The best of times, the worst of times...

I’m deep into the middle of revisions on the manuscript scheduled to become my third Harlequin American Romance. As many authors will no doubt tell you, this is both the best of times and the worst of times.

Best because we’ve got the story down on paper, the twists and turns plotted, the setting chosen, the characters brought to life.

Worst because now we have to “make it better.” To quote the members of one of my early critique groups, we must “take it home and fix it.”

This is when the struggle really begins!

We need to rewrite the book well enough to appease our internal critic/angel/mentor/mischievous child or whatever we may call the part of our subconscious that won’t allow us to rest until we’ve “fixed” everything in sight--and then some.

We need to please our editors, whose keen eyes, long memories, and years of experience make them our toughest critics and our greatest allies.

Most of all, we need to craft a story that will satisfy our loyal readers, who show their appreciation of our earlier works through cards and letters and e-mails and postings to message boards, as well as by spreading the word about our books to all their friends.

You see why I’m living the best of times and the worst of times, all wrapped into one? The pressure’s on! (smile)

Now you know what I’m going through, if you have any urge at all to send good thoughts my way, please do--I’m ready and eager to read them!


All my best to you,

Barbara

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Barbara White Daille
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Let's get creative!

My fingers have been flying over the keyboard on the current Work in Progress. In addition to that, I'm busy plotting another book or two. Sometimes the Muse cannot be controlled! She just wants to get up and get moving.

It doesn't always work that way, of course, so when Ms. Muse is in the mood to create, I run with her. Lately, I feel as if I've done the Boston Marathon three times over--but I'm not complaining! For a writer, that burst of energy is the best feeling in the world!

It's great to have inspiration handy when you need it. That lucky situation doesn't happen only with writers, either. There are all kinds of ways to be creative.

Cooking. Baking. Needlework.

Artwork. Aerobics.

Feng shui-ing your laundry room.

Giving your kid a haircut.

I'm on a two-minute stretch break before the next leg of the Marathon. So, be quick! And tell me, please--what gets your creativity going?


All my best to you,

Barbara

~~~~~~

Barbara White Daille
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com