I’m working on rewrites right now on a project that just may
finallllly be coming together. Ever feel like that?
Let me back up a little bit. At the end of May, I printed
off a manuscript I’ve been working on. That gave me a chance to see it in hard
copy, read it aloud in a different setting than the usual. A very fruitful exercise,
if by fruitful you count:
Discouragement—this thing will never be ready
Disappointment—I thought this story was stronger than this
Fear—do I have what it takes to do this?
I knew what I wanted to see, but I wasn’t seeing it. I
wanted rich layers and descriptions. I wanted to be in the story world and get
caught up in the conflict and romance. Welp, as my daughter would say, that’s
not what I found. At least not consistently.
So, what to do?
I began with praying. A lot. Motivated, begging prayers
like, “Oh, help” and “Are You sure You called me to this?” just to keep things
light.
Then, He answered in a wise and seriously helpful way.
Just keep going.
See, the more times I go through this manuscript, the more
familiar it becomes. The more layers I can add. The more emotions and character
realism. I’m becoming an expert on this story.
And guess what? It’s working.
As I’m faithful to sit down and work on these rewrites, He’s
faithful to guide me. The story feels right more and more. (You know that
feeling, I’m sure.)
So, how does God encourage you?
Write on, friends!
~~~~~
Her Nerdy Cowboy |
Whoever heard of a bookish cowboy? When Logan
McDaniel’s brother-in-law dies, he steps in to help his beloved sister run her
ranch. But what does a city boy know of herding cattle? Claire Langley loved
her cousin. After he dies, she agrees to serve as a temporary nanny for two
heartbroken children.
Claire and Logan find they share a love of books, and
Claire can’t resist the nerdy uncle who is great with children, and who reads
to her of pirate romance. Claire’s ailing mother needs her in Seattle. Can she
break away? And if she does, can there ever be a future for Logan and her?
~~~~~
Annette M. Irby |
Annette M. Irby has three published books and
runs her own freelance editing business, AMI Editing.
See her page here on Seriously Write for more information.
*photo credit: Running Track by foto76 at freedigitalphotos.net