As I mentioned in a previous post, SOAR is not the first book I’ve written. I was in the middle of writing what I hope will become my next published story when the idea for SOAR came about. At the time I was dealing with a massive case of writer’s block, so it seemed like a good idea to put the story on the backburner and leave it there for a while until I figured out what wasn’t working.
At the completion of SOAR, I brushed off the cobwebs, reread my initial manuscript, and sent it to a few trusted readers for feedback on the missing link, because I still couldn’t figure it out. After some very insightful comments, I had one of the those “aha” moments and the words started flowing. Of course, the rhymes didn’t always work, but getting the idea down with the flow of the story was more important at the time. Revising and editing the 15th or 16th version came later and is much more time consuming.
At this time, the story is complete and I feel really good about the end result. I have passed it on to my trusted illustrator, Angie Hohenadel, because I know she has the vision to bring the story to life through her illustrations in a way parents and children will love. I have seen a rough sketch, and was blown away by her uncanny talent for capturing my characters. I am excited to see her final product for the book submission process because that is the next step.
While I have one book contract under my belt, I still need to put myself out there for a book publisher to say “Yes” to publishing this next story which I have poured months into writing and creating. I feel more confident this time around in my writing ability, and the story I have composed. The subject of the book is near and dear to my heart, and a topic that kids and parents alike can relate to, no matter how old or young they are. I can’t give away too much, but I know it is a story that will guide children through amazing worlds to help them become stronger through the power of love.
Since we are still finalizing the book submission, I have no idea when I will know for sure if this manuscript is a go, but I will keep you posted along the way. Wish me luck in this next endeavor, and I wish you the courage to go after your dream, whatever it may be.