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| Kathleen Rouser |
Some
writers seem to be on the fast track to publishing, while others take a bit
longer—or a lot longer—to make it to the finish line. Author Kathleen Rouser shares her journey,
and it’s one many of us can relate to. ~ Dawn
The
Truth About Writing by Kathleen Rouser
There are times when I’m really into my writing, joy flows
through me as I place each word on the page and I can’t wait to sit down and
write again. But more often than not, I find it difficult to keep my derriere
glued to the chair as other tasks beckon me.
My inner editor is a difficult taskmaster, whispering in one
ear that I need to write the perfect words. In the other ear she taunts me that
I’ll never be great at it, followed by a sinister laugh. Okay, so I’ve
exaggerated about the sinister laugh.
Only truth will successfully combat the insidious internal
editor: It’s all right that I can’t write perfectly, but I need to write
something—I can rewrite later. And I must focus on the One who gives me
strength and ideas, taking the pressure off myself.
A writer’s chief dream is usually to be published. From the
time I was four-years-old I dreamed of writing a real book. However, the
journey took longer than expected.
As my children grew I became more serious about writing. I
began with a course in writing children’s literature when my youngest was still
a toddler, but I lacked confidence and had so many excuses—I wasn’t the
greatest typist, I don’t have the time, I can’t write to someone else’s
formula. I wanted to write for the Lord, but I didn’t know where to start.
Eventually, He connected me with another writer who shared
my passion for God’s word. Through her I connected with other Christian
authors. I wrote an historical novel dealing with loss, which was cathartic for
me. I learned much through that first manuscript I finished, happily writing
“The End.”
In 2003, I wrote an historical romance. The first time I was
able to pitch to an editor at a conference I stuttered so much, the editor
kindly told me to take my time and relax.
Over time, the story evolved. My journey took new twists as
God provided the right agent, and eventually a publisher. After many stops and
starts, returning to college, and the ups and downs of family life, the Lord
answered my prayers. I was offered a contract in 2014 for the story, which
became Rumors and Promises, for
publication in April of 2016 with Heritage Beacon Fiction.
After nearly thirteen years my novel was born, like the
proverbial tortoise in the race against the hare. Some authors are published
within a year or two of earnestly beginning the writer’s journey. For some,
like myself, the quest for publication takes closer to 20 years.
It isn’t really a race with other writers. God knows each of
our frames, what we can handle, and what we need to learn.
Fellow writer, do not be discouraged! Don’t give up! Sit
down each day and write some prose that is beautiful to your Heavenly Father,
because you’re called. Write something less than perfect and see what He has to
teach you today.
Will the scandals of her
past destroy his hope for their future?
Sophie
Biddle is an heiress on the run. Worse, she has a two-year-old child in tow, an
illegitimate daughter she tries to pass off as her little sister. Believing
herself abandoned by family and God, Sophie is caught off guard when she meets
a kind, but meddling and handsome minister at the local mercantile. Despite her
dire straits, Sophie wants only acceptance—not special treatment from the
reverend of anyone else.
Reverend
Ian McCormick is determined to start anew in Stone Creek, Michigan, believing
he has failed God and his former flock. He works harder than ever to forget his
mistake, hoping to prove himself a pleasing servant to his new congregation and
once again to God.
In spite of their attempts to stay romantically untangled,
Sophie and Ian find themselves drawn closer through their mutual love of music
and their love for the child, Caira. When rumors of her “scandalous” past
surface, Ian must decide whether to stand by the lovely Sophie’s side, while
Sophie must decide whether to confess the ruse she thought necessary. Will they
accept God’s forgiveness and risk forging a future together? Or will they
continue to go it alone?
Kathleen Rouser
has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a
writer before she could even read. She desires to create characters who
resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their
everyday lives. Kathleen has been published in anthologies, including the
Amazon bestseller, Christmas Treasures,
as well as in both print and online magazines. Her debut full-length novel, Rumors and Promises, was recently
published by Heritage Beacon Fiction in April, 2016. Previously a home-school
mom of three, she has more recently been a college student and a mild-mannered
dental assistant. Along with her sassy tail-less cat, she lives in Michigan
with her hero and husband of 34 years, who not only listens to her stories, but
also cooks for her.
Links:
Website: www.kathleenrouser.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kerouser
Twitter: @KathleenRouser
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kerouser/
