Monday, April 13, 2015

When an Author Gets Off Track... (With Consolation Giveaway)

Some seasons the words flow, and the story falls together as if everything you had previously experienced led to this collection of pages.

Some seasons the words won't come, or they feel all wrong, and the story closes itself tight within a bud not ready to be peeled open.

And some seasons...life happens. The words fit together if you force them, but you know there's a better way and a bigger picture if you would just stop rushing to see the puzzle completed.

* * * 

Here I am once again, asking for your forgiveness. You'd think I'd have learned my lesson with Morning Glory, but one can hope the lesson has at least sunk in deeper now.

(Note to self: Try not to announce target release dates until you have a first draft completed.)

I've come very close to finishing a first draft for Where Trains Collide, and there are some things I'm happy with, and others I'm not. I know for sure and for certain that there's no way I'll be publishing it on Earth Day, which was my goal - and for that I sincerely apologize. :( I think this story needs some work, and I still need to factor time in for editing by my proofreader and myself.

And it's quite possible that what this story needs, more than the energy that I don't currently have, is time and life. Perhaps I should factor that into my story process more often... That's what made all the difference with How a Star Falls. The story became something completely different and infinitely better when I let myself ponder it over the months and experienced life transitions in the meantime. When the time was right, the story flitting around in my head finally flew onto the page.

I know it won't always be easy. Sometimes the words will stop and start and eventually find the updraft they need to glide through to the end.

Sometimes life will plunge you into the sea, with words all around you but nothing to grasp onto yet.

My grandpa recently passed away, and between his loss and family turmoil and busyness at work and busyness after work, I've gotten off track (although I was already heading that way before his passing). And while I know it's not OK to make commitments and not keep them (and for that I'm truly sorry), I know it is OK to take time to ponder and feel and live. To readjust priorities. To rest. To remember.

* * * 

Lord willing, Where Trains Collide and Morning Glory, whenever they might finally be released, will be better for the wait. 

For now, I have a pair of extra paperbacks (Forget Me Not and Bleeding Heart) that I'd like to send one of you, which I'll be happy to sign to the winner. These are the updated matte/softcover versions. (The content is the same, but the covers are tweaked just a bit from the first batch, with the corresponding series number on the spines.) 


The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only due to shipping costs. But I'm also running a sale this week for the Kindle ebook versions:
  • Forget Me Not: FREE April 13-17
  • Bleeding Heart: Countdown Sale April 14-21 (starting at $.99 and increasing incrementally)
Thank you so much for your constant support and friendship! I hope that whatever season you're in, you'll ultimately be blessed by those times you get off track and experience life in new ways.

14 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about your loss, Amber. I hope you're able to find peace during this time. :-)
    And I totally understand your reasons for not getting your stories ready. Life happens, and it has a way of getting in the way of creativity. But, as you've written, because you aren't rushing them, perhaps they will shine all the brighter. Best of wishes on them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your condolences, Grace, as well as your understanding! I appreciate the support and vote of confidence. :)

      ~Amber

      Delete
  2. No apologies needed, Amber! We completely understand balancing time for writing and simply living life. We're here whenever you are ready to share these stories. We know they'll be something special because you care so much.

    Thinking of you in your loss, friend. I hope you are able to find some comfort he's with his Creator. Wishing better days ahead for you - and your family! HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your words are always so encouraging and heartfelt, dear friend. Thank you for those sweet thoughts and hugs! *Hugs back* I'm forever grateful for your support of my writing through all of life's seasons.

      ~Amber

      Delete
  3. Love and hugs, Amber. Sending sympathy and understanding too.

    I have been there with my writing. Sometimes the story just isn't ready to unfold. Sometimes, like in times of grief, you need the time away to heal. Come back to it when you're ready, when it's calling to you, and when you have what it needs (and vice versa). I have had to put Haunting Melody on hold for similar reasons (deaths in the family). I am with you. Let's do this together. And with God's strength. There is a time for everything... <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, Lena. You've gone through such difficult seasons this past year or two, as well - and I'm so sorry for your own loss. Thank you for your constant friendship and this great reminder that there is, indeed, a time for everything! Love you, friend. <3

      ~Amber

      Delete
  4. I am thanking God for the blessing of His Presence through this very "long" trial or change for us. We are in transition . . not quite where we see God leading us but preparing to leave what we have known . . . in limbo. I am so very thankful that as I surrender to my Abba, Mighty God, Elohim, my Creator each morning He is faithful to forgive me for my lack of trusting and surrendering and then He gives me Himself to lead my new day . . . so very thankful for His Presence in each deep breath. I too am sorry for your loss Amber and pray for His comfort in each breath. Jesus Today has been a real source of hope and comfort for me as I have lost my mother to Alzheimer's. Praying for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These are such beautiful thoughts, Chris. Limbo is a hard state to be in, but you have such a wonderful attitude about God's grace in difficult times.

      I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I know words can't express that kind of pain. Saying a prayer for you and yours! Thank you for taking the time to share this heartfelt comment, and for your condolences and prayers.

      ~Amber

      Delete
  5. I am so sorry Amber for your loss. I pray GOD will comfort you with HIS love during this time. You sure don't owe an apology. I would love to be a winner of your books. Thanks for the chance. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Maxie, for your prayers and kind words! I'm so grateful for readers like you who are so thoughtful and understanding.

      ~Amber

      Delete
  6. Hi Amber! So sorry to hear of your loss - I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. Blessings to ponder? I am loved by the Creator of Heaven and Earth and I am a masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to share His awesome love and I'm learning to lean on that truth & care less and less of what others may think!
    Praying for you and yours.
    kam110476 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for keeping me and my family in your prayers! That means a lot. And thank you for sharing that wonderful reminder of the blessings we can all claim. :)

      ~Amber

      Delete
  7. Amber,

    You beautifully communicated the struggle authors face. Relax, don't rush, and take time to grieve. I will be praying for you!
    Jana

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the encouraging comment, and for your prayers!

      And congratulations to you on the release of One Prince, Two Kingdoms! That's a wonderful accomplishment, and I'm sure the book is even better for the extra time put into it. :)

      ~Amber

      Delete