When Ideas Come

Don't you just love when you come up with a new story idea? It has to be one of the best feelings in the world. For me, ideas come in scenes that I dwell on until I have enough to start putting my ideas into words. I love how the smallest things can trigger new ideas, and they really come when you're least expecting them

Today while sitting at my desk I had a scene pop into my mind that encompasses two of my favorite things: the beach and castles. Guess I'm missing the ocean more than I thought--or else the Olympics in London are making me yearn for British castles and coasts once again. :) Now I'm excited to see where this one scene will lead me!

For you writers out there, has anyone else had a new story idea come to mind that they can wait to pursue?

I just found this online here. 

I'll have to get one of these since--let's face it--most great ideas happen in the shower!

[And for those who have been following my posts on Beyond the Orchard, still no update. My co-worker is out of town this week, but promised to finish my manuscript and talk to me when she gets back. Hopefully I'll finally have some feedback next week!]

Waiting...

The hardest part about submitting a manuscript for publication is WAITING. And yes, after a month, I'm still waiting to hear what my co-worker has to say about my story. Although I'm grateful for this opportunity and for any feedback she has for me, I'm feeling less and less confident about having publishing prospects. I kind of get the impression that if my co-worker was really impressed, she would've talked to me about it by now. And thirdly, the more I think about my story, the more work I believe it needs.

As you know, I turned Beyond the Orchard into two books. And now I'm having second doubts. Again.

I think if I could turn it back into one, concise story, it may have a better chance of getting published somewhere. But how do you turn a 530+ page novel into an under 400 pages one? Ideally, closer to 300? It's hard to cut things out, especially after spending so much time re-working them and growing so attached.

But my husband read it, and even he was frustrated with the cut-off ending. I don't like it when other authors do it to me, so why should I leave my readers hanging?

Hmmm.

So lots to think about as I wait to hear back from my co-worker. Maybe there will have to be some drastic changes to my novel after all.

Thoughts

Ugh. I'm definitely not digging this new blog look, so it will probably be changed again soon...

I really shouldn't be writing right now, but sometimes when my heart feels heavy, writing is the only way to set things right. I've been struggling with something for almost a year now, and although I'm trying hard to trust in the Lord, it seems to get harder and harder to deal with--especially since I can't escape being constantly surrounded by it. (Sorry this isn't very descriptive, but I don't want to share details since it's so personal.)

Today especially has been tough (and it's still early!), and I really want to pour out my soul to God and ask, "Why?" Of course, I know what I should really be thinking is "Why not?" Sure, I've had to deal with challenges and trials before, and they always worked out for the best in the end. This really can't be an exception, but it doesn't make it any less difficult. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for me, and maybe my timing and "needs" aren't the same as His timing and needs for me. I wish I could always have the kind of faith and hope that allows me to trust in the Lord without wavering, but I'm definitely far from perfect.

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11, emphasis added). This has become almost a theme in my life--to enjoy the journey and not worry so much about where I am in life versus where I want to be. But it must be followed by verse 13 in the same chapter: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." I know I can't do anything alone.

I don't know if things are going to get any easier, but I'm trying to look at this trial as an opportunity to grow stronger. No, it's not ideal, and it's still going to be hard to bare until I can more clearly see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I know it's there. Sometimes you have to walk in the dark before the path is illuminated for you. Until then, I'll count my blessings and look for other things to keep my mind occupied.

For example, working on book two of Beyond the Orchard...

New Look

I'm trying to update the look of my blog to resemble my manuscript, so please don't be too startled if it looks different every time you come on for the next few weeks.... I'll get it right eventually!

Something to think about

"The power of a glance has been so much abused in love stories, that it has come to be disbelieved in. Few people dare now to say that two beings have fallen in love because they have looked at each other. Yet it is in this way that love begins, and in this way only."

-Victor Hugo, from Les Miserables

I believe it. Do you?