There I am with the Thurmond, WV, depot behind me. Covering the same ground my characters did.
I submitted my latest manuscript to my editor over the weekend. After the hours of writing, re-writing, and editing you’d think I’d be glad to turn it loose and move on.
But releasing a story is surprisingly hard.
I think this is a good story. Maybe the best I’ve written. And as long as those 87,750 words are sitting on my hard drive, I can keep thinking that. But once I release them . . .
No one told me that being a writer would require me to be this vulnerable. Oh, I was warned to develop a thick skin, but it was hard to understand what that meant until I submitted a manuscript and got back those pages of editorial notes.
They’ve always been GOOD notes–thoughtful, inciteful, helpful. Well, except when my editor said churning butter in 1970s West Virginia seemed out of place. Shoot, I helped my mother churn butter many a time and I wasn’t born until 1971.
But that’s not the point.
The point is, turning a story loose is what I imagine it must be like to send a child away to school. You know your child is amazing, wonderful, exceptional even. But you also know that she likely has a few flaws you’re too biased to see. And odds are pretty good someone is going to point those out.
It was hard to hit the “send” button, but now that When Silence Sings has landed in my editor’s in-box, I feel better. He’s going to help me find any weaknesses and strengthen the story. And if it really IS good, well, then it’s about to get even better.
Within the year I’m looking forward to introducing you to Colman Harpe, Serepta McLean, Ivy, and little Emmaline. I expect they’ll all do a bit of growing between now and then and I’m excited to see it.
Mostly 😉
Thank you for your honesty, and the reminder that our stories become even better, more powerful, once we “release” them. With your gifted writing, When Silence Sings, will soar. Can’t wait to read it!
I know you know what I mean!
I look forward to your new book. Enjoy your comments!
Thank you!
I love that picture! You look so excited and happy. But it won’t let me save it. 🙁
I can send you a copy. I did have a bit of “Christmas morning” feeling!
Crossed with wedding day anticipation… You are right about turning a child over to “others” for whatever reason… and having to do it repeatedly.
Enjoyed this. Your letting go, reminded me of us as God’s children. We need to surrender our all to Him. He gives back to us more than we ever dream. Anticipating next year when your book comes out!
Oh, that’s nice! Thanks for drawing that parallel.
Looking forward to meeting your newest offspring😊
One of them is a pistol!
Your books are some of the best I’ve ever read. I am a voracious reader, and I’ve just finished re-reading Miracle in a Dry Season and Until the Harvest, and they were just as enjoyable the second time around. I finished A Tapestry of Secrets this evening, and I am thrilled to find out that there is a new book coming soon. I would happily read anything with your name on it. Thank you for the hours of pleasure I have had with your books. May God bless you as you continue to create.
Wow! You just made my week. Thank you SO much for letting me know how much you enjoy my stories.