the valley of revisions

It's quite a hike coming down from the Eagle's Nest restaurant in Indianapolis at Revell's author appreciation dinner to the valley of revisions. But here I am:) I think the most surprising thing about being an author is the rewriting aspect of all that writing. And the fact that no two people will view a manuscript quite the same (and one of them is your editor:).

Since writing has always been an intensely personal endeavor for me, the publishing/revisions process is a bit of a wild ride. But I'm so thankful I have an editor who cares enough to put her heart into my work and challenges me as an author. This writing valley I'd anticipated for revisions isn't really a valley at all. It's actually quite a lovely place to be, just like the photo here suggests. After creating a few new scenes, snipping old ones, tweaking everything just a bit, I believe that you, the reader, will enjoy The Colonel's Lady even more.

In Indy, I was in an elevator with a bestselling historical author and overheard her say she always sends her finished manuscripts to a freelance editor prior to submitting them to her publishing house. Others have myriad critique partners. Some do both. It seems the hope to have a near perfect manuscript afflicts us all. We authors, anyway:)

So I'm currently revising TCL and am truly loving every minute of getting lost in the story again. You'll have a better book in the end and I'll know I've given it my very best. It always helps to remember I'm not alone in this ~

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

If you're a writer, do you enjoy rewriting/revising your work? If you're a non-writer, do you think you'd find rewriting enjoyable?

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I'm so pleased to give away Choosing to See to one of you readers. This time the winner is:

Lisa!

Praying that this book blesses you and draws you closer to Him.

See you Wednesday!

a most amazing time

Just got home and wanted to put up a quick post from ACFW Indy. The conference was truly an amazing event and I was so thrilled to meet so many of you for the first time! It's always a joy being with author friends. I also met my wonderful editor for the first time (she's the one in the back). I'll post more about it later this week but thought I'd spotlight one photo today.

See any authors here who are familiar/beloved by you? This was taken after a Revell book signing at the Hyatt on Saturday. Yes, Julie Lessman is just as FUN (and petite) as she looks! I won't even begin to talk about how much I love Lorna Seilstad! And that Ann Gabhart - well, we Kentucky girls like to get together and gab:) I was thrilled to meet Jill Eileen Smith and Lynette Eason and Ann Shorey for the first time. Dan Walsh was a double winner of the Carol Award for The Unfinished Gift. So thrilled for him!

Janna Ryan and associates do a wonderful job of hosting the conference bookstore every year and I thought you might enjoy this new offering by Mary Beth Chapman. My editor and publisher are so proud of this book and it's already on the NY Times bestseller list. I have one copy that I'd love to gift you with. If you'd like a chance to read Choosing to See, just leave a comment here. I'll announce the winner next Monday.

For now, I have to run Wyatt to the orthodontist as he gets his braces off today, then it's back to work on an endorsement for a new historical author you're going to love, not to mention my edits on The Colonel's Lady, etc. Praying you all are having a good week. I've missed you and can't wait to here from you here!