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Monday, July 15, 2013

Writing Seasons


Elizabeth Goddard is an award-winning author with well over a dozen romance and romantic suspense novels, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—winner of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011. After acquiring her computer science degree, she worked at a software firm before eventually retiring to raise her four children and become a professional writer. A member of several writing organizations, she judges numerous contests and mentors new writers. In addition to writing, she home schools her children and serves with her husband as he pastors a church in Louisiana.



This year has been a serious writing whirlwind. I spent most of last summer waiting on several proposals to sell and then ended up selling two different series--five books in total. That meant that I spent the last year writing those books. I won’t lie to you—it’s been a tough year on the writing front. But tough in a good way because a working writer is a happy writer.

Throw in home schooling three boys and I couldn’t remember my own name half the time. But with school out for the summer, I only have one book left to write--Love in the Wind--and it’s due in the fall. While I’m working on that book, I’ll also be working on proposals for future books, and waiting while my editor decides on the proposal already on her desk.

You’ve heard the saying, “It’s either feast, or famine.” That perfectly describes the writing life, at least the way I experience it. I either have multiple deadlines looming over me (just so you know—I work best under stress). Or I have no deadlines or contracts, which should be a relief, giving me a chance to breathe and rest. But that’s stressful as well because I worry over when I’ll sell another book.

There’s a season for everything and even though I have a novel due, it’s my last contracted book. So I’m entering into proposal season. While I’m finishing my book, waiting on a new proposal to sell, I’ll also be brainstorming to come up with new ideas for the future. This is one of my favorite parts of the writing process—finding new storylines.

I thought to write this post because I’m almost in the same place I was this time last July. The writing seasons seem to change in rhythm with nature.

Thanks for letting me get up close and personal to share some of the writer's life.

I’d love to hear about the seasons of your life—how they wax and wane. Leaving a comment with your reply will enter you into the drawing. Don’t forget your contact information!


I’m giving away both North Dakota Weddings and Riptide to one winner.  




Blessings!
Beth

11 comments:

  1. i love mysteries sure would love to win
    jcisforme@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gotta like those summer breaks! I homeschool as well and know how crazy things can get around the house! Please enter me in the giveaway for these two books.
    Brittany McEuen
    kbmceuen(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I enjoy all seasons of life. Please enter me into your contest for the books.
    Martha T.
    CRPrarie1atimonmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. My mom homeschools too. She has 2 out of 8 left.

    Thanks for the chance to win some book.

    superstarsarah94(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love reading mysteries! These two books sound great! :)
    Lisa (deiselbuffs@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  6. love to win some great reading for holidays in a week;
    right now I'm in 'rush' season with me going here and hubby going there
    next week for holidays I'll be in 'relaxed' season as I dog sit for my sister and family(I love dogs)
    A few weeks ago I was in 'thankful/praise' season as I got a good report from my Oncologist

    thanks for sharing

    yourstrulee(at)SaskTel(dot)net

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  7. Currently, this is a pretty relaxed season for me because I am a teacher loving her summer break. Thanks for the giveaway!

    mo1202007@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've had more dark seasons in my life then bright.I try to stay hopeful.Thank you for the giveaway!

    Katie N.

    specialbutter918(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Homeschooling could be hard, especially if it came to Algebra or Geometry or a subject you were never good in. I could never teach those two subjects!

    I'll have to get The Camera Never Lies sometime since I love cozy mysteries.

    catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am retired & normally, my schedule doesn't vary much - however,the last few months have been extra stressful for me as I have been helping care for my 89 year old aunt who broke her hip & had a stroke, I also take my mother for doctor appointments etc., & my father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win the books!
    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete