Whether a writer or not, sometimes things don't work out quite the way we'd like or in our timing. Today, author Susanne Dietze shares how one idea took eight years to come to fruition. -- Sandy
Susanne: My
first novel releases this month, and I can tell you precisely where I was and
what I was doing when the idea of it first sprouted in my head. I was pulling
my car into my driveway, and a song on the radio mentioned rain. Suddenly, in
my mind’s eye I saw my hero, dressed in black, standing out in the rain at
night, looking up at his heroine’s window.
This
happened over eight long years ago, by the way.
At
the time, my hero was a secondary character in a novel that never worked out.
He had a different name and I had a different plan for him. I don’t know quite
why he popped into my head at that moment, but when he did, I couldn’t help
wondering, why would he stand out in the cold rain like that, dressed in black?
Answering
that question resulted in The Reluctant
Guardian, but like I said, it took a long time.
My
first attempt with the story of the man in black finalled in a contest, but
something wasn’t quite right with the story. As time went on, I set it aside
when I received other writing opportunities. Nevertheless, that story about the
man in the rain was still in my heart and I wrote, rewrote, tweaked and revised
as I was able.
About
a year ago, after a conversation with an editor at Love Inspired Historical, I
submitted the manuscript, and a few weeks later, I was offered a contract. It
all happened quickly, but the years leading up to it had me wondering if the
story of the man in black would ever be seen by anyone but me.
It’s
been a reminder to me that nothing is
wasted in God’s economy. In the years between parking my car and imagining
of the man in black to the day when my book hits shelves, I’ve learned about
storytelling, the industry, plotting, dialogue, and setting. Writing my first
failed novel was excellent practice. Rewriting and tweaking The Reluctant Guardian helped me grow as
a writer, too, and it’s comforting to know that our mistakes and detours are
still important parts of our journey.
That’s
given me fresh perspective on my writing tasks. Rejections can be tools for
learning; postponements can be valuable teachers. Nothing is wasted if I view obstacles
as ways to guide my thinking and growth.
And
it’s made holding my book all the sweeter.
Is there a dream you never thought you'd see realized that was only a matter of waiting?
~~~~~~
Susanne
Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the
starring roles. Today, she's the award-winning author of a dozen new and
upcoming historical romances. A pastor's wife and mom of two, she loves
fancy-schmancy tea parties, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a
costume drama and a plate of nachos. You can visit her on her website,
www.susannedietze.com, and sign up for her newsletter for an occasional cheery
hello: http://eepurl.com/bieza5
The
Reluctant Guardian Blurb:

Covert
government agent Tavin Knox must keep Gemma safe from the criminals who think
she can identify them—a mission he never wanted. But as he escorts her and her
rascally nephews around London, the lovely English lass proves braver than he
ever imagined. Suddenly, the spy who works alone has one Season to become the
family man he never dreamed he'd be.
Links:
Twitter
@SusanneDietze
Facebook.com/SusanneDietzeBooks
Suzanne, this isn't as dramatic as yours but I had given up hope of being a grandmother. My only child, a daughter, married in her early thirties. After awhile it become obvious that a child wasn't one if her goals so I contented myself with loving the children in my church and the those that visited the public library where I worked. But lo
ReplyDeleteand behold, I became a first-time grandmother at age 63 and I am enjoying every minute!
By the way, I took the quiz in your newsletter and Emmett was my hero!
So glad that you were granted your dream.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Connie! Thank you so much for sharing your story with me! I can absolutely relate to yearning for a baby and wanting something for your child, and wondering if it will ever come to be. You were so wise to love the children in your church and your community. What a delight that God gave your family a precious little one! Congratulations!
DeleteI am SO GLAD you shared the results of your Hero Quiz! I confess I'm so curious how it all turned out for people! It's such a silly quiz but I hope it was fun. Emmett is a sweetheart, too! LOL.
Thanks for sharing with us today! I hope you have a fabulous day.
Thank you so much for hosting me here today, Sandra! I'm honored to share the story of my journey.
DeleteIt's a pleasure to have you, Susanne, and we're thankful you shared your publishing experience to encourage us!
DeleteConnie, I'm right there with you on the grandmother bit, though my child still has some time. :)
DeleteNow, I'm curious about that quiz!
Here's the newsletter link, so you can take the Hero Quiz! Let me know who you get!
Deletehttp://eepurl.com/czKPxv
A great quiz (and newsletter), Susanne. What a clever idea! I got Tavin (by far), but I wouldn't object to the other two. ;)
DeleteTavin is a great choice! It's such a silly little quiz but hopefully it's a few minutes of fun!
DeleteI'm glad you liked the newsletter! It was fun to put together.
Hmm, I know I won't be a granny. But I do have a book that I just knew would be my first published novel. It's still waiting. I have two published novellas, but still have hopes of seeing this book in print.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story!
Terri, I can relate 100%. I published three novellas before getting the novel contract. You are doing the right thing, forging ahead with other projects, but that doesn't mean there isn't hope or a plan for that novel, too!
DeleteI wish you the very best with that precious first book!