I’m feeling kinda’ in between these days.
My debut novel, Wish You Were Here, has been out for a month.
Yay!
My second novel, Catch a Falling Star, has been with my editors for a month.
Yay! (No, really … Yay! I love editors. I am one, you know.)
And now, it’s time to move on to the next story.
I’m a inspirational contemporary romance writer — it’s what I do: write stories.
But my heart and mind are still full of Allison and Daniel (the heroine and hero of WYWH). And now the characters of Catch a Falling Star have squeezed their way into my thoughts. I’ve fallen in love with them too.
Writing another novel means more characters.
A few of them are already lurking around the corners of my mind, waving their hands as if to say, “Hey! What about me? You gonna tell my story yet?”
Yes, imaginary people do this.
And novelists listen to them.
I’ve jotted down notes and story-lines and potential names and locations. The barest beginnings of what’s next for me.
There’s another story waiting to be written … and I’m eager to find out which one it will be.
In Your Words: Writers, what story are you working on? Readers, what are you reading?
Comments 21
Working on a new book…FINALLY. lol And loving the characters. Rediscovering the way a 9-year-old boy’s mind works.
Now that would be an interesting challenge, Pat.
🙂
It’s like the Girl Scout song, “Make new friends but keep the old…”
New characters with new stories, that’s the fun of it all.
And if you’re writing it, I know it will be good!
Enjoy your “listening” time to your new friends.
The challenge is keeping all the names straight, Mary!
😉
I’m feeling a similar angst to you, Beth! Finishing up one project and a few other responsibilities and then I will be starting something new. I love the blank page, but it is a strange feeling for sure!
There is something exciting, thrilling, about a fresh Word doc, isn’t there?
Only a writer would understand what it means to have characters clamoring to be heard! I am in the rewriting/editing phase of my second draft of my first book and I’m learning everything as I go. I hadn’t read a single “how-to” book about writing until after my first draft was complete, which means there is a lot of work to do. I love my story and it’s been jumping around in my brain for over ten years, but little by little, other characters from other times and places have started to pop in to say hi and I find myself telling them to be quiet so I can concentrate on my WIP.
My first book is a historical fiction set in 1857 in Minnesota Territory and it’s loosely based on actual events. A cowardly sheriff, a band of outlaws who took over the town, Indian hangings, a national recession and a vigilance committee of courageous men who waged war on the outlaws and finally restored order and peace. I’ve added in a handful of fictional characters whose lives are interwoven in these events and who bring it to life.
Gabrielle,
I love historical novels based on actual events. Your novel sounds so good — and yes, you’ve undertaken quite the task for a first novel!
Yesterday while running errands I had a short story idea. I don’t really write short stories, but this idea popped into my head. I didn’t write it down … you know on to the next stop. Now, I can’t think of it. Good luck with your new friends/characters.
When that happens to me, Stacy, I ask God to bring it back to my memory. That often works.
I love this. It’s like being overjoyed w/ pregnancy and beginning to wonder about the boy/girl you will have, their personality, considering names. Yes the characters birthed stay w/ us and change our lives as well as our readers.
Great comparison, Dee.
🙂
I’ve been working on Anya’s and Kevin’s story for almost two years. At long last, they’re learning to fall in love with each other again. 🙂 On the side, a few others have taken root in my thoughts, and in my notebook.
I’m so excited to read your next book, Beth!
A new story, eh, Jeanne?
Can’t wait to hear about it!
Blessings on your “in between” time, Beth. May the Lord stir your Muse & dig up another beautiful gem.
I recently read a lovely novel called Wish You Were Here. Love it!
And I just finished a 1000 word short short romance (I haven’t written a short story since 8th grade, actually forgot how!) for a contest I recently learned about. You’d think 1000 words would be a snap. No. But I came up with a fun one—cute, fun and even a bit juicy, all crammed in 1000 words. Not easy to create a plot that makes sense, so it’s a great exercise. I will probably write several more and pick my favorite 2 to submit, since there’s a $25 entry fee for each.
Speaking of plot, I am also trying to find the story that’s been rattling around in my head for months: A young woman rushes to care for her injured aunt/guardian whose brain trauma is causing her to ramble about things buried deep in her subconscious. Not only things that would humiliate the poor woman, but things my heroine never knew which impact her own life. Makes her also realize the secrets you vow to take to your grave are never totally safe. (Yes, there’s a hunky guy, Beth. So it’s all good.) Just need to find the rest of the pieces of the plot (the important ones). My brain has weathered several brainstorms over this and yet hasn’t produced what I need to begin writing Aria’s tale. So I keep at it. 🙂
Thank you for the compliment about Wish You Were Here. You know, I still love that story too — and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read it!
😉
Your new story sounds so, so intriguing. Can’t wait to hear more!
we can only hope it works out! (but it’s very gratifying to hear an editor say “so, so intriguing…” I’m inspired now. 🙂
It’s been so amazing watching you walk this journey, Beth. Thank you for sharing it with us. As for me, I’m working on edits from my editor for my upcoming Bible study release later this summer, and writing my next DVD series to be taped live in January. It’s a very exciting time!!
Donna,
A live taping? Now that’s an adventure!
🙂
I’m still working on my first ms, and aim to be done at the end of June! Then I’ll move on to the next. The characters from that novel have been creeping into my mind for awhile now. I just have to keep telling them, “Not yet!” 🙂
I’m sure whatever you write next will be excellent! When does your second come out?
Catch a Falling Star comes out May 2013.