Writing Again

Wow, I hadn't realized over a week had passed since my last post. It's no secret I've been in a writing slump. I haven't written a new word since June. I've been waiting on a response on a manuscript I submitted nine months ago. I did hear back about four months ago with a request of revisions, which I completed and returned. I then waited again. I stopped writing because my current WIP is the fourth book in a series, and the third was in limbo with the publisher. I didn't see the point of writing book four, if three got rejected.

After a few more months of waiting, I decided to return to book four and deal with the consequences of book three when the outcome arrived. Well, just as I started back into four, I received a response on book three. Needless to say, the wind was completely blown from my 'writing' sails. The managing editor didn't reject the book, but she didn't offer a contract either. She requested more emotion. I disagreed with a comment she made where she said she felt I didn't know my characters. That is so not correct. I know each and every character in this series. I am part of this town and the people.

My writing boost was crushed. I shut down the computer and I didn't open the screen for a few days. The sofa, my blanket, a book, and a warm cup of hot chocolate were the escape I needed.

Over the weekend, I thought about what I could do to up the emotion in this story. I considered the possibility that maybe I was focused more on the plot than the emotion.

So after a few days of sulking and thinking, I put on my big girl pants and decided to try again. I know what needs to be reworked in this story, and I'm ready to get going. Last week, I reviewed chapter one and made a few changes before sending it to my beta group. I now have a solid opening. Today, I reviewed chapter two and made more changes. I am on the right path and I feel good about the progress so far.

Book four patiently waits my return while I get emotionally involved in book three. In the end, I'm certain the outcome will strengthen both books.