As Nature Winds Down, Fall Stirs A Writer’s Passion Once More

As Nature winds down its work, I find the impetus to get back to writing. With its blazing colors and cooler temperatures, fall has given me the lift I needed after a smoky summer in British Columbia, that saw wildfires cloud our skies and made our air uncomfortable to breathe.

Distractions

For a while, I was distracted by America’s hearings for Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanagh. I was impressed by the courage of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and her selfless goal of fulfilling her civic duty. I applauded her bravery in coming forward with her painful history of sexual assault. What surprised me was some of the backlash. Also, the threats she received.

I’ve also been distracted by all the news on climate change. It requires attention more than ever from all of us. I’ll continue to keep abreast of what’s happening here, while I focus on my writing.

My Third Novel

Many of you know I’ve been revising my third novel, about another very brave woman, my grandmother. It continues to be a labor of love. After it was professionally edited, I incorporated my editor’s

At Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver

excellent suggestions.

However, in the midst of these revisions, I decided to weave in a contemporary story, adding another thirty thousand words, only to take them out in the end. Aagghh!!!

Writers know the agony of revisions. It’s not easy knowing what to keep and what to discard.

So, after chucking the contemporary scenes, I had to reassure myself I had done the right thing. I told myself, You haven’t wasted your time; you can use these scenes in some other story. In fact, it may be even better once you flesh out the section you removed. And since it’s too close to home in many ways, you’ll gain some respectable distance and be able to bring more of your imagination into the work.

How’s that for rationalization?

I had hoped to get an agent or a publisher for this novel. I’ve had agents before for my screenplays so I know how helpful they can be. But I also know some sad stories where the agent quickly lost interest and gave up on the writer they represented.

Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on one’s viewpoint, those I contacted did not get excited about my pitch. I was warned about this possible outcome by a popular novelist, who told me, “Your protagonist (a Ukrainian farm wife) is not famous and you’re not a famous writer, so chances of you getting your novel published by a publishing house is very slim.” How’s that for a warning, which I ignored? Oh well, some regret for lost time.

The sad state of pitching means a writer can spend months, sometimes up to six months to hear back from anyone they’ve submitted their story synopsis to along with some sample pages. It’s my least favorite part of being a writer but it is what it is. And since I’m no longer at the age when I can afford to wait, I’m going ahead on my own, and will be contacting the desired professionals for copy editing, proofreading, formatting and cover design. I’m actually looking forward to it.

Along Came A Gardener

As for my inspirational book, Along Came A Gardener—an amalgam of thoughts from my therapy years with my love of gardening—I’m energized to get back at it.

Some of that renewed drive arrived when I found a box of files in our crawlspace. In the box, I was surprised to find a stack of evaluation sheets that were given to clients after they’d finished counselling. These were filled out, sent to head office at Corporate Health Consultants (a national EFAP firm-since sold) and then given back to me. It was wonderful to read the comments and realize how many I’d helped. There is no greater reward than feeling you’ve been of some use, that your work counted.

One note, though. I’m not the best gardener, not by a long stretch. At best, I’m adequate, but I love being in my garden. I find Nature leaving me wiser than I was before I dug into the soil.

Some of you have already received a few chapters of Along Came a Gardener. I’ll be sending out the next chapter in my fall newsletter. So if you haven’t signed up for Diana’s Book News, the link is on my sidebar. If you’ve missed any chapters along the way, let me know and I’ll send you the ones you didn’t get.

On the Back Burner

I have other writing in mind, but for now, it’s best I keep these projects under wraps as I don’t want to lose my enthusiasm for them.

Book Clubs

I also recently came up with a series of book club questions for readers and you’ll now find them on my website, with links so they can be printed out for The Rubber Fence and A Cry From The Deep. Anyone buying these novels now will also find them at the back of the book.

Hope you have a great fall and I’ll be sure to get another newsletter out before the heavy rains hit the west coast and the snow hits the prairies. Happy Reading!

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