Monday, October 13, 2014

Plot Twists


 
I love unexpected twists in books. There's something very satisfying about being taken by surprise. At least in the story world.

In life - not so much.

Back in the spring, I had been toying with the idea of taking a blog break - something decadent, like, a couple of weeks to make some headway on my latest WIP. But things didn't play out as expected. My last post was five months ago. Five. Months. I blame it on a string of real life plot twists, including taking in my niece's three children at the same time my mother was in the ICU with congestive heart failure. All summer long - and even still today -I feel like I'm living a whole new life. During those first few months, I honestly didn't see how I would ever find time to write again. Which was excruciating. Each day that passed without my being able to write, I felt like something inside of me died. Then I received a rejection on a requested revision that had been out for nearly six months. And I thought: that's it. It's a sign. I have to give this up.

But the next day I woke up with renewed determination. I have been working at this for too long. I have come too close. I am not giving up. I sent out a new round of queries and had another full request within days. I participated in Pitmad and garnered six interested agents. I still don't know where things will lead, but I do know that I'm back in the writing life. It's not the same life I had last spring. It's busier, messier, more complicated. But it's also fuller, and richer, and full of unexpected surprises. It may have taken me a while to find my way back, and I definitely have more to juggle, by I'm still a writer, and I'm in this writing life for good.


24 comments:

  1. I wish I could remember which author on Verla Kay blueboards told us about this but my mind is a blank.I copied a sign she has posted above her computer and mine is right above mine. When I get discouraged and want to give up I read it and it has seen me through some dismal times.
    Someday I may give up. But today is not that day.

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  2. Kudos for submitting and writing under trying circumstances. Good luck with your queries and remember what Winston Churchill said: "Never, never, never, never give up."

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  3. Wow. Six requests. Amazing. Good luck and God bless.

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  4. Plot twists, indeed. Lots of wishes for good luck on the requests!

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  5. Best wishes with all that's on your plate, and happy writing!

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  6. Wishing you less heartwrenching plot twists in your life. Life is very messy, indeed, if it wasn't none of us would read books. Take care, and happy you are writing again. It gives me hope.

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  7. Yes, life does that some times.Glad you were able to keep focused on your writing a bit too. And glad you were there for your family.

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  8. I have a giant WELCOME BACK radiating your way, Ruth. I missed you, and I know I am not alone in that.
    You have a lot going on. Writing is, oddly, the taking care of our selves part for us writer-types. Take care of yourself also. That's an order :)

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  9. I'm so glad to see you that you're back again. I knew something was up when I hadn't seen you post in a while. Sometimes a break gives you renewed focus. Even though the 'plot twists' were unexpected, it inevitably feeds our work, because it is life. Whether you're actively writing, or not writing because of sickness, caring for loved ones - whatever, it all filters back into our writing. Take care!

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  10. Hi, Ruth! So good to hear from you again. Sorry for all those twists. Like you said, real life they're not as much fun. Sending you good thoughts in writing and just... everything! :)

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  11. What a treat to see you back! If you've taken on your neice's three children I'm not surprised you've been thrown off balance.
    Getting a rejection after a requested revision is horrid - that happened to me twice and only this morning I decided to try the sub route again. Good luck to us both!

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  12. Wow, crazy busy. Good for you for helping though. You are changing their lives for the better. I'm glad you're committed to writing. It can be hard to find time but it is so worth it. Good luck!

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  13. I'm glad you're back at it, Ruth! It's funny. When life gets particularly crazy, I find that even sneaking in five minutes of writing time can calm me down. I think it's because writing is the only thing I can control even when everything else feels so out of my control. Good luck to you!

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  14. Hi Ruth -

    There's a quote I saw on Facebook this week: "If you can quit, quit. If you can't, you're a writer." You're obviously a writer, my friend. Welcome back! Praying the Lord will give you wisdom concerning your schedule.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  15. So glad you found your way back, Ruth. What a selfless thing to do to take in three children. I'm so glad you have the SIX requests. It sounds like you need some positive signs!

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  16. Happy you are back,Ruth:) Sometime people need a period to think and decide. Don't give up,hugs.

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  17. So glad to see you again! Hoping the family challenges are better now. Missed you and kept meaning to send an email to see if you were okay. As I read the post, somehow I knew you wouldn't quit writing. Cheering you on in the journey!

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  18. I am glad to hear from you here! It sounds like your life has been extremely busy and you have had a lot of changed to adjust to! I hope things are going well and I am glad you aren't giving up on your writing. Who knows- maybe the past 6 months have not only given you a plot twist, but maybe they will help you in unexpected ways with your writing! Good luck and welcome back.
    ~Jess

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  19. Oh Ruth… yes. This TOTALLY speaks to me… isn't it interesting how it always comes back? I've been struggling for months, but yet finally the desire has returned full force. It's crazy interesting… I'm so glad your desire has returned to YOU. Please let it stay!!! And keep being determined!!!! You're such a beautiful person and I'm rooting for you!!!

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  20. Breaks can be good. Doesn't change the writer in you and somehow we do come back stronger.

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  21. Sometimes I think it's just as well we don't know what's around that next corner. It sounds as if you've got your hands well and truly full. Don't be too hard on yourself if the writing doesn't always flow. Us women may be amazing but we're not miracle workers. Good luck with it all and keep us posted :-)

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  22. Ruth, I check back every month to see if you've posted. Hope you've had only *good* plot twists since you wrote this post! I've had a few of my own (good and bad) lately, and it does make you wonder how you'll find time for it all. Thursday I'll be posting a new giveaway: Le Creuset!

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    1. Aww, thanks for checking in, Jean. It's nice to be remembered. Things have calmed down and I'm trying to finish a draft of my latest novel before I jump back into blogging. Your braised brisket recipe has become a regular family favorite. I must pop over to your blog to discover more treasures like this!

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