Wow - so good to be back with you:) A lot can happen in 3 weeks or so ~ or maybe I should say a lot didn't happen ~ when it comes to book covers, anyway!
The galleys are in and I so appreciate your prayers. They were powerful and effective! Strangely, I wasn't weary of this story as I've been in the past during galleys. A good sign, I hope. Maybe it was getting that cover the day before that helped. But honestly, I think it was your prayers:)
So what are galleys? Before publishing, I used to wonder myself. I thought they sounded kind of romantic. Galleys are simply the author's last chance to make significant changes to the story before it is turned into book pages. When the pages arrive by FedEx in a few weeks, only a few tweaks are allowed. If an author makes too many at the pages stage they can be charged for them. So the galleys are a wonderful chance to make the story shine.
This time I worked on ferreting out pet words (glint, shadows, fierce, venomous, pinned, etc.), rechecked maps and distances, reviewed foreign terms, re-watched videos on spinning and weaving, verified trees, shrubs, and flowers. I also consulted a fisheries expert about a tricky river/fisheries issue in Pennsylvania. I read the manuscript over and over (no, not every author does this but compulsive ones do) to make sure it flows. Good writing has a certain rhythm and I can tell when the manuscript has been changed, even if it's one word. Sometimes I change it back! Thankfully this doesn't happen often. My editors, bless them, are always watching word count yet are very respectful of my writing. They ask interesting questions at this stage regarding historical content and the story's timeline, etc. It really is something like a history test. I don't do any other reading or writing during galleys so ended up missing the next book I'm working on very much. But now I'm back to those characters and smiling:)
While working on galleys, I took my mom to a "knit-a-long" a few afternoons. We both ended up learning how to knit. Let me tell you, the first session did not sing. After 2 hours I looked down at my lap and my efforts resembled something the cat had coughed up - a giant hairball! Thank heavens for second chances. It actually clicked the next lesson and the teacher didn't have to unravel everything. I still have a loooong way to go and Roxanna Rowan would laugh at my pathetic attempts but I now feel knitting is downright addicting! So far I'm working on a hat in "misty green" and also a scarf with that wild chunky yarn. Sadly, I don't have a lot of time and this new diversion could well woo me away from writing. Mom is doing great, by the way, and has nearly finished a hat:)
Last but not least, what is up with elusive book covers?!?! I was sure we'd have it by now but no... Some of you master sleuths are still looking. Please don't stop! I'm getting pretty lonely keeping the joy all to myself. I did get a peek at Julie Lessman's latest and it's very well done:) And I know Sarah Sundin's will be beautiful, too, when it appears. We 3 are releasing the same month come September...
Anyway, I'm so very grateful for your prayers and encouragement since I took a brief hiatus! And I'd love to know what you've been doing the past 3 weeks - and if you knit!?!
Well my last 3 weeks haven't been as interesting as yours! My life consists of school and youth group, and that's about it! lol! But I did get a chance to get online to look for your book cover everyday! That thing just doesn't want to be found!! And I do knit, but only for presents and gifts. I mainly knit scarves and hats when I have time. Have a great week, Laura! :)
ReplyDeleteMarissa, School and youth group sound pretty good to me:) Sometimes I wish I could hit reverse and return to those years. I'd do some things a bit differently! LOVE that you knit for gifts. That's the best kind of knitting! And a million thanks for all your cover excitement/hunting. I so hope you love it when you see it! I promise to blow it up really big for you here when it appears so you can see all the exquisite detail:) You bless me! Praying your week is full of His best for you in all you do...
DeleteWow, Laura! Those galleys sound like alot of work. Thank you, though. :) It's always more comfortable to read a book when one is confident that the story will just flow smoothly. And that one will not be constantly wondering if these historical facts are researched correctly.
ReplyDeleteOff Topic
Have you heard Bill Leslie's Mitford Christmas CD, Midnight Clear? I bought it this past Christmas and love it! http://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Clear-Christmas-Mitford/dp/B005RYF5FY
Oh, I was at Anne Mateer's blog reading about her favorite romantic films. Love her book by the way. Can't wait for the next one. I commented and asked her if she had seen BBC's North and South. It was NOT included in her list. She said that she hasn't, but would like to get it some time. I think the bloggers here need to give her a little encouragement to see it ASAP!
http://www.fivebazillionandone.blogspot.com/2012/02/some-of-my-favorite-romantic-movies.html
Hi Sylvia, Thanks to you I just popped in to Anne's:) She simply MUST watch North&South! I can't tell you how much I loved that film and nothing has bumped in. Not even Downton Abby though I must confess I haven't watched that yet and am not even sure I'm spelling it right...!
DeleteYes, the galleys are a lot of work though some authors don't thresh them like I do. I will say if I didn't love to write I couldn't handle publishing. My hubby thinks staring at a computer screen for hours on end is just shy of insanity;) He's all action, though. And he's not a reader though he did just finish Robinson Crusoe on Kindle and loved it! Thanks so much for your kind thoughts about all that goes into the galleys. They really are a labor of love!
I had no idea there was a Mitford Christmas CD out! It sounds like wonderful music to write by. I'm one of those crazy people who listen to Christmas music all year round. And I will go over and find it, thanks to your link! I'm alwways in search of new music like this. Am sure I'll love, too. Bless you for being here today!
I'm glad your galleys went well, but sorry about your book cover. Hopefully soon if Julie's is up :). Can't wait to see it. Surprised it hasn't showed up at Relz Reviewz. That's where I usually find first glimpses :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, nope, I'm hopeless at anything crafty. I just end up getting frustrated. Same with video games. Zero hand-eye coordination. That's neat that you learned with your mom. :)
We are keeping pretty busy with the same stuff. Lots of blood tests, doctor's appointments, homeschooling, etc. Taking things one blood test at a time and planning for Chris' birthday this week. After hitting into the normal range, more quickly dropping numbers. God is teaching us a lot right now, though.
Are your sons on break this week? OK, and this just popped into my head and maybe you've posted about it but do either of your sons like to write? One thing I noticed is funny how our kids have some traits like me, some traits like Chris and then a few that just seem to come out of nowhere and make them totally unique :)
Julia, I see most new covers at Rel's, too! Which reminds me to check over there today... Thanks for that!
DeleteI am hopeless at video games also. In fact, they make me sick! I actually get woozy if I even look at the screen when the boys are racing in those car games. ICK! If not for Mom, I never would have tried knitting. Like writing, sheer persistence won out. I try to knit a little every night so I won't forget what I've learned. It's not as easy as I thought!
You and Chris have been on my mind and heart a lot. You have such a wonderful perspective and a teachable heart. The latter is so important, especially. Taking one day at a time is so key and you are doing that. Happy birthday to dear hubs:) He is a keeper! Prayers for those levels and appts and everything will continue.
Love your writing/boys questions. Paul's 6th grade class participated in NaNoWriMo and he won the "Homer" Award (sadly named for the Simpsons of which I am not a fan) after writing 5,366 words (I just asked him as he's home today). It was this glorious story about hobos and camping in the woods and adventurous, dangerous boy stuff. I chuckled while reading as did Randy. He's not sure about writing for keeps though... Wyatt (9th grade) is a very good writer but he HATES it! Math is his gig, like Dad's. Sigh. It will be interesting to see where the Lord takes them. You're so right about kid's uniqueness. I do think there is a writing gene:) But it might just skip a generation or two!
That's awesome that he finished that many words! That's so neat to read your son's story and I'm sure you can take it out later and he'll probably get a chuckle. I know I do at some of the stuff my parents saved :) Funny, some of the stuff I wrote a 1-2 years ago makes me cringe. But that's a good thing and all part of the growth process I suppose.
DeleteThanks for your prayers. Its good that they keep such careful track of his levels, but it can be a mixed blessing as we really want to keep our focus on the LORD and not a number given by a doctor.
Laura, thought of you when I saw this sight. Haven't dared to buy anything from them, but the books are drool-worthy. They also have Charles Spurgeon's book reviews reprinted on the site. I'm sure that would provide a lifetime of good reading.
http://www.dustandashes.com/
Yes, my own prior works were cringe-worthy, too:) UGH. What a blessing we get better at this! And thanks for the wise thought on focusing on the Lord and not numbers. That applies to so many situations and is so true. Just this morning my reading in Whitefield highlighted Isaiah 26:3 ~ You keep him n perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you..." Amen.
DeleteThanks so much for the great link!! Off to investigate:)
I can't imagine all you have to do at this time with the book! I like how you broke it down, in stages, for us to see what it's like. The time you have with your mother- how special to do things together like that. I only knitted and crocheted a couple of times- I am not good at it. It actually starts cramping my hands quite a bit so I don't indulge. LOL. The feel and look of hand-knitted items is truly wonderful. My grandmother did both..but now only when she can. I have several treasured baby blankets from her.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to organize my homeschooling thoughts. We have, oh, maybe 14(?) weeks left of school before summer break, and I need to figure out exactly what's left to teach the kids! And, there's "planning" for our lighter, summer school time and "planning" for NEXT year. LOL! Crazy!
Also, the challenge of prioritizing- whew. It's been tough for me to figure this one out. I am terrible at making meals anymore. I really run out of energy so quickly and my pain levels still are high. However, I have revamped our homeschooling week so I can take Friday's off from any teacher-intensive lessons. That way, I can write a bit more and my mind is less frazzled. And, the kids have more FUN that day than any other day!
So glad to see you back here! ~AMY
Amy, I really relate to the hand cramp part of knitting. Mine do that, too, especially at first. With your health issues I sure wouldn't want any other sx so you are wise to pass. Your music is so beautiful - and your writing, I'm sure - that you can do that and skip the knitting!
DeleteHearing your homeschooling thoughts/plans makes me miss those days so much - but in a good way:) I LOVED Fridays, too, as we had a lighter day and sometimes, in warm weather, would take a walk or have a picnic, etc. It's so important to let kids play and be kids and have FUN like you said:) They're only little for a very short time.
I hear you about meals and cooking. Today I have a crockpot of vegetable beef barley soup on and will make some bread this afternoon in my bread machine. I used to do everything by hand but now have to schedule carefully. Costco is my best friend:) I've found the key is planning menus and shopping one day a week. Today we seem to be out of everything so will have to figure out the boy's lunch!
I'll be praying your planning and scheduling and homeschooling goes well and surprises and delights you! So happy you're here today. I was afraid you and other favorite folks here wouldn't show up!
Well, your blog is irresistible, sweet Laura! It's a gift to the soul! I am so impressed you did everything by hand! Wow! You're right- planning menus is key. And where this lady fails. LOL. I used to coupon and plan, like a mad person. But, since I started to homeschool (this is my third year), those things got lost in the shuffle. I think that using the crockpot would be the ultimate help! Oh, you are so encouraging to me. Thank you for your kind words and prayers. I keep struggling with how to approach my writing- I'm so sensitive, it's my nature, so I don't know how I'd deal with a whole lot of criticism right now. I feel like I need to get some tougher skin before putting myself out there too much. I need ENCOURAGEMENT. Like, if someone reads my entire book, tell me it is just outstanding and lovely! HA! Really, then, I can work from there and take the criticism. My soul right now needs gentle instruction and hope. :) I always feel better visiting you! ~AMY
DeleteAmy, I'm so blessed by you, always. It's mutual, truly. May your heart/soul/mind always feel at home here. That's my prayer and hope. We do need mutual encouragement in so many ways. I understand completely about sensitivity regarding writing. Some of my author friends let critism roll off while others, like me, feel it like a blow. I'm afraid that hasn't changed for me over time though I thought it would. Lord willing, it still might. What I'm learning to do with the criticism is more important, though. I just give it over to Him and let Him carry it for me. And then He helps me sort out my messy emotions. I know you do that, too. We'll keep encouraging each other to press on:) God bless you for your sweet, welcome words!
DeleteBahaha if I tried to knit I have the feeling the results would be even worse than yours! I'm all thumbs when it comes to doing stuff with my hands, my mom has all the crafting genes. Glad to hear that you're getting better at it though. It definitely sounds like you've been busy, busy, busy! I'm so glad you got those galleys because that means I'm one step closer to reading the book. :-)
ReplyDeleteXOXO~ Renee C.
Let me tell you, Renee, knitting is a leap of faith and I'm still not out of the woods yet! I think the crafting gene skipped me also. Oh, to be good at everything;) Glad your mom is crafty! I admire that so much. And YES, the story is now sailing down the publishing pike to proofreaders and another editor. Can't wait till you get your copy:) Praying you like the story, my friend.
DeleteLOL! Just reread your "Bahaha," oh, clever one;)
DeleteI think it is so cool you are learning to knit like Roxanna! I can't wait for her story to come out and to see the new book cover. These last three weeks I have been simply quilting, working with my middle school students and reading quite a bit. I just finished a cute
ReplyDeleteValentine's Day table runner for my table! I also just ordered Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck's new book Love Lifted Me. Have you read her Songbird Series? Love Lifted Me is the 3rd and final book in their series and it is such a great, sweet book. I can't wait for the UPS to deliver it!!
I am glad you are back Laura!! I hope you have a blessed day!! :)
Cassie, I so wish Roxanna was near enough to teach me - lol! She could correct some of the holes that mar my knitting:) It's so neat to hear you quilt! That would be the ultimate craft, for me. I have quilts hanging on the walls of my house but I didn't make them. But they're so beautiful - true artwork! So neat that you finished a runner - those type things make a house a home. And your new book makes me want to rush out and buy that series! RAchel is a great author and though I've not heard of Sara, I'm sure they make a great team. Nothing beats a book in the mailbox! I'm waiting for Siri Mitchell's latest myself so can share the JOY:) Prayers with you and those middle schoolers you reach/teach!
DeleteHi Laura! I'm so glad to hear that the galleys are in and you are still in good spirits. :-) I'm still watching for your cover!
ReplyDeleteNope -- I've never tried to knit, sew, crochet or quilt, although my sister is quite the master quilter. :-) I don't know, I guess I just never got into crafts.
I've been following writing rabbit trails over the last couple of weeks. I had intended to do a quick glance at the first chapters of "The Back of Beyond" (I've settled on that title for now, lol) before submitting the first fifteen pages to ACFW's Genesis Contest. But now I'm seeing things that I can't let go. *Sigh* So what started as a project that would span a couple of days, has turned into a full manuscript edit. And this is like my sixth edit for this manuscript! Yeah, I'm compulsive too, and I hope I'm not wasting my time. "The Way of Impressions" is getting impatient for me to start second draft edits. In other news, my 19-month-old is starting to talk more, so that is pretty exciting! :-)
Gwen, Please scroll down for my answer to your comment. I was so excited to respond I forgot to hit the reply button!
DeleteGlad you're done with your galleys, Laura. :) And someone needs to hurry up and find that cover, because I'm dying to see it!!!
ReplyDeleteThe galley stage took me a bit aback when I finally saw my story all printed out in front of me. I felt like nothing flowed and someone else had written the story. Hopefully my galleys will go smoother next time.
Naomi, So good to see you here, Ms. Debut Author:) I saw your pics with your new book and they're wonderful! Your son was glowing, too:) A proud moment for everyone. I can't wait to read!! I love the cover very much and I don't say that lightly. I've seen some that don't sing but yours does.
DeleteIf it's any consolation, my first galleys experience was traumatic. Your thoughts were my thoughts exactly. I felt panicked and even contacted an author friend (a bestselling one who'd been through the hoops many times. Now I think she probably laughed at me but she was very patient at the time). I think I even cried in private! It didn't seem like my book at all though the story was before me mostly unchanged. Hard to explain. My 2nd round was much better and I'm sure it will be the same for you. Thanks so much for your honesty. Publishing can be quite painful at times!
Hope my cover "pops" for you when it appears! Will be fun to hear ayes ~ or even nays;)
Naomi, I was thinking a little more about this over lunch. I think those first galleys were frightening in their newness. And a concrete realization that those words of ours were not private anymore but would be served for public consumption. Scary, indeed;) My writing has always been very private, not meant to be shared. Poor Randy didn't even know I wrote when he married me! But God had other plans...
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the pictures on my blog. Did you read the story about how I missed getting the books the first time? LOL! I seem to be pretty good at messing up anything and everything writing related. Fortunately, I'd read a post by Jody Hedlund last spring in which she said she looked at the galleys to her newest novel and felt like every word was terrible. So I knew I wasn't the only one. Still, it's pretty strange. My first reaction is to not tell anyone about the book for fear they'll hate it. But we'll see. God has a plan in all this, and in some ways I'm pretty anxious to see what He does with everything.
DeleteAnd speaking of debut authors, have you read Sixty Acres and a Bride yet? Awesome story and full of romantic tension. I loved it simply because the romance was so well done. I was biting my fingernails up to the very end, wondering how everything was going to work out for that poor hero and heroine.
Oh yeah, I also should have said, "thanks for the compliments on my cover." I'm glad you liked it. :-) I know you love costumes and clothing from bygone eras, but finding example of the clothes my poor French peasants were wearing was really hard. Not a lot of information out there about what the peasant class was wearing in the middle of a war. Imagine that!
DeleteOh, and there's one more thing I forgot to say. You should stop by my blog this week for the giveaway we're doing. I interviewed the photographer who took my author portraits. The giveaway is a little different, and I see you simply loving it. :-)
DeleteNow back to plotting my next book. Gotta love it when you get to redeem a bad guy!
LOL, Naomi! I just did the same thing with multiple comment boxes over on Facebook;) Must be the end of the day for me, for sure! I'll be right over to your blog and thank you for the invite! I hope others will join in, too, if they can.
DeleteI've loved SAAAB's cover - it has that ethnic flair so appealing and unusual to the CBA. Well done! The colors are so vivid and beautiful, too.
As for costumes and covers, I've said goodbye to the big, fancy dress with LR;) Hope you and others like the result. I think the peasant costume is appealing in its simplicity - and is certainly historically accurate!
Thanks so much for joining in here - you add so much!
Thank you for answering my questions about galleys! I am interested in writing and am trying to learn as much as I can. Writers certainly go through the hoops. What a privilege to be published and a headache, I'm sure:)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you were able to learn how to knit with your mom! Learning new things together is a way to stay close and connected. My Great Grandmother knitted afghans and dishcloths. Each grandchild and great grandchild received an afghan while she was alive. She taught me how to knit when I was maybe around age 10. Oh, the patience she had to untangle my messes. I loved her dearly. I have only completed small projects. The large ones never get finished. My creativity goes beyond needles, rows, and counting.
I love how homeschooling has been brought up in these comments. I am in a family of five and so far the top four of us have been homeschooled through high school! I have had fun finding out which authors homeschool their children! Perhaps I'll be there someday, Yikes!
Jennie
Jennie, So glad for your teachable heart regarding writing. I wish now I'd had access to blogs and authors when I in pre-publishing days. You said it so well - a privilege and a headache both;)
DeleteI have an afghan my granny made, like your great granny did, and it's a treasure. So warm and lovely! Wonderful that she taught you at age 10. My mom learned to knit at age 8 but didn't stick with it yet when she started up again with me it all came back to her. I think I will stick to smaller projects, too. Right now the chunky yarn is giving me fits as it's so wild and hard to hook and work with for some reason. I kind of like my hat project best with the tamer yarn. I can't imagine tackling a sweater!
Hats off to homeschoolers!! There are so many of us out there! I think the ones who do it through high school are simply amazing:) I wish I could have done that personally and with the boys. Wow - family of 5! That takes some organization! I learned so much while homeschooling and would have loved to have been homeschooled myself way back when. Thrilled it's gaining in popularity. Some states make it very hard on homeschoolers but Washington State has few regulations, thank heavens.
Bless you for being here. Your comments add so much!! And thoughts/prayers with you as you create your own stories. You're on the right track learning as you go!
Laura- I hadn't realized you had homeschooled your boys until a few weeks back. LOL. I was like, duh, why did I not know that? It's encouraging to see how many homeschoolers there are out there!
DeleteAmy, It IS so heartening to see homeschoolers here:) Actually, I put my last homeschooler (Paul) into public school last year and it was so hard! You aren't off by much. It feels like a few weeks ago:) I wish I hadn't done it though it's gone well for the most part. But I would encourage parents to school their kids as long as they can. Having seen both sides now, I can honestly say homeschooling keeps a family very close and imparts values the secular school system breaks down. That said, you are one awesome homeschooling mom!!
DeleteGwen, I thought of you as I wrote this post as I sensed you might like a peek at the details, writing like you do:) And I'm SO thrilled to hear you're editing yet AGAIN on the ms. I do that over and over - wheelbarrow loads full of hard copy, no kidding, especially on my first. That will make your story sing. I really, really like your title - it's very memorable and intriguing and fits your story line so very well!
ReplyDeleteHuge congrats on entering the Genesis! Prayers with you all the way. I'm so thrilled about your ACFW news and that the conf. is in your neck of the woods. You're going to love going. I sure do and am praying I get there this year.
Now, about that baby talking more... 19 months is the most precious age. I've always said the only thing that beats a good book is a baby:) Nothing in the world like babies! That's why I have to put them in my books like I do. Just can't seem to get enough of them. I even snuck a few into Love's Reckoning:)
I'm keeping my eyes open for that book cover too. Can't wait to see it! Can't wait to read Love's Reckoning! The story line sounds so intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI've been rather busy these past few weeks too. I typed THE END on book #6 a little over a week ago. Yeah! Then last week I went on my annual solo writing retreat. I stayed at our timeshare in Wisconsin for four nights all by myself. That gave me 3 complete days to work on editing uninterrupted. I did sneak in a movie one afternoon, but otherwise it was all work. Still, it's a very refreshing time. My family appreciates me so much more too now. :)
YAY, Brenda! I sure hope you like this story, (and cover)! You should be getting a book in that box of yours come late July, I'm thinking:)
DeleteSUPER congrats on finishing book #6 - it is so important to persevere and keep writing. I thought about quitting so many times prior to publishing. I'll bet you've seen tremendous growth over time with each book. And I well remember your getaway last year! The Wisconsin woods sounded like such bliss to me. And well deserved as I know how very busy you are at home. Chuckling about that appreciation. No doubt they welcomed you back with open arms! Thanks so much for welcoming me back here today:) It means so much!
I'm so glad you explained what galleys were as I had all sorts of possible explanations running through my head LOL.
ReplyDeleteThe most I've been doing these last 3 weeks is knit a precious baby in my womb, ok so it's God doing the knitting but I'm providing the warm environment heehee. I've never knitted before but I might try my hand at it someday.
I have been searching daily for the cover of LR but no such luck yet. I feel like I'm a stalker! LOL. I'm so excited to see the cover and read the book as I know it's going to be great!
Once again, Eva, my reply to you is below! In my glee to answer I keep forgetting to hit the reply button. I'm a true blonde;)
DeleteEva, HUGE congrats on that baby you and the Lord are knitting:) I think of Psalm 139 immediately and you might, too! That's the best news I've heard all day! I can tell you love being a mom. It's truly a gift from above. Children teach us so much. I understand the Father's love so much better now that I've had my own children.
ReplyDeleteAm thrilled you keep searching for that cover! I'll tell you a secret. My hero in LR is Scottish;) Knowing you are surrounded by that rich Scots speech day in and day out leaves me a tad wistful, I must say! My dream is to go to Scotland. I went to school in England and sadly never took the train up there. A huge regret. Maybe the Lord will arrange something grand and we'll meet one day for tea and scones and I can get a peek at your precious family!
Galleys do sound strange! I think of ships, first and foremost. I've said before I'm officially a galleys slave;) Then I remember the term is probably leftover from olden days when printers worked off galleys. Glad they've kept the antiquated term though Microsoft Word is a far cry from the old time galleys! How Benjamin Franklin would marvel.
My prayer is that you're feeling good and not "peaked" as we say in Kentucky. Maybe they say that in Texas, too? I wasn't very sick with my babies but I remember being very sleepy. Oh, those days were sweet! Bless you so much for bringing all that back to me this rainy afternoon!
Laura it would be amazing for you to visit Scotland and us to meet up for tea and scones! I could be your interpreter as we live about 36 miles north of Aberdeen and most of the people from this area speak Doric so it's very hard to understand what they are saying if you haven't been around it much. I remember when I first came here I kept looking at my husband to interpret what people were saying lol. Hubby's granny tries to think of really old doric words to surprise me with and see if I know what they mean, sometimes I do and sometimes I draw a blank face! When my mom comes for a visit I have to interpret for her as she often looks at me as if everyone has 3 heads haha!
ReplyDeleteThe nausea is starting to subside as I'm just over 10 weeks so here's hoping it's deciding to leave. This baby was a very lovely surprise as we were done at 3 kids lol, but we are so thankful that God has planned this baby even when we didn't. I'm due mid September so I'm hoping that the excitement from the arrival of LR will send me into labor as I was late the last time LOL. Or maybe I should read the whole thing before the sleepless nights start heehee. Anyway, God bless you today Laura!
Eva, Oh, that's so fascinating about Doric! You are a font of info and treasure, truly! There's so much more to absorb when one lives IN a place. Thanks a million for sharing. I feel a Doric tangent coming on in which I must scour the internet for more info:) And I really meant that about coming to Scotland. I would park myself in Aberdeen and head north for a visit!
DeleteVery glad you are getting over the nausea. That's so miserable. Of all the families I've ever heard of that were finished after 3 children, they've been so delighted by #4 when all is said and done, like you've alluded to here. LOVE that my due date with LR coincides with yours! Only I would swap you if I could! Nothing like a baby!! If you didn't read the comments above, I will say again you'll find a baby or two in LR:) I had so much fun with little Jess and Rosebud in CML I couldn't help myself!
Eva, In Ballantyne book 2 my hero says, "Haud yer wheesht!" and I just had to tell you. Betcha know what it means, too;)
DeleteI found this interesting site yesterday- http://maps.nls.uk/pont/index.html - and since you are discussing Scotland/your new series, thought I might share. No- I am not writing about Scotland but actually was looking for some medieval river names. LOL. Came across this. Even though it didn't help me too much, I looked around a bit on the site. ~AMY
ReplyDeleteOh, love these links!! When I take a break I have somewhere fun to go - plus it gives me a peek into what you readers are up to in spare moments:) Thanks for being so thoughtful and sharing!!
DeleteWelcome back, Laura! I'm glad your galley edits have gone well!
ReplyDeleteThis has been the strangest winter here, we've had practically no snow at all. Predicted for the last two weekends, but it ended up being a flop both times. I'm not complaining though.
The last three weeks have been work, work, and more work. I shan't complain about that either. I've finally managed to start reading again though, so that's been great! I have Siri Mitchell's The Messenger in my TBR pile. Along with several more.
I definitely do not knit, I'm fairly certain my mom used to years ago. I remember a green and white afghan I think she knitted. She's not knitted in many, many years. I believe my great-grandmother taught her.
Michelle, I heard you Kentuckians had snow today!! Our weatherman is a bit off, I'm thinking! Seeing as how you drive to work, I'm glad the fluffy white stuff has missed you:) I keep imagining you sitting by your fire with a book in hand - mabye covered by that afghan!
DeleteIt's pouring rain here but we did have a couple feet of snow last month. Spring is coming. And an abundance of good books! I need to order Baroness next. So many good historicals coming out this year! I predict a crushing TBR pile if it ever falls;)
So glad to see you here tonight. A wonderful way to sign off:) For now, anyway!
I've been busy with school these past few weeks. I have taken the time hang out with friends and family went to a couple of movies. Made some progress on my work in progress. I now have the characters mapped out. I don't knit or crochet, both my grandmas tried to teach me but it didn't take. I do quilt though completely by hand the who process. I also do a little bit of woodworking, my papaw thought me that skill.
ReplyDeleteCarissa, So good to see you:) You and Michelle are my 2 Kentucky friends/night owls making my whole evening:) It's good to hear you're taking time for yourself and a little fun despite the demands of your final semester. THRILLED to hear you're mapping out those characters and the story is taking shape. That's how it is for me, too. I get little glimpses of people and a storyline and then the more I think about them the more it comes together.
DeleteI'm completely in awe of the quilting by hand you do - that's such an art! I think 3 of you here do that and I'm really impressed as it's not easy to do. But I know it must be so rewarding. You certainly live in a quilting state! And the woodworking is dear to my heart, too. I have quite a few Kentucky hand-hewn items including a handmade dulcimer and things like that. I even love little figures like birds and such. Maybe you like making those, too. The possibilities are endless as to what you can whittle or carve or whatnot. Love thinking of you doing that.
You said it so well about the knitting - "it didn't take." I'm afraid if I tried to learn to quilt or sew it wouldn't take either though I'd dearly love to try my hand at it. Woodworking, too! Your Papaw sounds like a good man to know, a true Kentuckian:) Can you tell I'm homesick? Last night I made biscuits and sausage gravy. Now I need some garlic cheese grits. But a Cracker Barrel would do, too;)
You're in my prayers as you go about your busy schedule. So glad we can keep up here. I really enjoy knowing what my readers/friends are doing. Bless you so much!
Oh, dear Laura! I'm so glad that I checked to see if you had a new post! It's so wonderful to read what you've been up to, and to get a glimpse into what the writing process has been like for you. What an absolute treat September is going to be, with three of my favorite authors all releasing new books! :::sigh::: But September is so far off! Hopefully, we'll have that cover soon to tide us over. Has anyone bribed you yet? LOL! Perhaps I could overnight some chocolate chip cookies to you, in exchange for a peek at the cover!?! Hahaha!! ;o)
ReplyDeleteAnd how fun that you've learned to knit! As you know, I crochet a little bit, but have never learned to knit. I look forward to seeing some photos of your finished projects. : )
Love & Prayers,
Michelle
You're so creative, Michelle, I think you'd probably pick knitting up in no time:) If it's anything like your cooking and baking, that is! But then we might lose you as a reader and reviewer and that would never do! Though I have heard if you crochet then knitting goes a bit easier.
DeleteSeptember IS a banner month for books - so thankful - but it does seem like a long ways off. Your cookie exchange - lol - is quite tempting! Cookies for covers. Hmmm... Oh, how you tempt me!! Let's hope you like what you see when it gets here. One never knows about these things though I sure am smitten with it;)
Hope your time in the mountains was wonderful and this week goes well for you all! So happy to see you here, dear Michelle!
Laura, it won't let me reply specifically to a comment for some reason so I'm adding another comment:) I do know what "Haud yer wheesht!" means and I can't wait to read book 2 in the series! I loved Ian in TFD so I just know I'm going to love this next series!
ReplyDeleteOh, Eva, I'm so delighted you know what that means; Can you sense me smiling ear to ear?! The book will probably have special meaning for you living where you do. My hero is from the heart of Highland Perthshire. Bless you for loving Ian - me, too! Would you believe my editor asked me to create another Scottish hero when the proposal originally dealt with a French gunsmith named Gallatin. I've always preferred Scottish heroes though. And to think you have one of your very own! OH MY!!
DeleteBTW, if you or your family are ever in Spain, my brother and his family live in Granada. They love to have people in and are very good at practicing the gift of hospitality:) I'm trying to get back over there. May send our oldest son over this summer...
DeleteYes I DO knit and LOVE it!!! I think one of my favorite things that I've knitted so far was a little white sweater for a niece. It was beautiful once it was finished (if I do say so myself :-). Right now I'm working on knitting squares in different stitch patterns that I'll put all together to a make an afghan... Pretty slow work. I still have my eyes out!
ReplyDeleteJanell, Why does that not surprise me! Somehow I just knew you knitted!! And the sweater sounds beautiful. I'm always so taken with knitted things in miniature. I think the knitted items for kids are the best! Your afghan sounds wonderful using the different stitches! I bet you had fun choosing colors:) When I went to the yarn store the other day I was amazed at the selection - and we live in the woods! Debbie Macomber (another author) has a huge knitting barn (for lack of a better word) not far from here in Port Orchard and I can't wait to take Mom and visit. But we'd better practice a lot between now and then. Knitting IS wonderful and I'm so thankful I am learning. I had to give up crossstitch when publishing kicked in and really like handwork. Will be thinking of you as you work on your afghan:)
DeleteAnd thanks for your patience with that cover! Would love for you to spy it:)
I can't wait for your next book!!! I LOVE the other 3 you wrote!!! So excited! :)
ReplyDeleteI must warn you about knitting though! It is VERY, VERY adicting! And so much fun! :) I have been knitting for 23 years and still love it! :) I even figured out a way to prop up my books so I can knit while I read! lol :)
God Bless You in your writing (and knitting!)
~Joanna :)
Oh Joanna, 23 years - wow! You are a veteran knitter then:) I covet your experience! Am still struggling with the casting on and such. If we knitters lived closer we could start a book and knitting club. I can see us all with books propped up on our knees, needles flying! I can now do the basic knit stitch with my eyes closed - lol. But I don't dare! There are a few holes in my work though fewer than before. It is wonderfully satisfying to create something like that. I've never been one to just sit in my chair. I have to be doing something while I sit there!
DeleteSo appreciate the kind thoughts about my writing and knitting. So fun to share the joy of both with you here! Bless you right back!
Ah, you're learning to knit! i'm so glad :) once you get the rhythm down, its so soothing. Especially for the fidgety types, I dont know if that's you but its definitely me! I cant wait to see your new cover! Im so looking forward to these books :)
ReplyDeleteHeather, YAY!! Was so hoping you'd show:) I keep waiting to hear about the sale and shows so am feeling a bit behind with the galleys and being offline mostly. I AM a fidgety type and can't just sit but have to be doing something. Love sitting and knitting in the eves as a break from writing and reading. I'm SO looking forward to hearing what you think of Silas and Eden and Elspeth and all the rest:) Bless you, Heather.
DeleteWell, I already love their names! So pretty! I've always thought Elspeth was such an interesting old name. I'm working on knitting my first shawl. We'll see how it ends up, lol! happy writing to you!~
DeleteAh, I spied a knitting basket on your snow day post. I hope other knitters or art lovers will go take a look:) You always have such beautiful pics over there. I know your shawl will be beautiful, too!
DeleteHow fun to learn that you and your readers knit! I began knitting about 5 years ago and have fallen in love with it. From square dishcloths to my current WIP (another pair of socks), I just love knitting.
ReplyDeleteI also love each of your books and am amazed at your gift of imparting such beautifully descriptive words so that we can see your created book world. All three of your books have transport me from home to Kentucke and beyond. God has given you a wonderful gift and thank you for sharing it with us.
Whoops, my reply is below, Ellen! I must master that button!
DeleteBest wishes on your knitting, Laura. I knit when I was a child and young teen. My daughter knits and crochets. When this current proposal gets done I will allow myself some time to do beads again for a week or two. That is what I did last time! A nice break and repetitive task to reset my brain for the next MS. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteCarrie, You said it well - beading or knitting is a very nice, repetitive task after the mindbendingness (no, that's not a word;) of writing! Your beadwork is beautiful and I would stay with that given the aching hand part of knitting, etc. Praying about that proposal as I know you put 200% into it. Blessings to you, too!
DeleteEllen,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my blog! I'm so happy to see a new face, so to speak, and meet this way. If I could I'd reach out and hug you but alas, technology hasn't mastered that! Your gracious words about my books mean more than I can say. Writing has always been beautiful to me so your appreciation of that is a true blessing. Love the Kentucke spelling:)
You said the magic word regarding knitting - dishcloths! I own so many of them and they're the reason I wanted to knit, so I wouldn't have to keep buying them. I'd also love to give them as gifts as they're so pretty and practical. You give me hope that you learned 5 years ago and have not found it too difficult and enjoy it so much. I went over and peeked at your blog and saw one of your littles in a sweet pic doing something crafty:) And I believe further down you said she was learning to knit. Kudos for that!
I hope/pray you step into Love's Reckoning with the same joy as the other 3. Please keep in touch! I should have the book cover up here very soon - or so I keep saying:)
Hi Laura! So glad all the edits went well and that you could feel our prayers :) Loved the insight into what you do when editing the galleys. I find it so interesting to learn about these things.
ReplyDeleteI do not knit, but have often wondered about learning. When I was a kid I did do some basic crocheting, just enough to make blankets. Otherwise I love cross stitching, but haven't done any in a few years now.
Helen, You're up and I bet it's morning there?! Happy to see you no matter when;) Hope you, the girls, and mum are having a good day there and it's not too hot. Oh, cross stitch is very dear to my heart! But like you I haven't done any in a few years either. It's so different than knitting. I've heard that if you can crochet that knitting comes more easily. But you have more than enough going on being a busy mom. I think certain crafts fit certain seasons of our lives. Right now knitting seems to work if I can master it though I don't have much time for it.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the peek into the galleys:) It really is an interesting process. Things really start rolling after that and then the book is on shelves. Again, thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers through the process. I felt them and needed them very much!
So glad you knew it was me, didn't realise I posted under Book Review Sisters
ReplyDeleteI'VE SPOTTED THE COVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I LOVE it!! So dramatic! I really can't wait to read it now!
Lovely Laura!
ReplyDeleteThe cover art has arrived :). I'll let you share!
Love the deep gold coloring even it is another girl on the cover!