Joan, you and I have crossed paths along our writing journeys for nearly the entire seven years it took for you to write Saving Vincent. I’ve always been struck with your thoughtfulness and considered responses, how you seemed to always take that extra moment to think about what you’d say. Apparently, that’s not what happens inside your head!
I loved, loved, loved your response to the question “what’s comes next?” The food metaphors are clever and made me smile and there’s a recipe for my favorite pie.
Good post, Joan. I'm on the same path at the moment. Good to hear your thoughts on this, that resonate with my own. I started writing a novel a few months ago, before my book launch craziness. I have three chapters so far. What to do? I'm tired. I need to paint and work in the garden. Take a break. Lots of food for thought...pun intended. :-)
It's delightful for me to follow your journey as we walk down similar paths. My experiences with readers has been so positive and uplifting, giving me a boost into the stratosphere of excitement and joy. I know there's much to be done as we nurture our "baby" and lead her into the world. I'm grateful for every interaction at stores and book events. Yesterday my high school best friend of over 50 years attended my presentation, sharing her discovery that our grandparents had lived about 10 miles apart, based on the land locations of their homesteads which I included in the last chapter. This just wouldn't have come up in conversation. And it makes me wonder about the instant connection we had, way back in the eleventh grade when we met. Was there a force pulling us together? Our grandparents knew each other! Such gifts keep arriving into my life, worth more than gold.
People are asking me to write a sequel. I am in no shape or form ready to contemplate that. I won't discount it, however, like you, I've been a go-getter all my life. It's time to slow down and smell the roses, make and eat the pie! Revel in every moment, Joan and all my best!
What a cool story. We have no idea do we of when connections will spring into our lives. I'm so glad your book is being received so well - but not surprised because it's wonderful!
I seem to have unfinished projects I can always turn to when I’ve finished the previous one. I’m not as organized as you, so when I have an idea for something new, I start working on it before I forget what it was. This approach necessitates rewriting the minute I pick it up again, but for me it beats the idea of not knowing what comes next. I’m not fond of uncertainty 🙂
This makes sense to me except that my unfinished projects are all marketing ideas and I'm feeling a bit like I'm a hamster wheel. I've always been one to create and then hand off the "maintain" to someone else. I love the idea of having lots of creative projects at my fingertips.
Oh I love this so much friend! Take the time to marinate, to cherish this journey and to let what’s next unfold as it needs to. I love the idea of asking does this advance my life story. I’m wrestling with that now as I have a draft of the next book in hand yet not sure I’m ready to publish it just yet- it holds a different significance that I’m sitting with. Allowing that spaciousness is wise I believe: sending you so much love! Thanks to your constant encouragement and support!
I can so relate to what you are saying, Joan. In that post-publication phase myself, I'm just trying to breathe. Unlike you, I know nothing about marketing and find it daunting. I want to write another book, but I am struggling with finding the time and STILL feeling like I'm retired. When a hobby turns into a full-time job, ya gotta stop and think, is this still fun??
By the way, I gave away a copy of Saving Vincent at my author talk in Pawleys Island, SC this week. I regret not getting a pic of who won it. The winner was selected by whose birthday was closest to Octoer 4th, Jo Bonger's birthday. :)
Aw so nice of you Joan! And today I met with my Jr High school teacher for lunch! Oh so many blessings! Isn’t this an amazing journey? I’m so glad we’re on it together, though apart!
Joan, you and I have crossed paths along our writing journeys for nearly the entire seven years it took for you to write Saving Vincent. I’ve always been struck with your thoughtfulness and considered responses, how you seemed to always take that extra moment to think about what you’d say. Apparently, that’s not what happens inside your head!
I loved, loved, loved your response to the question “what’s comes next?” The food metaphors are clever and made me smile and there’s a recipe for my favorite pie.
Love this ! You are an inspiration !
Hi Karen!
Good post, Joan. I'm on the same path at the moment. Good to hear your thoughts on this, that resonate with my own. I started writing a novel a few months ago, before my book launch craziness. I have three chapters so far. What to do? I'm tired. I need to paint and work in the garden. Take a break. Lots of food for thought...pun intended. :-)
Thanks for the recipe. I love rhubarb pie.
I'm reading your book right now - so good! Yes, on the "take a break!"
It's delightful for me to follow your journey as we walk down similar paths. My experiences with readers has been so positive and uplifting, giving me a boost into the stratosphere of excitement and joy. I know there's much to be done as we nurture our "baby" and lead her into the world. I'm grateful for every interaction at stores and book events. Yesterday my high school best friend of over 50 years attended my presentation, sharing her discovery that our grandparents had lived about 10 miles apart, based on the land locations of their homesteads which I included in the last chapter. This just wouldn't have come up in conversation. And it makes me wonder about the instant connection we had, way back in the eleventh grade when we met. Was there a force pulling us together? Our grandparents knew each other! Such gifts keep arriving into my life, worth more than gold.
People are asking me to write a sequel. I am in no shape or form ready to contemplate that. I won't discount it, however, like you, I've been a go-getter all my life. It's time to slow down and smell the roses, make and eat the pie! Revel in every moment, Joan and all my best!
What a cool story. We have no idea do we of when connections will spring into our lives. I'm so glad your book is being received so well - but not surprised because it's wonderful!
I seem to have unfinished projects I can always turn to when I’ve finished the previous one. I’m not as organized as you, so when I have an idea for something new, I start working on it before I forget what it was. This approach necessitates rewriting the minute I pick it up again, but for me it beats the idea of not knowing what comes next. I’m not fond of uncertainty 🙂
This makes sense to me except that my unfinished projects are all marketing ideas and I'm feeling a bit like I'm a hamster wheel. I've always been one to create and then hand off the "maintain" to someone else. I love the idea of having lots of creative projects at my fingertips.
I do delegate some maintenance stuff just to preserve my sanity...
Such great reflections! Thank you, Joan. Something so compelling will cross your path, I am certain.
And you will know it.
Lovely, Cyd. A long while ago you wisely said to me, "Your future will call you now." That's what I'm listening for.
Oh I love this so much friend! Take the time to marinate, to cherish this journey and to let what’s next unfold as it needs to. I love the idea of asking does this advance my life story. I’m wrestling with that now as I have a draft of the next book in hand yet not sure I’m ready to publish it just yet- it holds a different significance that I’m sitting with. Allowing that spaciousness is wise I believe: sending you so much love! Thanks to your constant encouragement and support!
Thank you Jenn!
THANK YOU for giving away my book. What a great idea!! And I know we have no time but perhaps we could do a phone call?
I can so relate to what you are saying, Joan. In that post-publication phase myself, I'm just trying to breathe. Unlike you, I know nothing about marketing and find it daunting. I want to write another book, but I am struggling with finding the time and STILL feeling like I'm retired. When a hobby turns into a full-time job, ya gotta stop and think, is this still fun??
By the way, I gave away a copy of Saving Vincent at my author talk in Pawleys Island, SC this week. I regret not getting a pic of who won it. The winner was selected by whose birthday was closest to Octoer 4th, Jo Bonger's birthday. :)
Aw so nice of you Joan! And today I met with my Jr High school teacher for lunch! Oh so many blessings! Isn’t this an amazing journey? I’m so glad we’re on it together, though apart!