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:
When
Gemma Lyfeld inadvertently interrupts a dangerous smuggling operation in her
English village, she's rescued by a mysterious Scottish spy. Now with criminals
after her and her hopes for an expected marriage proposal recently dashed, she
will make her society debut in London. But not without the man tasked with
protecting her…
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
