Contact

Tonight I was contacted by an agent that is interested in seeing the first few chapters and synopsis of my novel. Holy crap! I am excited because this was the first agency I chose to contact and wanted to work with. I realize this is just the first step and it doesn't mean they will like my work and choose to work with me. But, hey, it's a first step! Gotta start somewhere. So along with the chapters and synopsis, they want an author's bio. So what am I doing at midnight after a long day...in my bed, yes, sleeping, no. I have been researching while my eyes begin to cross on how to write an author's bio. No pressure seeing that this is my first novel and have nothing published yet. Here we go...

Unexpected...

In the writing world, you take every advantage and opportunity you can to meet other authors and gain as much knowledge and understanding of the publishing side of things.  And as much as I just want to pull my hair out and scream "I just want to write"...it's all about getting your face/name out there and selling yourself.  Being aggressive and assertive are not in my DNA and my stomach flops when pushed out of my comfort zone with either of these.  But the only way I am going to have a chance to get my novel published is if that happens.

Enter in Friday night...

My husband and I were celebrating our 9th anniversary by going up to Goshen's First Fridays events and walking around downtown.  While we were ducking into each store, we came across a used book store that was also supporting a book signing by a debut author, Beth Neff.  The old Natalie would have passed by and smiled politely (wishing I had the guts to say something) ...the "new" Natalie...while bile held in my throat...approached the author, sat down and asked a ton of questions.  She was so encouraging and extremely kind and patient as she answered all my questions, while praising me for all the hard work I've been doing!  I know it may not sound like much to you, but this was HUGE for me.  Huge.

At the end of our twenty minute conversation, I ended up buying her book.  Hey, gotta help a sister out!  I haven't started reading it yet, but when I'm finished, I will post my review...because I know you care:)

Lighting speed...

That is the time warp in my life. 

I am often asked when the subject of my novel comes up, "When do you find the time to write?"  It is a good question.  Especially since I'm a busy stay at home mom of three very active young children.  These very children who like to destroy anything they touch.  That believe all food belongs on the floor or on their clothing.   That all bins of toys need to be dumped...and then left.  That sleeping is overrated and that 6:00 in the morning is when their internal clock assumes it's time for the day to start.  A busy mom who's schedule is full of driving, washing anything and everything, kissing boo-boos, refereeing sibling spats, playing with baby dolls, having tea parties, making awesome (no humility here) train tracks, helping with homework, reading dinosaur books, making a meal - washing dishes - getting snacks - washing more dishes - making dinner - and...ugh...washing dishes, making tents, brushing teeth, changing diapers, and trying to juggle all that while being a super-mom, selfless wife, giving friend, caring sister and daughter and an example of Christ.   

Wait.  What was I talking about?  Oh yes, where do I find the time to write...

During all of that!!!  Seriously, it takes finesse and a mind that is moving all.the.time!!!  I have a pad of paper in my van so while I'm waiting to pick up a kid from somewhere, I can jot down my thoughts on paper in hopes that I can understand my chicken scratches later.  I am constantly thinking about my characters and how to develop them more.  What scenes would work where and how to get the story there.  I write while my kids are having rest time.  I write once they finally fall asleep at night.  Which for me, on many occassions, turn into sleepless nights because as a writer, when the juices flow, you just can't stop!  There are many times I am up past midnight typing away while the doom and gloom of 6 a.m. creaps closer and closer.  There are countless examples of times where I have been doing a task while thinking about my book, had to stop and go write down an idea so I wouldn't forget, and then carry on with that task.  It can be addictive. 

So some days I just have to shut down my mind, keep my computer off and live my busy - wonderful - beyond blessed - life to the fullest!!!

Let me know if you have any questions and I will answer them in future posts...