Down but I'm not out...

Well, the writing world has been a frustrating journey the last month. Deep breath.  First, I did not place in the writing contest I had entered.  Granted I wasn't expecting to win, but it would have been nice to be nominated=)  Second, I heard back from that agent that was interested in my work.  She said that she thought my writing was good, but didn't feel confident that she could sell my story to a publisher.  It was bitter-sweet.  BUT that is one agent in a sea of many...she liked my writing...I can work with that=)  Last, as I was beginning to write book two, my editor and I discussed some things that needed to change in order for book two to flow a little better.  Which means I have to go back and re-write some of book one.  I am excited about the changes, just not all the work=)
So after a few days of licking my wounds I sat down and really sought after what God wanted.  Was I just pouring myself into writing for nothing? Why was I doing this?  To be published?  Well, yes, that would be nice - a great goal!  But I write because I enjoy it.  I have a story I want to tell.  Maybe the Lord has great plans for my books or maybe it will just be a hobby, but for now I will just take the time I have to write and enjoy every word of it!

Author's Bio

So after countless hours of researching how to write the perfect cover letter and author's bio, while dealing with an awful case of the stomach flu...I have come up with my finished author's bio.  Of all the research I've found, they say if you have no accomplishments or anything published (cough, cough- that would be me), to keep it short, but also show your personality and writing style.  Well, I can do short and funny...

Author’s Bio

Natalie Replogle is a busy stay-at-home mom, of three young kids, who enjoys leaving the glamorous life of dirty diapers, dishes and laundry to get lost in writing novels full of romance and suspense.

After a feedback of suggesting I put my husband in my bio (makes sense), I changed things up a bit...here is the new one...

Author’s Bio

Natalie Replogle is a busy stay-at-home mom of three young kids and a wife to her heart-throb.  She enjoys escaping the glamorous life of dirty diapers, dishes and laundry to get lost in writing novels full of romance and suspense.

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...

Sneak Peak

In honor of entering my first writing contest for my manuscript, I thought it would be a good idea to tell you all about my book.  Makes sense:)  First off, huge thanks to Darcy Holsopple for taking my author picture.  It's nice to know talented people...and even better when you are related to them!  I thought it would be a little more professional than a picture of me with a kid on each hip.  Secondly, huge thanks to Shannon Rose for sitting down and going over titles upon titles with me for my book...until I found the perfect one.  I appreciate your encouragement and advice:)  Last but not least, another shout out to my awesome editor, Susan Begay...without you there would never be a comma in the correct place:)

Here is the sneak peak!  My book would be placed under the category of inspirational romance/suspense.  Imagine you are reading the back of the book...

A Rescued Heart

Death comes in many forms…her death was a love squelched by rejection…

Kindergarten teacher Ava Williams’ life is forever changed when she is left heartbroken when her groom never shows up for the wedding.  The rejection cuts deep and she dreads her unexpected life that is now doomed by entanglements of lies and fear.  Yes, she would survive, but at what cost?  Would she ever let herself love again?

SWAT officer Matt Thompson lives for saving and protecting others, but can he rescue Ava from herself?  For him it’s love at first sight, and convincing Ava to trust him and prove to her his love is real and unending is a battle worth fighting.

While Ava begins to break free from the bondage of her past she discovers that a student’s mom is suffering from her own bondage of domestic abuse.  Ava’s determination to help becomes complicated when she is caught up in the tragedy that begins to unfold.  Can Ava help her find freedom and God before it’s too late?

Ava’s life is in danger.  Matt’s team is called in and he is determined to save her…even if it costs him his own life.



Time...

Why is there never enough of it during the day. 

It seems as if I've been MIA, but alas, that is further than the truth.  I have been so overwhelmingly busy.  Between being a full-time mom of three very active and ornery kids, I've been working non-stop in every second of my spare time to polish up my manuscript and write a synopsis to send out to agents and enter my first writing contest...well, actually the second, I entered a short story in a magazine once...but the first for a novel (pretty sure that was the longest sentence ever...that is why I have an editor).  I've been really struggling lately to find time to get everything done and it was starting to become more of a burden than a joy.  So my very supportive husband gave me the morning off today to work without any interruptions on my very long "to-do" list in my new found writing adventure.  I am happy to say, I have finished up what was needed to be done and the next time my wonderful editor opens up her e-mail, she will now find her "to-do" list full.  Ahhh, pretty sure tomorrow during my free time I am going to take a nap!!!!