Winner!
And the winner of Shannon Vannatter’s White Roses is . . .
Molly! (Mollydawn1981@ . . .)
Congrats, Molly! I’m getting in touch with you now. =)
Thoughtful About . . . The Right Thing
This may be rambling, so we’ll have to see where I go with it–at the moment, I’m not quite sure.
There are times in life when we know absolutely what we have to do. Times when the Lord speaks so clearly, guides so strongly that we have no doubts. We recognize His hand, His touch, and when we obey, we feel His blessing.
Until we don’t. What do we do then?
I’ve come across a lot of devotions and really beautiful essays by some kick-butt believers on this subject–and none of it really helps when you’re actually in the doldrums. Without wind in your sails, you’re just paddling along, and having someone spout some lovely lyrics doesn’t always help and certainly doesn’t keep your muscles from screaming. Right? So what do we do?
Right at this particular moment, I’m not there. But one of my dearest friends just talked to me last night about how her doctor diagnosed her with moderate depression. This didn’t totally surprise me; just made a few things click, like, “Oh, guess that’s why you said you weren’t eating . . . or ever leaving your house . . . or . . .” Still, I’m one of those that thinks often times “depression” is over-diagnosed. Not that people don’t have issues, just that drugs aren’t the cure-all for them. And this friend feels the same way. She told her doctor, “Thanks. Now that I know this isn’t something to brush off, I won’t brush it off anymore. I’ll pull myself together.”
She also realizes she can’t do it alone. She was telling me this at Bible study, which marks one of the first times she’s gotten out to a church function in months, even though every time I talk to her, she says how she needs it. She’s been going out everyday and making sure she’s eating a balanced diet. She’s praying and talking to her friends.
Will it “fix” her? I don’t know. But I know she’s doing the right thing.
But what about the problems me and my writing friends face so often? When we have one success followed by score after score of disappointments? When we know God called us to this career, when we followed His open doors, and somehow ended up here–with abysmal sales numbers and no direction for the future?
In those moments, it’s hard to believe that we were ever right to begin with. Maybe we shouldn’t have followed this path, maybe we made a wrong choice somewhere along the line. We’ve got these plans that seemed inspired, but is anything really going to help?
I don’t know. I really don’t. I think maybe sometimes God leads us to these barren places because we’re not ready for the bounty. I think sometimes it’s to teach us to rely on Him. I think sometimes it just happens because that’s the way of the world–and in those times, it’s not our part to question his leading to begin with, but to put our hand in His, close our eyes, and say, “If it’s your will, let this cup pass from me. I really don’t know how to deal with it. But still–not my will, but yours be done.”
I’m not sure about the Right way to handle these times. But I know that every time I’m in them and cry out, “God, please! Send me something!” He does. Has it been huge contracts and best-selling numbers? Um, no. But it’s been something just as good, if not better. It’s been people who let me know I matter, that my words matter.
Time and again we’re told that publishing is, when it comes down to it, a business. True. But writing is not. Writing’s between the author and God, between the reader and God.
Remembering it–that’s the Right Thing.
Remember When . . . There Was Just Too Much?
I have a thousand page book I’m reading for research. I have pages and pages of notes. I have 50 half-page sheets of scenes I need to include in my novel. And suddenly (okay, not so suddenly) it hits me: there’s just too much.
Sometimes when you’re searching for one historical fact, you can’t find it to save your life. And sometimes you have so many facts, so much history around a particular event that the novelist has a whole new plight–what should be included, and what has to be shoved aside? What can get a one-line mention later, and what has to be ignore altogether?
This can be an agonizing process, especially for someone like me who genuinely loves history. Reading Herodotus’s account of the war between Persia and Greece, I find some cool little tidbit on nearly every page that I’d love to put into my book.
But unless I want that book to be 1000 pages like Herodotus’s The Histories . . . um, yeah. I gotta get choosy.
That’s what I’ve been doing this past week. I’ve been reading and checking my notes, I’ve been underlining and crossing out. I’ve been staring at the page going, “Can I work this in? Is it worth it?” and sighing a lot as I decide, “No. It has no relevance to my story.”
I know this must be done–a novelist cannot include every single historical detail. But at the same time, I feel like I’m cheating. Like if I don’t mention this particular thunderstorm that killed 300 men, I’m going to be denying them their due–or that some crusty old history professor is going to get on the news boycotting my book because I neglected this fact. (Actually, that would be some awesome press! Oh crusty professor! Come rail at me!!)
But that leaves Historical Novelist Me with another problem–making sure I don’t err on the opposite side and leave out too much. I don’t want to overwhelm my readers . . . but I also want to keep them grounded in the setting, the time, and the events. I want them to get a full dose of what was going on. What if I choose the wrong parts, leave out something vital, and my readers go away feeling like something is missing?
Thankfully I have critters to help ensure this doesn’t happen, but still. As I’m agonizing over my notes, it’s a concern. I don’t want my book to be like history–too heavy in some things and totally missing in others. I want it to be a complete story, the thing a novel can be and history never is. Here’s praying God keeps whispering in my ear on that score, eh?
In the past, I’ve done my fair share of head-shaking when TV or novels leave out details I deem crucial, but I officially get where they’re coming from. Yes, tidbits can be cool. Yes, they can be important to history. That doesn’t make them relevant.
Unless, of course, y’all would like a 1,000 page novel?? 😉
Story Time . . .YESTERDAY’S PROMISE Interview & Giveaway
Well, I just (literally) scrolled through the last page of a truly delightful e-book, so it is with some serious pleasure that I announce an extra treat for y’all today–a interview with Delia Latham and the chance to win a gift card for White Rose Publishing that you can use to purchase her book (and others)!
Here’s the way this one will work–as usual, you leave a comment and email address. But rather than me selecting a winner next week, Delia will be gathering comments all through her blog tour. At the end of the month, she’ll select two winners, who will receive $10 gift cards for her e-publisher’s site! You’re welcome to follow her on her tour and leave a new comment at each location for extra chances to win.
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About Delia
DELIA LATHAM is a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. While she considers each of these roles important ones, she treasures most of all her role as a child of the King and an heir to the throne.
A former newspaper staff writer, Delia promised herself a novel for years, while raising her four children, working at various jobs and writing the occasional article, poem, or song. In 2008, Vintage Romance Publishing released Goldeneyes, her first novel. A Christian historical romance with a touch of intrigue, Goldeneyes is set in the farm country of her childhood, and therefore close to the author’s heart. Yesterday’s Promise released March 12, 2010, and a children’s book, Adam’s Wings, will be available December 2010.
Delia grew up in Weedpatch, a little agricultural community near Bakersfield, in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Currently, she lives with her husband Johnny in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
She is currently at work on a contemporary series.
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About Yesterday’s Promise
A whirlwind romance amidst the natural splendor of Yosemite National Park. A spur-of-the-moment wedding at the foot of Bridalveil Fall. A young bride who awakens the morning after to find her new husband gone with the mountain wind.
Songbird Hannah Johns supports the child born of that ill-fated union by singing in a dinner lounge. Her dream of someday owning the elite establishment and turning it into a venue more suited to her Christian values is shattered when an unexpected transaction places it in the hands of Brock Ellis, the handsome biker who abandoned her in their honeymoon suite.
Ensuing sparks fly high, revealing buried secrets and forgotten pasts. Seeking to find peace with her painful past, Hannah returns to Yosemite, only to have Brock show up hard on her heels. Back where it all began, she finds herself in danger of losing her heart yet again to the man who shattered it the first time around.
My Review:
I’m a real sucker for stories about reunions between a one-time couple forced together again–and when you throw a kid into the mix, it’s always livens the plot. I knew I was in store for a story like this in Yesterday’s Promise. What I didn’t expect was part of the hero’s story and the reason, on his side, for the years between them. Delia Latham managed to take some tried-and-true plot elements and turn them into something fresh, new, and thoroughly entertaining.
I sat down with my digital copy of this book in the afternoon and finished it after dinner. It’s quick, light, and easy in terms of time and effort–but it packs a wallop in those few pages! I love the deep-seated faith of the heroine, I love the rough edges but huge heart of the hero, and I love the sparks that fly between them.
Yesterday’s Promise is a wonderful little e-book with a whole lot of heart. This is two hours of your time well invested!
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What’s your latest book?
Yesterday’s Promise released March 12, 2010 through White Rose Publishing.
What’s your favorite part of the story?
I love the parts that include my heroine’s son, Davey. Children as characters are so much fun, and Davey is an exceptionally charming little boy. I had a ball with him. =)
Oh, and he’s a cutie! I’m especially fond of his misunderstanding about the work “Yosemite.” My daughter does that with “Eureka,” saying “My Reka” instead, LOL. What was the hardest part to write?
Without a doubt, the resolution – where the hero and heroine finally admit their feelings for each other and get together. I can’t share a lot about that particular scene, because so many questions that are raised throughout the storyline are answered there. But I did have a hard time finding an interesting way to break down the obstacles.
And it was both what I wanted/expected and yet handled creatively, with some unexpected twists. Excellent! What do you hope your readers will get out of the story?
A recognition that God has it all under control. All of it. Everything. And the determination to trust Him, no matter how dark the night, or how impossible the situation. He knows. He cares. And He has a perfect plan. The trick is learning to trust Him during the various phases between disaster and perfection.
That’s definitely a lesson that comes through clearly. I loved hearing your heroine talk things out with God. Great stuff! Now, let’s move things along into the personal. What would your dream office look like—and what does your REAL writing environment look like?
Oh, how I would love to have an office totally dedicated to writing! It would be fun to have the walls decorated with big posters of the cover art from my books, and inspirational quotes to keep me in the perfect frame of mind. I’d love to have a gorgeous view from a huge window…maybe overlooking a lake. No clutter. Just soft colors, perfect order, and sweet peace.
In reality, my office is housed in an extra bedroom. My desk sits on one end, and my husband’s on the other—I think it still does, anyway. I’d have to dig down through all the clutter on top to find it. =) Amazingly enough, he knows exactly where everything is in that mess! My ironing board stays upright most of the time on one side of the room—but I take it down when I clean the place up for company, I promise! The walls are adorned with family pictures and leftover pieces of wall décor that I couldn’t find a spot for anywhere else. It’s a hodgepodge of styles. And then, of course, there are the two stacked-to-overflowing bookshelves… (sigh). I don’t have a lake to look out on either, but my front yard is rather pretty during Springtime. It’s not much, but it’s a far cry from a typewriter on one end of the kitchen table, which is what I had when my four kids were little. =)
Mine’s a laptop instead of a typwriter, but it’s at the end of the kitchen table, LOL. I have a desk–I just don’t get much time at it, given the necessity of watching the munchkins. =) So what lessons have you learned through the publication process that you wouldn’t have guessed as a pre-published writer?
1. Learn marketing. It is an author’s responsibility. Some large publishers may take on the lion’s share, but if you’re published through a small publisher, plan on being very active on the marketing end.
2. Having a book accepted for publishing does not guarantee success in the writing field. Nor does it guarantee financial freedom—in fact, depending on the amount of marketing you do, it could cost you.
3. There are disreputable people in this industry, just like any other. Know your publisher. Do your research before you sign a contract.
That’s some great wisdom! Are there any people (family, writing group, editors) who you rely on when writing?
Definitely my editors—both of them have been amazing. Their suggestions are always valid and valuable. Also, my critique buddies, Sally Laity and Saundra Randolph. I can’t imagine sending in a manuscript without their input. Then, too, it helps that my husband is so supportive of my addiction to writing, and doesn’t complain when I lock myself away for hours and days on end. Plus, he cooks—yay! I’m fortunate not to have to worry about turning my characters off to get food on the table. Sometimes it’s hard enough to leave them alone long enough to eat what’s waiting on the table. lol
I’m sending my hubby to yours for a few lessons . . . he at least springs for takeout when I’m really absorbed though, LOL. Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?
Well, I work full-time, so…between that and just keeping a house running properly—or at least passably, lol—I do have to schedule writing time and be disciplined about using that time for its intended purpose.
And now I’m sending my house your way for some help in that “at least passably” department. 😉 What are you writing right now?
I’m working on the second book in a 3-part series called Solomon’s Gate, based around a Christian dating agency by that name. The first book is finished, and I’m busily pitching it to editors. I could use a bunch of prayer pals in that regard….
Praying! Sounds like a fun premise! Any upcoming releases we should keep our eye out for?
Actually, I have a children’s book, Adam’s Wings, which will be available December 2010. Hopefully the next release after that will be the first book in the Solomon’s Gate series.
I sure hope so! Is there another author who has greatly influenced your writing?
I’ve been an avid reader ever since I first learned to read. Over the years, I’ve read a great number of authors, and found things to admire (or not…) about many of them. But I think probably the greatest influence on my own writing style was Grace Livingston Hill. I devoured her books as a teenager, and while she probably wasn’t the greatest writer in terms of technique and style, her storylines were captivating, clean and inspiring to young Christian women. Occasionally when I’m deep into a story, I’ll realize that something I’ve just written rings of Hill’s influence. It makes me smile. =)
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Delia! Readers, check her out on the web at www.delialatham.net
You can purchase Yesterday’s Promise at Amazon or White Rose Publishing.
The drawing will be done by Delia on June 1–I’ll be posting this to the Christian Review of Books, and the next stops on the tour are A Minute with Marianne and A Merciful Heart. Check them out tomorrow and Wednesday!
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered a confirmation of eligibility based on your local laws.
Modern . . . Music
Don’t ask me why this topic just popped into my head–I’ve got no clue, LOL. But it should be interesting. =)
Confession: I don’t listen to much modern music. My radio stays tuned to the classical station–which on Friday nights plays Big Band music. My family refers to Fridays from 6-9 as Music Night, and we all gather in the living room to read, talk, and dance to Glen Miller and Benny Goodman and the like.
Other than these two styles of music, I tend to go around singing (anyone wanna take a wild guess here?) songs from the kids’ shows. We’re especially fond of Phineas and Ferb, which has a truly inspired repertoire of music. (Not kidding–they’ve got a fantastic music writer!)
Now, in life in general, I have no problems with my musical choices. It only gets a little difficult when I’m writing a contemporary and have my characters listening to music. They can’t all like classical and swing, and they certainly can’t all go around singing the theme song to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
This is where friends are so awesome. When I need a character to be listening to modern musicians, they are my go-to source for what my characters might like. Although in Note to Self, I cheated and had her singing an oldie–I’m fairly coherent when it comes to talking anything prior to the 90s. =)
What is my point in this? I have no idea. Perhaps that I adore my critique partners, who can help me round out my characters even in these seemingly-small ways. Perhaps that I do appreciate music, even if I’m embarrassingly out-of-date. Or perhaps that it’s Monday, which means modern, and I’m so stuck in Ancient Persia right now that I’ve got nothing else of import to share, LOL.
Hope everyone’s week is off to a fabulous start! And for reference, check out my new “Current Giveaway” gadget in the sidebar–a handy way to link without having to take up space in my current blog. Cool, huh? And for reference, there’ll be a second giveaway tomorrow, for Delia Latham’s Yesterday’s Promise. Don’t miss it!
About Me
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. Having successfully launched two homeschool grads, she now spends her time writing fiction, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years, as well as a fantasy series and contemporary mysteries and romances. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.