Robin Lee Hatcher's Write Thinking

tax man cometh

About two and a half weeks ago, I prepared both my business and personal tax information and took it to my CPA. Yesterday around 4:00, they called to tell me my tax forms were ready for signing. I was pretty sure that I would owe money this year, so I didn't ask for the results. I just got in my car and drove over, hoping I wouldn't owe too much. When she told me I was getting money back, I felt like dancing a jig right there in the office. I wasn't aware how much my move last year would help me (points and charitable donations for all the stuff I gave away) when it came to my taxes. See Robin breathing a huge sigh of relief.

I'm thinking that I will take that refund, plus the government's stimulus check that is supposed to come in May, and do a bit of remodeling to my back patio so we can enjoy it a little more come summer. After all, in an economic slowdown, the patriotic thing to do is to spend it. Right?

So tell me: Are you usually the first one to get your taxes filed each year or do you drag your feet until the last possible minute?

-rlh-

idol 7: second four out

Well, Idol fans. Another Idol week has come to an end, and another four young folks with big dreams have gone home. No major surprises tonight, except it should have been Amanda who was cut loose in place of either of the other two that did go. She stood out in the group sing as the poorest singer of them all.

Farewell, Alexandrea, Alaina, Jason, and Robbie. Wishing you all the best.

idol 7: the girls (10)

This was not a great night for the girls. Mostly mediocre performances. Lots of lousy song choices.

I am very lukewarm about Carly. Simon thinks she is the one to beat, but she hasn't yet made me think of her as a favorite. Tonight's performance was good, just didn't get me excited. But she does have a great voice, so I'm hoping she will grow on me.

I really like Syesha, although I agree with the judges that this was a poor song choice. I hope she hangs on because I think she has lots and lots to offer.

I loved Brooke's take on Carly Simon's You're So Vain. Perfect song for her. You go, girl.

The rest of the gals were in that mediocre middle — except for Amanda who was truly AWFUL. Simon said he couldn't wait for the song to end, and that was just how I felt. Bad song choice. Bad vocal. Bad look. Oh please let her go home!

My votes tonight are going to Brooke with a few for Syesha, just because I think she has more to give us. I won't vote for Carly because I'm sure she will get lots without my help.

A Whisper of Freedom

Another of my brainstorming partners, Tricia Goyer, has a new book out. While I haven't read A Whisper of Freedom, I can guarantee you that this gal is one talented writer. Her historical novels are meticulously researched and always full of adventure.

A Whisper of Freedom is book three in The Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series. Battles heat up…not only those being waged by the soldiers on both sides fighting for Spain, but in the hearts and minds of the men and women who must sacrifice more than their dreams to save the lives of their loved ones.

Brave and idealistic Sophie, Philip, Jose, and Deion realize their only hope for freedom is escaping Spain's borders. A Whisper of Freedom proves that there are whispers of hope and liberty that resonate through even the darkest night.

Read the except here (a Word document)

Watch the book trailer here

Buy the book here

idol 7: the boys (10)

The first boys out of the starting gate this week gave us some rather tepid performances. Not anything that made me want to cover my ears, but nothing that got me excited either.

The first good performance was David H. with Papa Was A Rolling Stone. I like this guy a lot.

The judges really liked Chikeze. I wasn't crazy about the song (I Believe to My Soul), but his vocals were good. I would have sent him home last week. He redeemed himself somewhat with this performance, although I don't think he'll become a favorite.

David C. rocked it with All Right Now. He sounded good, and I liked the guitar. He looked very comfortable on the stage, too.

David A. brought the show to a close with Imagine. Wow. Take on John Lennon, why dontcha? This kid has so much talent. He made this song his own. Loved it! (Simon just said it was "risky" to do that song, so I guess he agreed with me about taking on Lennon.)

My top two: David A and David H. Off to text my votes on my iPhone.

more on intimacy with God

I've got to tell you, I love how the Lord works. As I have shared here before, I was given two words for this year: Intimacy and Devotion. So, you might ask, where am I on my journey into intimacy and devotion now that the year is nearly two-sixths gone?

First confirmation of my words for the year: Although I did not know it, my study of the Psalms of Assent with Beth Moore would be and is about intimacy with God. (No, I am not done yet. I fell behind in my studies while I read the study mentioned in the next paragraph.) Stepping Up is all about what God wants me to experience this year — deeper intimacy with Him.

Second confirmation: I had been asked sometime last year to read for endorsement a new Bible study by Lenya Heitzig and Penny Pierce Rose. I have done three of their previous studies and loved them, so I was delighted for the opportunity to read their latest and recommend it to others. I didn't pay attention to the name of the study when I agreed to look at it, so imagine what I felt when it arrived. Live Intimately, Lessons from the Upper Room. Yes, friends, it is all about intimacy with the Lord, and I plan to go through it much slower come its release this summer. A great study for small groups or for personal devotions.

Third confirmation: Fast forward a few weeks, and I'm asked if I would like to blog about a new book by Susan D. Hill called Closer Than Your Skin. Guess what the subtitle is: Unwrapping the Mystery of Intimacy with God. I'm not finished reading this book yet, but I have read enough to tell you that this is excellent. Do not miss it. It will spark your hunger to know God more intimately than ever before.

I believe with all of my heart that God is bringing these studies and books and people into my life because He wants me to be ever more intimate in my relationship with Him. It's why He gave me the word for this year and why He is dropping these tools into my hands so faithfully. But I know He desires intimacy with everyone reading this post and millions of others besides. So maybe some of these tools are for you too.

If so, if you hunger for more intimacy with God, a great way to start would be with this third book I mentioned above: Closer Than Your Skin. It's short (240 pages counting all of the notes and references and reading guide), and the writing is smooth. Here is a bit more about it:

Like the vast majority of Christians, author Susan Hill felt frustrated in her search for spiritual intimacy, unable to bridge the gap between knowing about God and personally knowing Him. Closer Than Your Skin traces her journey beyond the trappings of faith to an everyday companionship with God.

Through stories of her awe-inspiring experiences, Hill assures readers that knowing God is more than spiritual rhetoric; it’s a genuine, tangible reality when our eyes are open to his presence. With undeniable honesty, she vividly captures the experience of genuine intimacy with the Creator and reveals how to move beyond obstacles that stand in the way.

Readers will discover that divine encounters aren’t reserved for moments of crisis or the select few. Through these unforgettable insights and the interactive study guide, they will find that God is standing at the door, knocking, asking to be allowed in.

Susan Hill is an award-winning feature writer, whose work has appeared in The War Cry and Light & Life. A long-time leader of interdenominational women’s groups, she also serves on the board of the Uganda Orphans Fund, a non-profit Christian relief organization. Susan and her husband, Duncan, have three children and live in Montana.

*****

Come, join me on this adventure to hear the Shepherd's voice in our daily lives and to walk more intimately with Him.

-rlh-

hair today, gone tomorrow

Bad hair days are the norm for me. Because of health issues and medications added to heredity, my hair became baby fine and began thinning in my forties. My first step was to dye it to try to thicken the hair shaft (I went red which was fun but not the best look for me). Finally I returned to being a blond and went short-short as I was told that's the best style for women with thinning hair. It was a good move. It works most of the time — but boy, does it ever take effort.

My mom has worn a wig since she was younger than I am now, but my claustrophobia kicks in when I try to wear a wig. And they itch! Doesn't the itch drive other people nuts the way it does me? I think I'll take up wearing hats instead. Maybe I'll get really crazy with them. I'm a writer, after all. I can be eccentric if I choose. People almost expect it, right?

My daughter sent me an email full of adorable baby photos, and when I came to this one (below on left), I burst out laughing. It's me! It's totally my hair! LOL! Okay. I give up. I am definitely entering my second childhood.

my swedish heritage

This past weekend, family gathered from as far away as Hawaii and New York to celebrate my aunt's 90th birthday. Of course, we also honored my mom for her 94th birthday, but she had her big bash four years ago. Maybe she will be around for her 100th. To the left is Mom with my brother (photo taken this past weekend — looks pretty good for 94, doesn't she?).

One of my cousins brought a group of photos to the Sunday brunch that his mother had had and asked me if I could name everyone. It was the first time I had seen that collection however, so I could only name a few. Anyway, I snapped a photo of the collection (seen at right below, click for larger image).

My Swedish great-grandparents married in Stockholm, Sweden on the 11th day of April 1868 and sailed for America. My great-grandmother gave birth to 13 children over the next 26 years, having her last at the age of 44 1/2. (Oh, my aching back!) Unlike many of her contemporaries, she didn't die in childbirth. She lived to be almost 69 (missing her birthday by just 20 days). Her husband lived to be 91.

Of their 13 children, one was stillborn, one died at 5 days, one died at 4 years, and another died at 7 years (after falling from a tree). The other nine children all lived well into adulthood, dying at ages 44 and 93 and points in-between. Longevity in my family for sure.

Some day I would love to get to know the Irish side of my family history as well as I know the Swedish side.

-rlh-

idol 7: first four out

And the cuts begin.

The guys: I was surprised to see Colton go home this early. There were definitely a couple of worse performances than his on Tuesday. And I thought Chikezie should have gone home before either Colton or Garrett. But maybe his next performances will step it up a notch.

The girls: I think the right two went home this week. Neither Joanne or Amy were on-key in their performances (either Wednesday or tonight in their farewell performances). I confess that I hope Amanda goes home soon. She sounds exactly the same no matter what she sings, including in that group number tonight.

Okay, we can all return to our regular lives for another five days.

idol 7: the girls (12)

Hmm. Overall, I was underwhelmed with this two hour show. I think there is more talent in this group of girls than showed up on the stage tonight.

Nobody irritated me so much that I hoped they were gone next week. I guess I was the most unimpressed with Joanne and Amanda.

My favorites: Syesha (not crazy about her song choice, but she has pipes); Ramiele (loved this performance, despite a few off notes toward the end); Asia'h (start a bit shaky, but I liked it); Brooke (yes, she is bright and bubbly, but I thought she was good); and Alaina (enjoyed this a lot).

Must note that in the group of boys there were several with the same first names (three Davids and two Jasons). No worry about that with the girls. Some very unusual names. But will I remember how to spell them from week to week? LOL.

idol 7: the boys (12)

It's here. Tryouts are over, and Hollywood week is a thing of the past. So now it is time to settle in, get to know the contestants, and vote for the favorites.

Now, I had a very thorough post going right down to the last two, and you know what happened. My software program shut down. (I don't think ecto is playing nice with Leopard.) Bang. All the good stuff gone. So now I'm not sure I can recall the order they performed or what songs they sang. Maybe that's all for the best as now I will just recall the stand-outs.

First the bad. Chikezie argued back, and even if his performance hadn't been less than great (which it was), that scores him down in my book. Several had bad song choices. Luke (who reminds me of Hugh Jackman) was off-key the whole way through.

Now the good. David A. was a favorite of mine in both try-outs and Hollywood week, and he came through again tonight. This kid has a great voice and a double dose of charisma. He is just too cute. Robbie rocked out on stage, and I really liked him. Jason C. surprised me with his guitar song; the judges really liked him, too. Michael ended the night by lighting it on fire.

So there you go. What were your favorites of the night? Mine are shown below.

Robin

Here's my stand-out choices from the first night:
David A. - Robbie - Jason C. - Michael

Sharon Dunn's Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear

Okay, this isn't my regular day to blog about another author's book, but I forgot to do this yesterday in my Christian Fiction Monday post.

Sharon Dunn is a brainstorming buddy of mine. I get to spend a number of days with her every summer, and I really enjoy her humorous mysteries. You will too. Sharon has a fun and unique voice that make her stories a delight. So here is the skinny on her latest book, one of the Bargain Hunters Mystery series:

Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear

When a man turns up dead in a teddy bear costume, Ginger and the other ladies of the Bargain Hunters Network learn a lesson about trusting in God rather than in wealth as they try to solve the crime and clear one of their own.

Sharon Dunn

Sharon Dunn is the author of Death of a Garage Sale Newbie, book one in the Bargain Hunters Mysteries, and the Ruby Taylor mystery novels including Sassy Cinderella, which was voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She earned a BA in television production and a master’s in history. Sharon lives in Bozeman, Montana, with her husband of twenty years, three children, two cats, and lots of dust bunnies.

Christian Fiction Monday

Monday has rolled around again, and so I'm featuring another book by one of my writing friends. I sure hope I'm helping some of you Write Thinking readers find some new authors and some great books. I love being part of word-of-mouth recommendations.

About Symphony of Secrets by Sharon Hinck:

Talented flutist Amy Johnson's dreams come true when she wins a spot with the Minneapolis Symphony. But this amateur sleuth has trouble concentrating on the notes as she begins to see devious motives behind her fellow musicians' many mishaps. Meanwhile, her musically talented daughter wants to give it all up for—gasp—the cheerleading squad! What's a musical mom to do? Can Amy fine-tune her investigation before the symphony is forced to close and she loses not only her dream job but her promising new relationship with its conductor?

Endorsement: “It’s official—if the book says Sharon Hinck on the spine, I’m buying it! Symphony of Secrets hits just the right tone, weaving harmonies of mystery, family, and the life of a symphonic musician—a topic I’ve not experienced in fiction before. The melody is God’s love, subtle yet persistent and so perfectly pitched that I’ll be humming that tune for a long time to come. This is a great read and a perfect gift for anyone who finds joy in music.” -- Kathryn Mackel, Vanished

that feeling of satisfaction

Friends, I have to tell you. There are plenty of times that aren't rosy during the publishing process, plenty of times when I'm pulling my hair out in frustration or am convinced that I can't write my way out of a paper bag. But boy, when it feels right, it really feels right.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, on Monday I received the content edits of Wagered Heart, my May 2008 release, and I've been working on them all week. I finished the last 30 pages this morning. The book is now back in the hands of the capable people at Zondervan.

These edits done, I've just got to sing the praises of my editors. When I rewrote this book last fall, I had a tough time with it. I knew the story was still too rough when I turned it in. It needed help. Big time! And I told my editor so. It improved somewhat when I did what I call the "revise and polish," yet it still wasn't where I wanted it to be. But it got the shot in the arm it needed with this recent content edit. Both of the editors involved made excellent points for places that I needed to do more. Good editors always make a book stronger, and that's what happened here.

There is something very special about the moment when I'm satisfied with a story. Often that doesn't happen for me until I get the first positive review. I am usually a quivering mass of doubt until then. But satisfaction came to me for this story this week, building each day as I went through the edits. By the time I sent the document off, I was smiling. I can hardly wait for the book to be released. Of course, there are still copy edits and typeset galleys to go through before the release date arrives, but we are ever so much closer.

Wagered Heart represents a return to historical romances for me. My most recent books have been contemporary women's fiction. They've often included a love story of some kind, but romance wasn't the focus. It's been almost three years since my last historical romance was released. Since I cut my writing teeth on this genre — and have won two Inspirational RITA Awards for books that were historical romances (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice) — it feels good to return to writing them. I'm not saying I won't ever again write another contemporary women's fiction. But at least for the near future, I am looking forward to writing more historical romances.

You can go here to read the first chapter of Wagered Heart.

-rlh-

Borders book club interviews

On Monday I received my content edits for my next historical. I have worked with this editor once before, and she is a gem. I have loved all of her suggestions and delighted in making this book better and better. I am hoping to finish up tomorrow, just before all the family begins arriving for this weekend's blow-out celebration for my mom and my aunt's birthdays (94 and 90, respectively).

But just so you won't think I'm ignoring you, here is a link to the Border's bookclub videos. Did you know about this site? I just learned of it from a friend and have already watched some of the Khaled Hosseini interview about A Thousand Splendid Suns (one of my top reads of 2007). Excellent and oh-so-interesting, for both writers and readers. I will be going back to this site again and again. Way to go, Borders.

-rlh-

could spring be coming?

On Saturday, the Boise area was blessed with sunshine and 50 degree weather. The snow in my front yard is gone. Yea! The shadier backyard still has some, but its days are numbered, I think.

At the end of the year, a guy came through my subdivision with a truck bed full of moss-covered rocks. He offered me a good deal, and since I had just finished paying my credit card bills that included my Christmas charges (and discovered that I came in under budget), I bought some of them. He put the larger ones in place with a crane. It really dressed up my front garden area. Soon after, they were buried in snow. Now they are in view again.

Then last month, I ordered a couple of garden statues from Costco.com. One is of two children reading a book on a bench. The other is a fairy on her belly reading a book. The fairy will probably take up residence in my backyard (until the thaw, she was in front of my fireplace and now she is on the patio). The two kids, as of sunny yesterday, are in my front garden, near one of those moss-covered rocks. So I had to share some photos. Aren't they cute? (You can click on them for larger pictures.)

Hurry, spring. I'm so ready for you.

-rlh-

win a Chevrolet

Here is a cool tidbit from CBA enews that I wanted to pass along to my readers post haste. If you win the car because you saw this contest here first, you need to bring it to Boise and take me for a spin. Well, okay. That might be too much to ask. At the very least, get a picture taken of you in the car and send it to me. Agreed?

Dekker partners with Chevrolet.

In a ground-breaking partnership between publishing and automotive industries, Thomas Nelson Publishers, best-selling author Ted Dekker, and brandWAVES will join forces with Chevrolet to present “The Search for the Lost Books of History,” a nationwide alternative reality treasure hunt based on Dekker’s young-adult fiction, “The Lost Book” series. Throughout the sweepstakes, participants may qualify to win a myriad of top-dollar prizes, including the grand prize of a 2008 Chevy Cobalt. Complete contest details are at www.booksofhistory.com. The official launch of the 10-week contest is Mar. 6.

Presentation of the grand prize will take place at the music festival, Icthus 2008 in Wilmore, KY.

The core focus of the contest is to reinforce the importance and fun of reading to young-adult students. During the course of the competition, Chevy will provide 10,000 free special-edition copies of Chosen, the first title in the series, to middle and high school students in the Southeast.

Christian Fiction Monday

My friend DiAnn Mills has a new book out, and along with a good book to read, you might also win something. Avon Inspire, an imprint of Harper Collins, is sponsoring a sweepstakes I believe you'll be excited about. The winner gets a free stay at a Bed & Breakfast of her/his choice!

About Awaken My Heart:

1803, The Colony of Texas

Journey back to the early days of southwest history  when the Spanish ruled the vast territory of Texas and padres instructed the  people in the ways of God. Step into the world of handsome vaqueros and brightly dressed dark-eyed maidens. 

The time is 1803. This is the era of Marianne Phillips and Armando Garcia, two people separated by race and culture but destined for love. Marianne is the daughter of a wealthy American rancher, a man who will do anything to please the Spanish and secure his land. Armando is a Mexican peasant, a rebel according to the Spanish. He has committed his life to helping the poor rise from poverty and the oppression of the ruling Spanish. Armando and Marianne . . . Two unlikely people who have little in common. Or do they?

Open this book to a romance that will live in your heart long after the story is told. Curl up in a serape and listen to the strum of a Spanish guitar. I invite you to read with your heart and become a part of a love story that only the hand of God could orchestrate.

Enjoy the book, and if you're fortunate enough to win the sweepstakes, enjoy the Bed & Breakfast.

-4lh-

a film that broke my heart

Today I watched the 2006 movie, The Wind that Shakes the Barley. Set during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War (it opens in 1920), the story centers around two brothers, Damien and Teddy, who join the Irish Republican Army.

While watching this film, many things ran through my mind. A prayer that lasting peace will come to the Irish. The pain of the poor and the weak when people with power and guns choose to control them. The pain of mothers and women who watch their sons, husbands, lovers fighting a war in their own backyard. The dread that the day will come when I will see war happening on American soil, fear that, if not me, my children or grandchildren will have to live through it. The desire to see peace not only in Ireland but in the whole world. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

This isn't a feel good movie, but it is one I'm glad I saw, even through it broke my heart. I recommend it to you.

-rlh-

clean your computer screen

Is your computer screen dirty? Well here is a surefire way to get it sparkling clean. NOT!

LOL! Do not miss this. My brother sent it to me.

-rlh-

my Sawyer nickname

Oh, that Sawyer — I speak of the LOST Sawyer, of course — he is one surly dude. And he's always coming up with nicknames for other island-mates. Now the LOST website gives us the Nickname Generator. You can find out what Sawyer would call you if you were to suddenly find yourself with him on the island.

Me, I'm Avalanche. Hmm. I kind of like it. "Hey, Avalanche. Get over here."  "Hello. Is this Avalanche? I'm calling about..."

Now, go discover your nickname, then come back here and leave it in the comment section. Curious minds want to know.

-rlh-

juno

Well, it took me quite a while to catch up with the rest of the moving going public, but at least I didn't wait until it was out on DVD (March, by the way). Thursday afternoon I skipped out on work and went to see Juno.

There was some crude language, but I know it was far milder than I would hear if I walked down the hallway of a local high school as kids were on their way to their next classes.

As a writer, I loved learning some of the slang and lingo of today's teens. (Not that I will be able to remember it. Nor could I use it in my historicals.) I laughed often at some of the funny things Juno and her friends said.

I loved that part of what stopped Juno from getting an abortion was learning that her baby already had fingernails.

I choked up when Juno cried after having her baby and when the adoptive mom held the baby for the first time.

I thought the characters were real and layered. A movie that sneaks up and suddenly you discover it has hold of your heart. I loved it.

-rlh-

Update: I was wrong about the DVD release date. It has yet to be announced.

taming rafe

What if Christian Fiction Monday happened on a Friday? Well, that's what's happening this Friday.

I'm woefully behind in my reading, especially since I have been and will be reading RITA contest entries. I cannot judge in the category in which I'm entered, so I don't get the added plus of catching up on my favorite books and authors. You know my problem. So many books, so little time. Anyway, Susan May Warren is among the many writers I know, and she has a new book out called Taming Rafe. Here is just a tidbit to whet your whistle:

Two-time world champion bull rider Rafe Noble had no idea how quickly his world could end.

In less than eight seconds, he lost his title, his career, and his best friend-all on the dirt floor of a noisy rodeo arena. Katherine Breckenridge just wants to make a difference by running her mother's charity foundation. But the mysterious disappearance of half a  million dollars has forced it to the brink of bankruptcy. Her last chance to save it is the annual fund-raiser, an event that's destroyed by an out-of-control Rafe Noble.

Desperate to rescue the foundation, Katherine heads to the Noble family ranch to enlist Rafe's help in raising the money he cost her in lost donations. What she doesn't know is that Rafe is broke-in cash and in spirit-and that helping her could end up costing him his life.

For those of you who don't know it, I'm a cowgirl at heart. Owned horses for years. Did a little competing, a little more trail riding. While I sold my last horse too many years ago and haven't worn a pair of Western boots in a long, long while, the cowgirl in me remains. Love those cowboys in those great hats. And love that shot of what looks to me like the Grand Tetons on this book cover. The Tetons are a part of my stompin' grounds.

-rlh-

good stuff happens too

Yesterday I spent the day catching up after being glued to the computer for more than a week. I paid bills, tossed junk mail, quickly skimmed through a few magazines, cleared my desk off and prepared to begin work again on the WIP. I had to go out for groceries. We were running low on everything as I hadn't been shopping in over ten days (too busy editing). Wednesday was not the best day for driving as the Boise area had received another round of snow (we've had wave after wave of these storms). The main road outside my subdivision was a solid sheet of ice at 10 a.m. I drive a Subaru Tribeca with all wheel drive and anti-lock breaks, and even I was doing some interesting sliding. My heart was pumping like crazy!

I was delighted to learn that The Perfect Life is #6 on the February bestseller fiction list at Christianbook.com. Everything about this book pleases me, from the story to the cover to the response from readers that it is getting. I did an interview about the book for Christianbook.com which can be found on The Perfect Life's web page linked to the title at the start of this paragraph. I haven't listened to it yet. Hope I sounded somewhat intelligent. (Hate listening to myself in interviews.)

To top off yesterday in a really good way, I received a lovely bouquet of flowers from one of my publishers. The spring colors helped me forget that winter is still right outside my office windows. The painting on the wall (click on photo for larger image) is one of two original oils I own of previous book covers. Most covers these days are created on computer rather than painted by an artist, so I'm delighted I was able to buy the two I have. (Many of my general market romances had covers I didn't care to have on my books, let alone hanging on the wall in my home. The two I own are exquisite.)

Well, time to go fix breakfast for my mom. After risking life and limb on the roads yesterday to buy these groceries, we'd better both enjoy the meal.

-rlh-

stuff happens

Okay, I am bleary-eyed and have had too many late nights and early mornings as I worked on this book edit. But it will depart my computer in another hour or two. Then I think I'll go lie on the couch and nap.

The main reason for this post is that someone emailed me privately and asked if I was unhappy with my publisher. In case anyone else is wondering the same thing, I'll just say this: I have books coming out from three publishers in 2008, and I can tell you that I'm not unhappy with any of them. The problem that arose on this manuscript's edits was just "one of those things." Doesn't matter what line of work you're in, stuff happens. And despite having some added stress, it's always good to see people jumping in to resolve a problem.

I was talking to a friend a couple of days ago. She is an author who has worked with one publisher and the same editors on all of her books. I mentioned that I've written for 11 publishers over the course of my career and, if the quick count in my head is right, have worked with about 24 or 25 acquisitions/content editors. That kind of experience helps to give me perspective when things don't go perfectly from start to finish.

From the outside, the publishing world does often seem as if it would be fun and glamorous. But when it comes right down to it, writing a book and seeing it published is 90% blood, sweat, and tears. That 10% of joy I feel when I hold the finished book in my hand and later hear from readers who loved it has to carry me through the writing of the next one. And it does.

I love what I do. I just don't always love doing it. {{grin}}

-rlh-

editing woes

Last week is not one I want to ever repeat. I won't bore you with details. Suffice to say, sometimes things don't go as they should in publishing. S-T-R-E-S-S!!! Ah, the writing life. It is so glamorous ... NOT! [Update: FYI, I love this publisher that this book is for. See follow up post.]

A friend sent me this YouTube video and I had to share with you. It cheered me up. I was informed that this is just what it is like when you are not a morning person. I need to know this because I am a morning person. In fact, I may be one of these smiling, singing, golden, glowing, annoying characters you see in this video. Daughter #1 (not a morning person) despised my sunny "Good mornings" when I would wake her up for school. But she loves me anyway, dear child. LOL!

Have a sunny, happy day!

-rlh-