Writing a novella is an amazing experience. What begins as a
kernel of an idea batted around by four individuals often melds into a
wonderful pot of stew. However, if the “write” team isn’t careful, one
seasoning can ruin a meal.
Teamwork
In our novella, Sundays in Fredericksburg, we read each other’s works, offered suggestions and worked toward a viable timeline. This novel is based on four generations of women, so it was important to weave in the names and years correctly. Margie Vawter, Connie Stevens and Lynette Sowell are strong historical writers, so I gladly picked up the contemporary slot.
In our novella, Sundays in Fredericksburg, we read each other’s works, offered suggestions and worked toward a viable timeline. This novel is based on four generations of women, so it was important to weave in the names and years correctly. Margie Vawter, Connie Stevens and Lynette Sowell are strong historical writers, so I gladly picked up the contemporary slot.
Research
The August before our deadline, Connie visited Texas and met with Lynette and I to tour Fredericksburg. (Margie was familiar with the area.) We interviewed ladies at the museums, poked into antique stores, drove around the area and dined on fabulous food. Research can be so taxing! But all of that effort adds “salt and pepper” to the stew. Accuracy. Readers are fond of pointing out incorrect details, so be careful when you write.
The August before our deadline, Connie visited Texas and met with Lynette and I to tour Fredericksburg. (Margie was familiar with the area.) We interviewed ladies at the museums, poked into antique stores, drove around the area and dined on fabulous food. Research can be so taxing! But all of that effort adds “salt and pepper” to the stew. Accuracy. Readers are fond of pointing out incorrect details, so be careful when you write.
The Romancing America series by Barbour contains many
stories of love lost/love found. All the books feature the strong element of
faith. I hope you enjoy our novella contribution to this wonderful line of
books when you read our stories. Let us know what you think!
Thank you for the visit!
Dora here. What about you? Have you tackled writing a novella or
worked together on a joint project?
Care to share how that worked for you?
Sundays in Fredericksburg ~ Purchase Link
Come down to Fredericksburg,
Texas, where four generations of couples encounter romance in Sunday Houses.
Having become a schoolteacher to avoid marriage, Amelia Bachman finds her
resolve crumbling before a smitten carpenter. Determined not to fall in love,
Mildred Zimmermann carefully nurses an army medic crippled in love and war.
Somewhat of a homebody, Trudy Meier isn’t sure she has the courage to love a
roving reporter. Gwendolyn’s beautiful wildflower field is threatened by a
geologist’s search for knowledge. Will these four women risk their hearts for
the love a stranger?
Eileen Key
retired after teaching school for thirty years. She is a freelance writer and
editor, with two mysteries and three novellas published. Mother of three,
grandmother of three, Eileen resides in San Antonio ,
Texas , where she is an active member of Grace Community
Church
Lynette Sowell