I’ve had a hectic few weeks, and in some ways it’s been a real roller coaster ride. I got good news just to have it nullified two days later. I’ve had to come to grips with a few things, put some things aside for a while–and as someone who always hopes and works for more, that was a toughie.
But even while I’ve mourned the loss of that oh-so-brief good news, I’ve also gotten to enjoy some of the most fun aspects of what I do. On the author side, I enjoyed a nice long chat with my editor, going over revisions for Ring of Secrets. That was a blast, as we laughed over the silly things that had slipped past me and got into the nitty gritty of the story. She loves it just about as much as I do, so there really was no pain involved.
And on the editor side, I got to have the same sort of conversation in reverse with one of our authors. =) We got to talk over revisions to her ending, weighing some of the different options and talking about her characters and how they’ll best Shine. I love that!
In the back of my mind there’s still sometimes that lurking disappointment. That realization that I can’t reach further right now—which on the one hand is fine, because I love where I am. But I’ve always been stretching. I’ve always been trying to find the next project and, in recent months, trying to figure out how to balance my commitments. It’s a little weird to realize that for now, that’s not necessary. Oh, I still have plenty to balance with writing and editing and designing and, of course, parenting and home schooling. But still . . .
Yet even as I waited for the phone call that ended up reversing my good news, I finished up the research I’d been doing for my second Culper Ring book. Even as I put aside the project that had been distracting me from it, I got excited about dedicating myself to Gwyneth and Thad. I’m having so much fun getting to work on this one!
And some of the best news ever just came, after all–my best friend/critter and I have officially scheduled a writing retreat for next spring. WOOT! Can’t wait for March!!!
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
Thanks, 4readin! The disappointing news was a result of scheduling issues, so not a reflection of my stuff, at least. =)
Good luck on your writing! I am sure that it will be as wonderful as ever. I am sorry to hear about your disapointing news. Someday the publishing houses will be competing to get just one of your books published through them.
Can totally relate to the roller coaster thing. Books sound awesome. Praying you enjoy (??) your lack of stretch for as long as it lasts. 😉
LOL, April. =) Gwyneth and Thad are H&H in my second Culper Ring book from Harvest House, playing at espionage during the War of 1812–Thad's a swashbuckling American privateer now locked on land, and Gwyneth's a London lady who finds herself in Maryland. Fun!
Love hearing other authors' ups and downs. Makes me feel less like a looney bird. 😉
No idea what your new project is about, but the names Gwyneth and Thad already have me hooked. LOL I'm sure whatever you do, it'll be GREAT! Enjoy where you're at, but don't stop reaching.