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Sisters ~ A Novel

A butter colored house. A mother. Friends. Sisters. A place for living and knowing, forgiving and trusting... for relationship. The streets are shady, the porches deep, and the beverage of choice is tea. You're welcome to come and sit a spell and if you do your life just might be richer when you leave.

I'm on a journey to such a place. It's a journey that first began taking shape in my heart, my mind. And now I've begun traveling it on paper. I still have a ways to go, but the process is a joy. The goal of this journey? To hold a completed novel, with my name on it, in my hands!

The book opens with Virginia (Vi) reflecting on the summer she was 19, almost eleven years ago, and the relationships that shaped and changed her. As she sits reflecting on the big white porch of her mother's bed and breakfast called Sisters, she is returned to reality by the sound of a car coming up the drive. It's her best friend, home at last. The rest of the book follows her life in the present as she lives in the quiet, southern town she loves. It's all about relationships, primarily those with other women. Vi learns that though not related by blood, all women are tied by the common bond of womanhood, they are sisters.
There is still much work to be done. Characters to develop, plots to complete, many hours of writing ahead but in the end I believe it will be worth it. I hope you will come on this journey with me. As the story unfolds I would love to share a taste of it with you here.

{8-26-11 - I've been continuing to develop the Sisters story and add to it more regularly. I'm currently at 35,000 words which I'm guessing is halfway there. I've added some colorful characters and twists to the story. Vi experienced loss recently and her sisters band together to grieve. Vi is continuing to grow up and learning more about trust, love and loss. I find as she journey's as a character I grow with her.}

{1-16-2011- I've added 10,000 words since I've last updated. Progress is slow but rewarding. Vi has gone from young woman to mother and her sisters have been with her through that journey. Motherhood has had some unexpected twists and she's learning to trust God through hard times. I'm hopeful to be finished writing the book this year, and have it revised and edited as well. I'll keep you posted.}

{7-10-2012 - The word count on my novel now reaches just over 57,000 words. I'm rounding the home stretch! It's been fun and challenging to develop my characters. As I write it's Christmas time in the novel and sizzling hot outside! A little Christmas music does the trick though. Vi has faced challenges that are growing her faith. Relationships are being stretched and deepened through hard times. I hope it won't be too much longer until I can introduce you to the town of Shelby and it's wonderful inhabitants!}

I would love to hear from you. In your opinion what sets a great book apart from a good book?

14 comments:

  1. Hurry and finish, it sounds just like a place I've always wanted to visit.

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  2. Sounds like fun! I can't wait to have a cup of tea and read the whole book! Enjoy writing it!
    Jill

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  3. Your books sounds amazing..! If you go with an e-book /pdf and you are looking to go into traditional publishing, you can keep the book out there as an e-book and still query agents with your novel! You keep your copy rights when you pub with e-book/pdf. Best of luck with the novel! :)

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  4. Heather, thanks so much for your input and encouragement! Good advice!

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  5. I don't know why I never saw this. Where are you at with your novel? Have you had a chance to continue to work on it?

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    1. I've added several thousand words since I last posted and edited some more. I'm so hopeful about this novel! Actually I haven't mentioned on my blog yet that the main character in the novel gives birth to a baby girl with Down syndrome. I'm hoping if the book sells to use a large portion of the proceeds to support ministry to orphans with Down syndrome as well as raise awareness. My goal is to finish writing this summer and begin the process of having it edited and looking for an agent.

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  6. So excited to read this! Definitely on my reading list for my Christmas list.

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    1. You are so sweet! It may be next Christmas but hopefully soon!

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  7. I am so excited for you, Beck! Have you thought about self publishing? There are tremendous resources for diy's now. I look forward to seeing your book in digital or paper print. You go, girl!!

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  8. Thank you Kim! I'm pretty excited too! I am going to attempt traditional publishing first. If I'm not successful that way I'll will self publishing.

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  9. The novel sounds great. (Found your blog through a comment on Michael Hyatt's.) Have you finished it?

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    1. Thank you for your interest and encouragement. I've finished writing it for the most part now I'm working on editing it and filling out the story a bit. Hopefully it will be done this spring!

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  10. I really like the idea of this novel. It sounds interesting. Can't wait to see it out!

    The image of the house together with the title Sisters, reminds me of Charmed(http://www.tntdrama.com/series/charmed/) for some reason.

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  11. Hello Beck! :)

    I just discovered your blog. I truly hope that you are going to publish this novel soon! it sounds wonderful! I too am writing a novel, but mine is far from completion. I'm in the ever-changing second draft stage right now. :)

    May you be blessed in your writing endeavors! :)
    Joy

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I love hearing you sweet comments!