When I was a kid, vacation meant time away from school. It meant a trip to the West Virginia State Fair or Sea World or the beach. It meant fun and freedom!
When I was first married vacation meant time away with my man. It meant time to travel back home to see my family. It meant time away from work.
Today, vacation often means time to write. Time to do my other job while putting the demands of my work at the children’s home on the back burner for a while. It means time to escape to a world of my own creation.
That’s what this week is all about. I’ve had a few little vacations here and there this year to go to conferences, visit family, and just loll around in my pajamas. But this week is all about finishing book #3.
The funny thing is, book #3–The Memory of Drowning–was written, oh, seven or so years ago. It was my first manuscript and as such has been “done” more times than I can count. But now it’s time to truly whip it into shape as the third installment of the Appalachian Blessings series.
And guess what? Turns out it’s easier to write a book from scratch than to go back and “fix” a manuscript I wrote when I had more enthusiasm than good sense. Oy. I mean, stuff has happened! Book #3 is set in 2008 and I now have 60+ years of back story to keep in mind as I edit the living daylights out of this manuscript.
Nonetheless, I’m excited to tell this story. I’m eager for you to meet Perla and Casewell’s granddaughter, Ella. I’m thrilled to walk with her as she travels a journey of faith that’s none too easy. You know, just like the rest of us.
Wish me well. Pray for me. I have a story to tell and I want to do it WELL.