For the past two years I have been working on my book Secrets of the Ash Tree, a fantasy novel that incorporates Norwegian Fairy tales and Mythology set in the modern world and in a world of fantasy. The first 30000 words were easy but then I hit a wall. Emotional turmoil in my life put the breaks on all my creativity. EXPECT to have life throw you a curve ball when you least expect it, but don't give up, even if all you can do is think about your story and write down some notes.
Just when my writing started to flow again my critique partner got sick, my muse went on vacation and I lost a whole chapter of my book. My daughter who had promised to illustrate and do the book cover got pregnant and backed out on me just as the cover was due. My husband stepped in and offered to make a photograph, then came the rain and more rain...EXPECT your computer to betray you so SAVE...SAVE...SAVE! EXPECT people to back out on you at the last minute or the weather to fowl your plans.EXPECT people you depend on to have lives that interfere with YOUR plans. There is nothing you can do about it except find help elsewhere.
This community is rich with help. I have found an amazing critique partner in Susan Roebuck, who also turned out to be my muse. Also, just when I thought my cover was doomed, my Cyber Brother Michael Di Gesu offered his help. I can't wait to show you the book cover he has created for me and finally to get my book published. Yes, I am still expecting the unexpected, but I know there is always a way to turn the bad into good and sometimes even better. Good luck and keep writing!
17 comments:
Lots of setbacks there! I'm glad you found alternative solutions to them all. Expecting the unexpected is a great piece of advice :-)
Getting a book out can be such a long involved process! I hope you're over your hurdles and we can soon see this book because it sounds really fascinating.
Know what you mean. My critique group disbanded months ago. I feel lost.
But I'm excited for you.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
I really struggle with the unexpected, but this is good advice. I will keep knocking on new doors. New to IWSG. Hi!
Michael is a true friend, isn't he? And the unexpected may be constant but it is certainly unsettling to those like me who like no change! Best of luck with your new book! :-)
Expect the unexpected, yes that's a great piece of advice and definitely one I can relate to. Looking forward to seeing your cover.
I read that Michael was doing your cover - that's awesome!! Sorry all the other plans fell apart, but you're still moving forward.
I just keep telling myself that things happen for a reason. Sunday, expecting to get my manuscript back from it's second edit, after three weeks I found out the editor dropped the project, and no one took the time to tell me. Now, finally, my book is with a new editor, with the promise I'll have it at weeks end. Oh yeah, I feel real confidant now!
Hang in there 'things happen for a reason, things happen for a reason, things happen for a good reason!'
Definitely expect the unexpected. Yet such wonderful things came about, and I can't wait to see your cover! :)
Love that you're jumping over those hurdles! You'll for sure get there.
That's great, Siv! Life sure does throw us some obstacles, right? But I love that you're still pressing on. That's all we can do... keep pressing on. You can do it!! :)
Hi, Sis,
Happy to help. We all seemed to get there in the end... TIMING IS EVERYTHING, isn't it?
I hope you have some sun today. We've had TWO GLORIOUS days in a row! I am super thrilled!!!! Love the light. Plan to go out into the park and edit my second novel in a bit. Maybe even start your back cover. I have a GREAT IDEA for it.
Sending LOTS OF HUGS...
Bro
Oh my goodness - I don't think I've ever been more excited to see a book cover! Can't wait to see what you & Michael dreamed up together.
Good advice - it seems that it's only when I've convinced myself that I'm in control of the universe that everything falls apart. Good on you for getting up & making it all work again - probably even better than it was before, eh?
Glad to hear that you're at least getting ahead now.
Best of luck!
Too true Siv! Many times I have gotten a wallop when I least expected it. This is a crazy, wonderful path we're on. Huge success and congrats on your book. Hugs!
At least you only lost a chapter. I lost a whole book once.
Oh yeah... because NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition! Or something... it really is always something out of left field, eh? And gotta keep going.
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