Monday, August 22, 2011

Don't Try This at Home


Picture this: 

It was late Friday evening, and Susan J. Reinhardt and I were on the phone, discussing and editing portions of our book. Ideas are flowing, ideas are not flowing, Microsoft Word is cooperating, Microsoft Word is not cooperating. A new idea surfaces, and we get off track and head down an interesting but not super productive rabbit trail.

(If you happened to miss the post about our collaborative project, click here.)

We're tired, we have the chapters under review about memorized, and we need to finish the task because we've got a deadline. I'm the evening's designated typist, and I am working to keep up with our revisions, making sure they are recorded accurately. Amidst our laughing, groaning, and tossing words about, the phrase "Don't try this at home" pops into my head. So, not one to keep important thoughts from my co-author, I said it out loud, garnering a good laugh from Susan.

Yes, that's us, two regular adventurers, taking the plunge into the land of the historical fiction novel. What's the rush on the edits? Well, Susan just got back from a writer's conference in Philadelphia. While there, she met with agents and editors. We wanted to test the waters and see if there was any interest in our book, so Susan pitched it to them. We were thrilled when an agent and an editor were interested. So the flurry of activity this week in PA and KY - that was us, working to tweak and refine before sending our chapters off.

I'd be remiss if I failed to mention a few things that pushed us through - perseverance, prayer, and chocolate. Don't jump out of the plane without them!

Susan is sharing more details about her conference experience today on her blog.  There was interest in Susan's other manuscript, too, so it was a productive weekend for her. Congrats, Susan! If you have a minute, hop over and say hello. She'd love to see you.

What writing adventures have you had lately?


Blessings,
Karen


Photo credit: Stock Exchange

39 comments :

  1. That's wonderful news! Congrats on the interest!

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  2. I am so excited for both of you and love to read about your progress! I can't believe you are doing it together long distance so that makes it even more interesting!

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  3. That's great you have interest in the book! That would spur me on to finish revisions.

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  4. This is so cool. I'm having so much fun witnessing this happening to both of you.
    ~ Wendy

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  5. Comraderie at its best!!

    I'm sadly in the midst of revisions and more revisions, so not much excitement over here.

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  6. Laura,
    Thank you so much! We are excited. :)

    Terri,
    The distance thing has its challenges but technology does make it easier. Thanks a bunch!

    Alex,
    We are pleased, surprised, and excited...and yes, it does provide motivation!

    Wendy,
    Thanks for your support. :) I'm sure we have much to learn!

    Eileen,
    It is a good test of friendship. :) Best wishes on your revisions!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  7. Great news my friend! Sounds like, "Doing it at home" may have paid off.

    Adventure of the week...writing an entire story only to have it lost in cyber space. Luckily it started on paper. :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  8. Congrats!
    Historical fiction is a wonderful genre. Been thinking of getting into it myself.
    Love the laughing amid the frustrations... :) :) Seems that is life.

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  9. This is so exciting! But you forgot the tea. :)

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  10. Congrats!. Perserverence, prayer, and chocolate ... sounds like a winning formula tome!

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  11. Congrats Karen! Sometimes teamwork pays out!:)

    Best,
    Clara.

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  12. Oh, yea! So exciting!! I love good news. Still praying for wind at your backs on this one, girls.

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  13. Karen - I'm a blog friend of Susan. I just read that there is interest in your book. Congratulations on that milestone. I will be praying for more good newsfor both of you.

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  14. I think what you two are doing sounds wonderful. What a neat adventure. I sense your excitement and for good reason. Thanks for taking me along on the ride.

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  15. Jules,
    Yes, and who knew, right? :) Hope you salvaged your story!

    Jade,
    It is my favorite genre! I say you should go for it. :) You're right, this is life!

    Carol,
    Stephen,
    It has been, except for leaving out the tea, as Carol pointed out. lol

    Clara,
    I agree! It's great to have good team members. :)


    Rhonda,
    I love good news too. :) Thanks so much for your prayers and support!

    Nancy,
    So nice to meet you! Appreciate you stopping by, praying, and supporting us!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  16. Hi Karen -

    I love your graphic and that you used the "don't try this at home" line.

    Thanks to everyone for their comments, prayers, and for cheering us on.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  17. Carol,
    Went to type my response in the above comment and got momentarily distracted! Ah yes, tea - I did forget that! And I know there was an iced glass at my side through the process. Can't forget that, thanks for reminding me!

    Joylene,
    Yes, we are the daring girls, aren't we? lol We're happy to have all of you to share our journey with!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  18. Susan,
    I chuckled about that line the rest of the weekend! Thought the picture suited too. So like us, you know...lol

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  19. So exciting to hear things are progressing along nicely for you guys. Hugs and have a super week!!! :O)

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  20. Karen:
    Congratulations! I like your humor in all this. Prayers will go up for you and Susan.

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  21. Karen, congratulations on the interest your book project garnered at the conference. Yay!

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  22. wow! that is so exciting!!!
    I've had a whole lot of rejection lately... and then a maybe ... waiting waiting
    xx

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  23. So exciting for you! Never underestimate the powers of hard work, perseverance and chocolate!

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  24. Diane,
    We shall see if anything comes of it. You have a great week too! :)

    Cecelia,
    Thank you! Well, humor is a good thing when you are tired. :) lol

    Ruth,
    Thanks for following; enjoyed my stop at your blog. I know, we've been cheering a little over the whole deal. :)

    Michelle,
    Cheering you on to many acceptances and success! Thanks for your support.

    Lisa,
    Yes, I agree! Hard work does make a difference.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  25. I screwed up my courage and sent the first 7000 words off to another contest.

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  26. How wonderful! Congratulations. And thank you for pointing us to Susan's site. I'm always on the lookout for interesting blogs to follow and just started following hers a moment ago.

    Be well.

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  27. Hi Karen .. great fun to read .. it must be hugely rewarding .. and mouthfuls of chocolate would be a necessity .. congratulations though to you both .. cheers Hilary

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  28. I love doing a big project with another person. How exciting that your book is off and running.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  29. Perseverance, Prayer and chocolates...you forgot my hugs. I am sure that must have helped you a little bit.
    Thrilled that an agent and editor are interested in the manuscript.

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  30. Those are awesome adventures. I would feel blessed and stressed working with a partner. Someday, I hope to be able to take it on.

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  31. Chocolate gets so many people through writing. For me, it's coffee. How cool that you have someone like that to work with!

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  32. Oh, wow, wow, what an exciting time this must be for the both of you. I am thrilled with you :) I am sure something good will come out of your efforts, the Lord will bless the work of your hands.
    Personally, I am waiting to see if my book Grace of Giving has been picked as the finalist in the Readers Favorite 2011 Awards, category Christian non fiction, I will know next week!

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  33. Great news, congrats! Perseverance...check; prayer....check; chocolate....hmmm I've been missing that!

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  34. Sally,
    Good for you. Congratulations! Rooting for you! :)

    Janette,
    Thanks so much! Glad you like Susan's blog. She's a treasure!

    Hilary,
    Thank you so much. I like your "mouthfuls of chocolate"! It's the only way to go! :)

    Glenda,
    I am really enjoying it. It makes the hard parts easier and it's nice to have someone to brainstorm with.

    Rachna,
    Yes, I did! And where would we be without them? You are so sweet; we appreciate your support. :)

    Clarissa,
    It is an adventure and I am learning so much. There are ups and downs but it is all good. :)

    Theresa,
    I like a glass of iced tea by my side too. Or diet coke...:)

    Marja,
    Thanks so much! It has been exciting. Congrats on being a finalist! Can't wait to hear about it.

    Joy,
    Thank you! Yes, I highly recommend the chocolate. :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  35. Awesome news! You go, girls!! Looking forward to reading your work. And including an interview with the amazing authors over at my site. God bless you both!

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  36. I'm elated for you both, Karen. God is at work, and we are happy to see the outcome of His grace.

    I've been busy tweaking proposals to send my agent to send editors that asked for them at the same conference Susan attended. I got to stay in her house, and it really is full of purple everything!!!

    Love this title and picture!
    Jen

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  37. Maria,
    Thank you! We were excited. :) Appreciate everyone's support!

    Jen,
    Yes, I heard you had a productive time at the conference as well. Congrats! Glad you got to meet Susan!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  38. Looking forward to reading the finished book!

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  39. Thanks Becky, I am sure you will be fed more chapters as we progress, too!

    Hugs,
    Mom :)

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