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