Writing Life: The Rewards of Patience

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

“That’s the magic of revisions – every cut is necessary, and every cut hurts, but something new always grows.”  ― Kelly Barnhill

“The writer must have a good imagination to begin with, but the imagination has to be muscular, which means it must be exercised in a disciplined way, day in and day out, by writing, failing, succeeding and revising.” ― Stephen King

“The best advice I can give on this is, once it’s done, to put it away until you can read it with new eyes. When you’re ready, pick it up and read it, as if you’ve never read it before. If there are things you aren’t satisfied with as a reader, go in and fix them as a writer: that’s revision.” ― Neil Gaiman

I recently hit the point in revising HOW TO HEAL A LIFE where I’m even more connected to the story and the characters. I’m adding those extra little touches that allow for deeper meaning and emotional impact. I’m learning far more than I knew I was missing about who these characters are. At the same time, I’ve been strengthening their interactions, tweaking the overall story arc, and filling in any plot holes.

It feels really good to be at this point. I wanted to wrap this book up MONTHS ago, but I’m so very glad I stuck it out and kept on plugging away at the revision phase instead of calling it “quits” too early. I would’ve been seriously disappointed in myself. Especially when it came to this book. Seth’s journey is a difficult one, but I always hoped that would make the book all the more emotional and powerful for the reader. I wanted to give his story the attention it deserved. 

Now it’s coming together to be what I’d always envisioned for his story, and I couldn’t be happier.

I have a bit more to go with the revisions, but for me, this is one of the most rewarding parts of the writing process. I can’t wait to do my next read-through and see the full effect.

Monthly Reader Giveaway: Enter to win a signed copy of FOR LOVE AND FOREVER

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For this Month’s Giveaway:

I’m selecting two winners this month. Each will receive 1 copy of FOR LOVE AND FOREVER in their choice of format as specified below:

1) an e-book copy in MOBI, EPUB, or PDF format

– or –

2) a signed trade paperback

How to Enter the Giveaway:

Rules and Terms: 

  • The giveaway runs now until the end of the day tomorrow. All entries must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 28thTwo random winners will be selected and then contacted directly about his/her prize. Chance of winning depends on the total number of entries. No purchase necessary. The giveaway is open internationally (with the exception of a small number of countries for legal reasons when the prize is shipped via postal mail). E-book prizes will be sent as an attachment via e-mail.

Thanks for entering and good luck! Be sure to check back next month for another reader giveaway. 

Friends, Travelers, Runners, and More Story Inspiration Pics

Along with my character and setting inspiration pictures, I also collect images that spark new story ideas. The ones below have me coming up with all sorts of storylines.

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(c) Anna_Omelchenko / fotosearch Stock Photography

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(c) fotosearch Stock Photography

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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(c) vojtechvlk / fotosearch Stock Photography

LGBTQ Kids Finding Each Other, Orphaned Bats, and Other Links I Love

ADORABLE ANIMALS

LOVE THIS

JUST BEAUTIFUL

TOO FUNNY

Hope you enjoyed some of these links as much as I did. Have a good one!

Adorable: A man saves the day, or in this case, a cow

My latest video I love: I don’t know what’s more beautiful, the cow’s frolicking with joy or the man’s interactions with him, moments like this one…

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According to a facebook post: Bandit, a bull who was chained all his life, is rescued. Watch his delight when he realizes he is no longer chained.

Here’s the full video. If you can’t see it embedded below, you can view at YouTube.

Read more about Bandit’s story here.