Doin’ a new thing

On February 1st, 2021, I finished writing my first novel! God laid this story on my heart years ago, and during the wilderness of the pandemic, he made a way! How exciting to get to The End, 88K, 319 pages, and 40 chapters later!

I am about to do a new thing;
     now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
     and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 NRSV)

I didn’t really believe I’d ever accomplish a completed first draft, so I’ve already exceeded my expectations.

Becky Sue Harwood

I’m working on my book proposal. (Omigosh! It’s harder than I imagined, sooooooo much harder!) I finish a section, only to tear it apart and rewrite. Then decide I liked what I’d written before, but didn’t bother to save a copy before I destroyed it. Write, delete, repeat. Sigh.

Rejection. A rite of passage for every writer. I can feel it looming, but I’m hopeful. I didn’t really believe I’d ever accomplish a completed first draft, so I’ve already exceeded my expectations. There’s tremendous freedom in this uncharted territory. Even if I can’t find an agent, editor, and get this novel published, it has been a fantastic experience! I’ve learned so much about writing, about myself and what I’m capable of, and how thankful I am for the blessings in my life.

If you are a new writer trekking through the wilderness that is getting your work out into the world, I’m interested in your journey. How is it going? What has worked for you? What hasn’t? Maybe you just need a few words of encouragement?

If you are an established author well familiar with the path, I’m interested in your journey as well. Do you still struggle with aspects of your craft? If you could go back and talk to the “baby writer” version of yourself, what advice would you share? Maybe you just need a few words of encouragement too?

Here’s to doing new things!