Betty: Not long ago, I discovered a general truth: one of the best ways to encourage yourself as a writer is to encourage other writers. I suppose it’s true about life in general, but I’ve found writers to be especially vulnerable, sensitive creatures. Why is that? For one thing, writing is an artistic pursuit. Artists tend to be extremely fickle. They love what they’re working on today, but despise it tomorrow. Degas said, “Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.” The same could be said about writing.
One thing I’ve learned about the craft—you can never stop learning—the rules keep changing. So it’s an ongoing, continuing education kind of existence, which can cause discouragement. You think you know what you’re doing until you submit a story somewhere. I have a friend who goes through agony with each rejection. She told me it’s like they keep moving the finish line. She’s ready to quit forever. I just let her talk it out, because I know she’ll never quit. Writers are like that. If you’re called to write, you can’t not write. Having someone to talk to when you’re down is one of the best ways to overcome your anxiety. Another writer knows exactly what you’re going through. Calming your fear, and your discouragement not only helps you, but also builds strength in the one giving you support. Think about it, when you reach out to others and help them, doesn’t it make you feel really good inside? Not that you should only do these things for your own satisfaction, but if you’re down—feeling like quitting—maybe you need to reach out and help someone else. Perhaps this will get your mind off the writer in the mirror.
Do you have someone who can provide the support you need when things aren't going as planned or hoped?
~~~~~
Betty Thomason Owens writes historical fiction, fantasy-adventure, and romantic comedy. She has contributed articles and interviews to various blogs around the Internet and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), where she leads a critique group. She’s a mentor, assisting other writers, a co-founder of a blog dedicated to inspiring writers, and serves on the planning committee of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference.
Her writing credits include Grace Award-winning Annabelle’s Ruth, Book 1, Kinsman Redeemer Series (2015), Amelia's Legacy, Book 1, Legacy Series (2014), and Carlotta’s Legacy, Book 2 of the Legacy Series (2016), from Write Integrity Press. She writes contemporary stories as a co-author of A Dozen Apologies and its sequels, The Love Boat Bachelor and Unlikely Merger, (2015). She has two fantasy-adventure novels, The Lady of the Haven and A Gathering of Eagles, in a second edition published by Sign of the Whale BooksTM, an imprint of Olivia Kimbrell PressTM.
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Carlotta’s Legacy
Her life is in a downhill plunge. Will marrying an Italian count bring Rebecca the love she’s dreamed of?Rebecca Lewis is a reluctant bride-to-be. Marrying Riccardo Alverá, a young Italian count, may seem like a dream come true—an instant answer to her family’s dire straits. But it also means she must leave American soil, possibly forever.
Riccardo is relentless in his pursuit of Rebecca. After her father’s death, she and her mother set sail for Italy. Though Rebecca is still plagued by doubt, Riccardo’s warmth and humor soon melt the icy frost encasing her heart. But as Rebecca settles into his Italian villa, her questions and fears return.
His mother, Carlotta Alverá, is dedicated to strict Roman Catholic beliefs. Will she ever accept Rebecca, who has no real faith? After Rebecca’s mother decides to pursue life on her own terms, peace comes to the villa. But not for long.
Trouble finds Rebecca, even in the tranquil heart of Italy. As political unrest shakes the core of Italian society, a dark shadow falls over Riccardo’s beautiful estate. In her deepest despair, Rebecca confronts her past, finds forgiveness, and finally … the love and acceptance she’s always longed for.
