...9 Months Later

Oy. It's been 9 months since I last posted.

Somewhere between writing the novel, pitching to agents, chatting with publishers about the book and joining a tight-knit group of like minded writers, I became pregnant with my 3rd child.

After 6 years of secondary infertility.

Do you know what a SURPRISE pregnancy does to a novel?

The same thing it does to a blog. The book had to be set aside for a season.

(I won't gush too much, but damn...my baby boy is the best surprise ever. Good thing God has bigger plans than I do!)

Speaking of surprises, who knew the pregnancy-hiatus would clarify my perspective on the book?

First time novelists are often told to write the manuscript, put it away for a year, THEN start editing.

Pshaw. I didn't need to wait a year (or so I thought).

I'm here to tell you that time away from your book IS painful, but can do magical things for your writing, dialogue and characters.

Here's an example:

Last Tuesday as I was pecking away on my laptop in Starbucks, one of my characters forced me to listen to her c-r-a-z-y secret.

A year ago, this character would not have spoken to me in this way nor would I have believed her.

It was an exciting moment, 9 months in the making. Time away from the book has given new depth to nearly every aspect of the story.

What about you? Have you ever been pleasantly surprised by a seemingly untimely event? Or has time away from a manuscript enriched your work?

**This post is my contribution to my writing group's weekly blog challenge. Susan Spann, author of the forthcoming ninja detective novel CLAWS OF THE CAT (Thomas Dunne 2013), will post a topic on her blog every Monday and members of our writing group will respond with their own blog on that particular topic. We do what Susan tells us to do because let's face it...she knows how to use ninja gear. :) This week's topic was SURPRISES.

Marci Jefferson, author of THE DUCHESS OF RICHMOND (Thomas Dunne 2014) posted her response on Susan's blog and Julianne Douglass, author of THE MEASURE OF SILENCE posted her response on her blog (which is a decadent dip into sixteenth century France).

Feel free to join in and post your link with a blog response to our challenge below. Happy writing!**

4 Comments to ...9 Months Later:

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Janet B Taylor on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 9:48 AM

LOVED your blog, Amanda.. And what you said about your characters speaking to you-- well, that's just my very favorite part about being a writer. It's the most wonderful surprise ever when they come alive- and talk to you.

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Susan Spann on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 12:06 PM

Thanks for playing Amanda! I LOVE your take on surprises - especially that you had not one but two.

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Heather Webb on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 5:28 PM

Shizzzzaaaam! Unexpected baby number three is a surprise indeed! And who new all of that agonizing time away from the novel would provide another magnificent surprise---perspective?? I've learned this all-valuable lesson myself, though through a lesser impetus. Congratulations on gaining insight into your character's heart and soul and most importantly, sweet baby boy! xo

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Amanda on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 8:25 PM

Janet, Susan, Heather--Thanks! This challenge was a lot of fun. Can't wait until next week :)

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