I’m working on galleys for Love’s Fortune so am in the writing closet, so to speak.
Over time, (after the trauma of the first round!), I’ve come to enjoy galleys. One of the best things about them is spending time reading the book aloud. You catch all sorts of little things you wouldn’t otherwise and the rhythm of the words really comes through.
I’d so appreciate your prayers as I make final changes to this last Ballantyne book. As Beth Moore said so well in a recent blog post: “A writing project going to press brings a very vulnerable feeling. Some of you know what I’m talking about. You’ve been so close to it for so long that you often have no idea if it’s decent writing or makes a whit of sense. All you can know is that you gave it everything you had.”
After being away from Love’s Fortune since November it’s a joy to spend time with these characters again. Hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I’m now writing Eden’s granddaughter’s story. I’m still torn between my 2 heroes ~ good thing there are 2 heroines in this one! I always promise you a HEA as they say. Unhappily ever afters make me grumpy!
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Praying for you dear Laura as you make these final changes to Love’s Fortune. I am eagerly awaiting the release, but will be sad to see the Ballantyne saga end. However, also looking forward to what you will have for us next!
And I do so appreciate your HEA 🙂
Georgianne
Georgianne, I am sad to say goodbye to those Ballantynes, too, and now firmly believe all family series should end at 3 when everyone is still living, lol :). I just couldn’t bring myself to put Silas in a coffin! That would have killed me. He is larger than life and must remain so. I even gave the book a little Scottish twist. Sigh. Now to recover from NOT writing about Ballantynes. You are a gem for saying you’re looking forward to moving on with me to that next book. I’m already dreaming of the cover for that one!
Here’s hoping to sharing more HEA’s with you!! 🙂
Oh my, Laura you had me laughing so about not wanting to put Silas in a coffin. I don’t think I could handle burying dear Silas either! Thanks for the smile. 🙂
Glad you got a chuckle over that, too, Georgianne ;). I tend to be so serious and write so serious that it’s a joy to let a little humor sneak out! I must admit writing Silas at the ripe old age of 90 in LF was a huge leap from age 25 or so in LR. Sniff! But I do hope he retains his charm! You’re such a gem for laughing along with me!!
Said a prayer for you. Blessings as you finish your book.
Jackie, I feel your prayers – and they make a better book! So thankful! You have mine, too!
My prayers are always with you, Laura! 🙂
Happy spring!
And mine are with you, Miss Emma! So glad we can keep each other close that way :)!
I’m honored to add this prayer to those already being said for you, your family, and your writing ministry – dear Laura!!
I started my first reading of any of your novels yesterday – “The Frontiersman’s Daughter” – have only read a few chapters, but am already in love with your writing style and characters!! Of course, I expected that – since your novels came with such wonderful recommendations by Julie Lessman!!
My plans are to finish the reading of each of your five novels (back-to-back) – in time to read “Love’s Fortune” as soon as it releases. Such joyful anticipation!!
Wishing a beautiful “beginning of Spring” day to you, and a peaceful, joyful, productive, time with the galleys, Laura!!
Love and hugs!!!!
Bonnie, I’m over the moon that you’ve met Lael! Julie is such a gem to link us. She has the most giving heart of any author I know. I pray you enjoy every one of mine. I can’t thank you enough for buying them. I’m thrilled!
I nearly forgot it’s the first day of spring yet when I look out my French door I see the forsythia beginning to bloom and the daffodils pushing up beneath the apple trees. Can’t believe spring is here after such a loooooonnnng winter, especially in Kentucky and the southeast, etc. You must be thrilled!
And I so appreciate your prayers – they’re very needed and make a tremendous difference. I’m actually enjoying these galleys and finding things to fix. You are helping that go smoothly and it’s a blessed thing!! You’re in my prayers, too.
I can’t be the only person who zoomed in and read that one page! It’s like a little crumb–but it will have to be enough to sustain me until September. 🙂 Praying for you as you hide away in your writer closet.
Love that ‘little crumb’ comment, Gabrielle. Hope it’s worth the wait when you hold Wren in hand! I so need and appreciate your prayers. Sometimes it’s hard to get much done with children running around and chores to do :). You wouldn’t know anything about that, lol. I feel better knowing you’re covering me! I pray for you, too.
Glad you are enjoying your galleys. Can’t wait to read it! I’m looking for mine any day now. Happy reading! 🙂
Anne, Fun to be on the same release schedule with you :). Galleys -whew! I need to get back to work right now! Thinking of you and praying as you review yours and get ready for print. That cover of yours is so lovely!
Oh Laura! So excited that you’re working on your galleys. That just means that we’re one day closer to the release of Love’s Fortune. YAY! I’m also a little sad since it will be the final installment in the Ballantyne Legacy. I almost feel like they’re part of my family now.
I have to admit, like Gabrielle, I took a little peek at your manuscript. I just couldn’t help myself, and yes, I felt like a naughty little girl for doing it, but it was SO much fun. LOL! It already sounds wonderful.
I totally agree with you, that a series should end at three books, unless you’re going to do like Julie Lessman did with her O’Conner’s series and not add too many years between each book. So, thank you for keeping Silas alive. As you said, “he’s larger than life and needs to remain so”. 🙂
Praying for you as you work on the galleys and for the future release of your new ‘baby’. I can’t wait, my friend!
Angi, Love your enthusiasm! Wish I could bottle it :). I had to smile at your zooming in on the screen pic and reading that excerpt from the first chapter. Once upon a time (and not too long ago) I didn’t know you could do that! So I was posting things merrily thinking I was keeping things a secret. Am I blonde or what?! But glad the zoom works and isn’t a spoiler!
Love that those Ballantynes feel like family. Glad you agree Silas should stay standing. Makes me think of the reviewer who wrote and said to me, “SILAS IS LARGE AND HE’S IN CHARGE.” I still chuckle over that one! And you’re so right when you say series that don’t make such leaps in time have an easier time of it. I imagine you are still having withdrawal from Julie’s O’Conners! So many fans of that series. I remember when I was first contracted with Revell that I ordered A Passion Most Pure simply from the beautiful cover alone. That first series has the loveliest covers. I know Julie and Keith worked hard to get those just right. And Revell really did fine work :). Her latest cover is a favorite, too, with that gorgeous hat!
So appreciate your prayers, Angi. You have mine, always, too.
Hi Laura! I must confess.. I definitely zoomed into that picture so I could read the one page of your book! What can I say? I am eagerly awaiting your new book, and the cover still blows me away when I look at it. Very excited for you and I pray that your final edits go well, and that you are at peace with the final product. 🙂
Cassie! It’s YOU :). I love your winsome ‘bookshelves and windows’ wordpress tag. It just fits you! SO happy you like the cover. It really is Wren and the book brought to life. Beautifully said about being at peace with the final product. This time round I am so very grateful for my line editor who caught some things that readers would have revolted over – a couple of loose ends (I like loose threads personally as I think they resemble real life) but many of my readers don’t and I don’t blame them! I even added a little epilogue that I’d deleted originally. It’s inspiring to me to have your comments here and also your enthusiasm over this next book. Can’t wait for you to meet Wren and cast! Praying your spring has started off well!
Dear Laura,
I saw this early today, while I haven’t been able to reply until now, I have prayed for you. Being able to do so feels like an honor.
It’s been some time since I’ve had the chance to sit and read for the sheer pleasure of it but yesterday I had enough downtime to just read and enjoy! And Courting Morrow Little took me away (for the second time) into a wonderful other worldly place. I am pretty sure that I enjoyed it even more than the first go round. I had no intention of actually re-reading the entire book BUT I couldn’t find a place to stop. Ahh, Red Shirt! Be still my heart!
Your words strike our souls with pleasures and sorrows and everything in between. I am planning a special day alone by the lake in September to take in all the thrills of the Ballantynes … one last time. Or not. The stories re-read so well, I can enjoy them again and again.
Amy, Wonderful to see you here – and you bring your own signature style with the lovely and oh so appreciated – Your words strike our souls with pleasures and sorrows and everything in between. I am planning a special day alone by the lake in September to take in all the thrills of the Ballantynes … one last time. Or not. The stories re-read so well, I can enjoy them again and again.
I’m so honored you feel that way and I love the thought of you reading, rereading, and planning a day in September. Thank you! That sort of encouragement gets me through many a rough patch :). I’ll long remember your words.
And I’m so glad Red Shirt still has charm on another reading! I had a reader today asking for little Jess’s story. And I would add Rosebud in there, too, I guess. A writer can dream, I guess, though I don’t think it would quite be the same as CML!
I hope your start to spring is blessed in every way. You sure bless me each time we meet!
Well, that does get the imagination going …
Jess=Someone wonders why he doesn’t write, with red hair, of course. Perhaps “Someone” wants him to hide his heritage and he is conflicted … he also feels called as a minister of the gospel, like his maternal grandfather, and his bloodline is something of an interference in that goal. Then there’s Rosebud, the dark-haired, blue eyed princess. Probably as proud and stalwart as her paternal grandfather … following her people ever westward but she also has the heart of her godly mother and grandmothers which creates in her a love that binds her even more closely to her people and their fate.
Aren’t I ridiculous!? Telling you about your own story… but I just mean to say, yes, please tell us more because you will do it exquisitely! 🙂
Amy! You have a writer’s heart! Your ideas and words here are exquisite! I love all of it, especially the part about feeling called to be a minister of the gospel. You are blessed confirmation of a story thread I was thinking about along those lines. Truly, you have a writing gift! Which makes me wonder if you have a book in some secret drawer somewhere :). I wouldn’t be surprised at all. I know who to come to when it’s time for brainstorming cover ideas, too!
Thank you for dreaming with me on a CML sequel. You’re the best kind of reading-writing friend!!
There are way more books in my head than I have secret drawers. 🙂 So, I’ll be happy to brainstorm anytime you like! 🙂
🙂 Thanks so much, Amy!