter 30 of what I can only see being a book of 32-34 chapters.  34 sounds like a lot when I say it like that, but what I mean is there are only a few chapters left before I have to go back in and make a few global changes.  After that the real fun begins; EDITING!! For now, though, let's get you caught up on what's going on.  In Part III, a few years have past since where Part II left off.  All of the characters have moved forward in their lives and are on various paths with varying degrees of success.  I won't give you more than that, but most are happy, some are fine with the status quo, while still others want more.  Life, so to speak. There are few more emotional twists in this part than the others, which makes sense now that you know the ch...

As I near the end of Part 2 of my Angels story, I cannot help but note the differences between it and Part 1.  There is a difference in POVs for one thing, but not enough that it draws your attention, but more of a feel that there is a certain inevitability to some story lines and characters.  Will Luc keep his word and not go nuts on someone in a jealous rage when the man in question flirts with Amelia, talks to her, looks at her, touches her, or even kisses her?  Will Ray say something to Amelia against Luc?  Will Peyton find happiness?  Will Mick and Gabe have a greater role to play in the story?  Will they meet Luc?  What will happen to Mason?  Is he really going to be allowed to help Amelia in her theatrical pursuits?  More than those questions, I think you feel a darker turn in the story.  It's subtle, because there is a lot of happiness and joy in Part 2.  It's more of a feeling that things cannot continue on because too...

As chapter 19 drew to an end, I couldn't help but think through the many faces of Luc D'Angelo.  He's the suave, handsome, wealthy, and eternally confidant man Amelia meets in New York at the start of the journey, and yet he's also willing to do what it takes to make a good impression on those Nebraska farmers by rolling up his sleeves and helping out.  Can you picture the two men? Here's sort of how I envision Luc in scenario 1:     And this is sort of how I envision Luc in scenario 2: But one of my favorite imaginings of Luc in all of his forms is him with Amelia.

What am I talking about?  Well, it's Part 2 in Book 1 of my Angels story, and we have left the city streets long behind to see different views of the world.  Amelia travels home to Nebraska, taking friends and the story with her, while Peyton struggles to start a new life in Arkansas.  Unlike Part 1, Part 2 goes back and forth between the perspectives of the sisters in order to show the similarities and differences they are experiencing as a result of the choices they have made.  The return to Nebraska is to show what and who they left behind rather than just referring to them in passing every so often. Old wounds are opened/healed/suppressed just as new experiences are gained, loves experienced, and hurts made.  While not everyone might enjoy the journey, a great deal growth should touch of the characters in some way or another.  At least that's the hope.  Who knows what folks will actually think?!  

As I finally turn my attention from Part I to Part II of what is anticipated to be III parts of this book, I thought it might be nice to introduce you to some of the places we've visited thus far and will be visiting in future chapters. Here are a few images to get you in the right mindset for the time period. Ellingsworth, Nebraska (or similar such images) - Amelia and Peyton's hometown New York City, 1910 - Amelia's home when she grows up Gideon, Arkansas - Peyton's home when she grows up These might seem like obscure or random places at the moment, but they will become more real in the story if/when you read through it.  The orchard will play particular significance for Peyton, so keep an eye out for it in Part II.

In an attempt to be slightly more productive than I have in recent days/weeks/months, I have setup a type of incentive structure to help me keep my eye on the prize.  I am supposed to write at least one new chapter every week or two and send it to my friend Melanie.  She's been my main go to for feedback on my stuff in recent years, and has kindly agreed to help keep me honest in this effort.  She has a series of repercussions lined up for me in the event I get distracted and wander off the writing path again.  But more importantly (at least hopefully), is the fact that I have a deadline to shoot for and someone other than myself waiting for it.  I don't know if it's the trait of an only child or if it's based on personality or if it's just way more common than I realize, but I am loathe to do most things simply because they benefit me (sad I know).  However, if someone else is depending on me, I step up without question.  This was true regarding readi...

Okay, so maybe I was a bit too enthusiastic in my last post, but do not think that I am not still writing, albeit slower than intended.  I blame work and vacation!  Work has been a little more all intensive in the last few weeks than it usually is, so that has taken considerably more time than anticipated.  Fortunately, my job is generally pretty good about its work life balance, this just happens to be one of those times when it tends more towards work than life. No excuses though!  I have dropped the proverbial ball, and owe myself several written pages.  Fortunately, I have thought through some of the sticking points I had with some parts of the story, so at least that is progress, right?  I am deciding to believe it is. Though it's a small thing to anyone who might read a book, naming the characters is something that can be difficult.  The names have got to have the right balance for the story that is going to be told about the characters they ...

Yes, that's right!  I've actually started making progress on my angel story!  How much progress you say?  Well, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.  Let's just be glad there are words on the page in actual chapter form rather than outline form. So what happens so far in the story?  Well, you get a glimpse into the history of a few of the characters.  It's sort of an important chapter in that it sets the stage for everything to come in the story.      Apart from meeting some of the characters, you also get a small glimpse into the world in which the characters live.  Their way of life, their homes, their relationships, and what drives them, even if they don't fully realize it themselves.  That's the intent at least. Do you think you'll be able to get all of those things from a scene that takes place around a school yard in a small town? I hope that you will feel at least some of that if I ever get far enough with the bo...

So, I know it's been a while since I last posted, and I have nothing but excuses for why it's been so long.  I can make a nice list citing things like family visiting from out of town, my dog getting sick, deadlines at work, etc., but in the end I just didn't know what to write about for a while there.  I mean, I could have said something , right?  Well, here's that something! I have been making progress with my angel story, though obviously not as much as I would have liked at this point (but can you ever really make enough progress??  unless you can declare that you are FINISHED, I think the answer is no).  Some of the finer points of the overall story and the pacing, etc. are still being worked out in my mind and on paper, but I came up with what I think is a pretty awesome twist for the story.  I will not go into details, because I want to see if you will be as surprised as I hope you will be while also still feeling like you should have/could have se...

So, it is March 17 (better known as St. Patrick's Day to most), and it is snowing in Virginia. It has been snowing throughout the night, so there are now inches of snow upon the ground. Words cannot describe my lack of enthusiasm as I look out of the window at what one could only describe as a "Winter Wonderland," and yet, I am over it. I am over the snow. I always wanted to have more of it as a child growing up in Georgia, but now I feel that I am all caught up on those past wishes. It has snowed enough. Let's move on to Spring and flowers (even though that brings pollen and allergies), I believe it's time to transition. That said, snow does provide the perfect opportunity to sit inside and think,read, and write. I have been doing a little of the first, a lot of the second, and not quite enough of the third. I've definitely learned some things through this latest read of mine. There was quite a hullabaloo regarding the fall of certain angels....