May 21, 2009

"Thoughtful Thursday"

Today is a day for reflection. As I near the end of the editing process for my book, Taming the Heart, I think about where it all began. Like a lot of inspiration for writers, I had a dream. In the dream I was in the mountains taking pictures when I was attacked by two men and injured. I was also on the phone with my friend Kris when this happened. In my dream, she came to my rescue and saved me. You'd have to read my book to find out more of the details, but the first 3 chapters are my dream. Of course I had to change some of it around so the story made sense, (because most dreams don't) but I stayed as close to it as I could.

When I told the dream to Kris, she said it would be a good book. At first I thought she was crazy, but after much encouragement, I wrote down what I could remember just so we would have it to share between the two of us. The next thing I knew my imagination went wild and the story grew into a 3 book saga.


Taming the Heart is told in first person, through Kira's point of view. Kris is Kira. I based as much of her personality on my friend as I could. Kris was in the archery club in high school and won many competitions--so did Kira. She's a master on the computer. Anything goes wrong with mine and she can fix it. Even the part in my book about Kira being a mouse came from her. Most of the time she is shy and withdrawn, and would do anything to avoid conflict, but if you make her mad, look out. She's got spunk.

Every step of the way, Kris has been there. She's read everything I've written, even the really bad stuff in the beginning and supported me through it all. When I was depressed and thinking I wasn't good enough, she would give me a swift kick and tell me to keep writing. When I was stuck on a scene or couldn't get into a character's head, she would talk me through it until the creative juices started flowing again. Never once has she complained about the sleepless nights she forced herself to read the entire book AGAIN, because it was the only time she could have the computer without kids running around disturbing her.

So, today I want to thank Kris for being my friend. Without her, this book would still just be a dream. And I also want to tell her to get some sleep. I'll be starting the editing process on book two in a couple weeks. Hope you're ready girlfriend.

8 comments:

  1. You are the insperation to many and don't you ever doubt that!!! I want to thank you for being my friend, I am blessed to have you!! And yes, I will be well rested in time to read the next book!! lol
    love ya, kris

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  2. This sounds so neat and how cool to be able to base the character on your friend. I'm a follower so I want to be entered in your contest for Tristi's book, too! :)I posted info about the new EZ View Craft Desk on my blog, it’s so neat! If you’d like to see details, please stop by!

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  3. You are very blessed to have a friend near you who is not only supportive of your writing, but a true bosom buddy, as Anne Shirley would say. :)

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  4. It is a rare treasure to have a friend like that. You're both lucky to have each other. Thanks for sharing your friend with us, and the story you wrote for her as well. Can't wait to see it published!

    Nichole

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  5. I think that is so cool that your dream was an inspiration for your book. I have a handful of books (on the back burner) inspired by my dreams. Hey, that's what got Stephanie Meyer the idea for her Twilight series. I appreciate your sharing the ups and downs of writing your book. It encourages me as a fellow writer. I also want to tell you that you have some great creative ways to bring people to your blog. It is an inspiration as well, infusing me with motivation to perk up my Blog. Check it out when you get a chance. It should be able to accept comments now. Last time you tried, it didn't work.
    Keep up the good work.
    Carolyn

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  6. That's so cool that you dream was an inspiration for your book. Hey, that's how Stephanie Myer got her start. Who knows!

    I wanted to tell you that your comments about your ups and down with writing your book was an encouragement for me. Also, your blog is so cool. I love all of the creative contests you come up with to bring people to your blog are another inspriation for me. You'll have to check out my blog again. I've perked it up since last time. (Remember, you couldn't leave a comment about my inspirational woman story). Hopefully it works now.

    Keep it up,
    Carolyn

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  7. That's so cool that you dream was an inspiration for your book. Hey, that's how Stephanie Myer got her start. Who knows!

    I wanted to tell you that your comments about your ups and down with writing your book was an encouragement for me. Also, your blog is so cool. I love all of the creative contests you come up with to bring people to your blog are another inspriation for me. You'll have to check out my blog again. I've perked it up since last time. (Remember, you couldn't leave a comment about my inspirational woman story). Hopefully it works now.

    Keep it up,
    Carolyn

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  8. You're almost done????? How Cool is that?! Good luck with the submitting process.

    Michelle

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