A trilogy?? I had no idea!!

I'm here in San Marcos Texas after being in San Antonio for the last couple of days. I've been able to get a good start on the sequel to "The Home That Built Me", "When the Heart Goes Home".   What I didn't expect to happen is I've written myself into a trilogy!  

Writing is so compelling to me. I've always had an easy way with words but until a few years ago never saw myself writing a book. I've not been a great storyteller like my husband is or had lots of writing classes. I've never felt it was my focus of life. I have READ thousands of books of many different varieties. I know when I love the turn of a phrase some author has penned and I know when I'm disgusted by the triteness of another. 

Writing a book became an interest the year before my mother passed away in 2008. I finished my first book right before she passed away and she was able to read it. She said she liked it!  As I read that first manuscript I cringe, realizing my skills have definitely improved since then. That book has NOT been published. There will be a solid rewrite before that book sees any publishing format. 

What I have learned is when you develop a sub-character, that character screams at you to finish their story. So a trilogy should take care of that. I haven't got a name for that book yet but I'm sure the story will start wedging its way into my head and demanding attention. Don't worry!  I'll get there. 

Writing on!!

Windows to a story...

I have been working with my publisher trying to create a different cover (didn't have the "rights" to the picture in the last post).  So sad... but found another that I like in a different way.

It is interesting that the front of the book is almost as important to me as what is inside the book.  I felt connected to the picture before and find I have a connection to this new one.  I am sure it will do what I need it to do.  Tell a little of the story through the windows of the readers eyes.  

As I have been reviewing this book, it has spurred thoughts and ideas for my sequel.  So yesterday I started the planning stages and found myself writing the prologue today!  My mind is racing with details.  I already like the way it's headed.  Sometimes you really don't know what will happen until you start writing.  That is the beauty of fiction--you are just as surprised as the readers!

Hopefully my readers (whoever you might be!) will agree.  On to Chapter one!

I'm pretty happy that the publisher Short On Time Books has agreed to publish my newest book.  The whole process of figuring out what you want to write--scoping it out, drawing diagrams and outlines, finding the soul of the protagonist--is a very rewarding experience.  You really learn how to enter into someone's mind (even if the person is one you created!) and their experiences take you places you haven't been before.  I have always heard write what you know, and have found that has led me in many ways.  I'm anxious to branch out, discover what other things might be out in the world for me to discover, and so I am starting the sequel next week.  The first book I ever wrote is still sitting in my computer, unfulfilled!  I have  quite a bit of rewriting to do to make the story come alive.  After the sequel, I think I will shake off the cobwebs (4 years isn't so terribly long) and see if I can conquer it.  I'm stepping on the path of my alternative journey!  Hope it takes the right turns!  Joyful days ahead!