Writing update

Whoo hoo!!!! It's in the can....Pop the cork...It is finished...and every other "DONE" cliche' you can conjure. Basically, I am just saying, "Ahhhh!" and enjoying the feeling, for shortly, the real work begins.
About 2 years ago, the Lord gave me the desire to write a daily devotional for new writers that included all the various writing tips I'd been tabulating from classes, seminars, and books. I thought, "No way. I'm not qualified. I'm not a pastor. I don't have a Masters in Theology." But the idea brewed within and a title emerged. Write Steps with God: 70 Daily Devotions and Writing Tips for New Authors. I wanted to include quoted advice from famous authors. Why 70 days? I have no idea; it's just what burned in my heart.

So, I started working write away (typo intentional) and wrote about 30 days. I hadn't done a thing with it after that, other than use it's name to start this little blog. Well, a few months ago, I decided it was time to finish. I've been busy writing and last week, whoo hoo, I got it done, hallelujah! And I'm really pleased with it and amazed.

The numerous quotes I've received from published authors brought tears to my eyes. The kindness and generosity of so many successful authors, who were more than happy to email me their advice to new authors, has deeply touched me. God is so good! He knows how to give good and perfect gifts to His children! "Thank you, Lord!"

So now the real work will now begins.
1) I'm having a retired pastor, who does have a Masters and all appropriate credentials, go through all the scriptures and applications to make sure they are Biblical, spiritually deep, and to add intellect.
2) I want to have it professionally edited. I figure if I am going to write a book about how to write, it better have every ellipses, em-dash, and i dotted perfectly.
3) Send it through my critique partner.

After the above 3, I'll have lots of re-writes. I want to get it all polished, perfect, and ready to pitch at next year's 2010 OCW conference.

What a wonderful process this has been. I've learned a lot and regardless of the outcome, I'm a better writer for obeying God's lead to write what He purposed in my heart.

And now for some good news/bad news. I received 15 pages of changes that a publisher wants made to my first novel. I was so hoping that the last changes would finally be it and I'd get a contract, so this is a little disappointing. On the other hand, the dream is still alive, so I am thankful. I've got quite a good start on 2 other novels, but now they will have to go on the back burner. As of right now, I've decided not to start anything new. I want to get all 4 of these books finished before I begin any new projects. Writing one book was a goal, two is pretty good, but 4 at once is crazy overwhelming. I'm not good enough for that. "Focus, ADD girl, focus!"