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The Writer’s Cottage
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The writer’s cottage
holds within its walls
dreams and wishes
fulfilled or dashed
tales both short and tall
~
The writer’s cottage
holds a bottomless well
filled with ink
and mysteries galore
that books will surely tell
~
The writer’s cottage
holds a special room
where prayers and poems
are penned with love
and stories soon to bloom.
~
Wendy ❀ 2014
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I would like to thank Jennifer at:
http://jenniferkellandperry.wordpress.com/2014/04/22/a-virtual-writing-tour/
for inviting me to participate in the
#mywritingprocess blog tour.
Jennifer, like me, is a Canadian writer of both prose and poetry.
She lives in Newfoundland with her husband and two cats.
Her writing is both captivating and inspiring.
I look forward to reading her novel when it’s published.
I hope you’ll visit her blog and drink in the lovely seascapes she often posts.
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I have invited three blogger friends to participate in the #mywritingprocess blog tour .
They, like me, are Christian writers.
All three of these friends have books or novels published already.
You can check these out via the links on their blogs.
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First, I’d like to introduce you to Heather Mertens
who is a highly inspiring blogger/writer/author at:
Here’s a bit about her in her own words:
Hi, I’m Heather! ‘Super race-runner’ after Jesus’ own heart.
Loved wife. Proud mom. Encourager. Deep soul lover. {YOURS!} Former Home School Mama. Big time laugher. Organic-foodie. Voice-over wannabe. Freelance writer & media-gal.
There. You know a lot about me now! I invite you into my space to get to know my soul deep. I’ve wandered through a life full of some incredible things… all of which God has laid on my heart to share. Let’s live, learn, love, and laugh together!
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Secondly, I’d like to introduce you to Wanda MacAvoy
who is a lovely inspirational writer/blogger/author that I follow at:
Here’s a bit about Wanda in her own words:
My life is full as I serve the Lord at our church, and substitute in our local school district; however, the Lord has opened another path to me as an author. The desire to write has consumed my free time. God continues to put ideas into my head for stories that not only entertain but encourage my readers to take a look at life and see if there’s not some changes that could be made to walk a better walk , talk a clearer talk , and live life with one all-consuming purpose: glorifying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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Thirdly, I like to introduce you to Steven S. Walsky (who many of you already know).
He is a blogger/writer/author that I’ve been following since I started my blog.
His writing is inspirational, romantic, and thought provoking.
Here’s his profile and blog links:
Steven S. Walsky’s writings have been described as a ‘voice of the urban South’ flavored by his travels; an artist, ‘a painter with words.’
He has two blogs:
Simplicity Lane, where he posts narrative, poetry, and observations on writing. :
http://simplicitylane.wordpress.com/
Words to Love By, where he posts inspirational thoughts on life and love as a Christian:
http://wordstoloveby.wordpress.com/
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Now I’ll answer the questions about my writing process
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1. The project that I’m working on right now is editing my 1st novel draft.
It’s easier than writing it; although, not quite as much fun.
It’s a fast paced, intense, and suspenseful mystery.
I’ve woven both inspirational and romantic elements into it because:
Man cannot live by bread alone and it’s not good for man to be alone either.
~
2. My work differs from others of its genre
in that it involves the readers intimately in the lives
of the characters.
My subplots are intense.
(I know because they wrung a lot out of me.)
It’s a cozy mystery with an edge and a satisfying ending.
(My beta readers were thorough and blunt
and wouldn’t allow me to achieve less. )
~
3. I write what I do because of a passionate response in me
to an event I have either witnessed, experienced or heard about.
My novel is driven by a desire for justice,
restoration, and redemption.
I hope that readers will be both entertained and inspired.
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4. My writing process is that I show up six mornings a week, at my computer,
whether I feel like it or not.
Then I ignore everything and everyone (except to kiss my husband if he stops by).
I read over the writing of the day before and do minor edits to warm up my brain and reacquaint myself with where the characters are at
and how they’re feeling.
Then I write and ignore any critical voices in my head( unless they scream).
I know that I can delete an entire chapter later if I want to (I’ve done it).
My goals are always:
-move the story forward
– inspire soul-searching
– evoke emotions.
~
I don’t write an outline.
I need to have an element of surprise to keep me on my toes.
* Even I’m not sure who dunnit until close to the end. *
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Finally, I’d like to thank Aquileana from:
http://aquileana.wordpress.com/
for nominating me for 4 awards.
I no longer participate in blog awards, but I appreciate the encouragement
she has given me on both WordPress and Twitter.
If you want to learn about Greek Mythology or get refreshed on it
then visit Aquileana’s blog.
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Write On Blessings ~ Wendy
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Lovely 🙂 Happy Friday 🙂 Have a Great Week End!
Thank you, Morgan. Blessings on your weekend, too! ❀
Lovely to see The Writer’s Cottage and to learn about your writing process.
Thank you so much. Right now, outside my window, it looks like it’s snowing—the cherry blossoms are falling.
That’s so lovely when that happens. Cherry blossom snow is gorgeous.
I agree. I stood still outside, after I’d done some weeding, just to watch them fall. ❀
What a lovely place to write in!
Thank you. I love looking out and seeing trees and flowers.
Oh, I would love to live here for a week or two. Take my pad of paper out with a pen. Thank you for posting this. A ‘Gift’ to me.
Thank you for your lovely comment. Your words are a ‘Gift’ to me.
Beautiful words and photos Wendy. And I especially love the photo at the end with words that resonate so much as I am continuously full of self doubt. Thank you. Blessings and love xx.
Dear Christine, self-doubt attacked writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien as well. I’ve read that we need to write anyways. My mantra now is: ‘finish the book’. Thank you, always, for your kind visits. xo
You will finish it and it will be great! X
Thank you, Wendy for sharing your writing process in this beautiful post. Your book sounds intriguing; I look forward to reading the finished product some day! And I LOVE the cottage, and your quote at the end. Wonderful.
All the best,
Jennifer xx
Jennifer, thank you for inviting me on this tour. I have discovered that I really enjoy reading about how other writers work. Many accomplished authors don’t use strict outlines (I remember that you don’t either). One mystery writer said that if he knew the ending too soon then his readers would also. This was so encouraging. xo
Hey, that is good to know. I think maybe you can’t be too rigid in the plot so you can have moments of inspiration that sneak up and surprise you. At least that is what happened to me. It’s a wonderful feeling. 🙂
Jennifer, I actually cried once when one of my characters did something unexpected. Part of me wanted to edit it out until I read that we’re not supposed to overprotect our protagonists. It’s a lot like letting our children go out into the world. I love most surprises.
Thank you Wendy for inviting me to join the tour, and thank you for sharing your writing process. Of course your comments on writing were appropriately overshadowed by your wonderful prose and photography 🙂
You are so very welcome, Steve. I’m sorry that I didn’t give you notice–it turns out I’d sent an e-mail (for you) to the wrong address. I hope the one I sent today gets there okay. Again, I’d like to say thank you for your encouragement over almost two years of blogging. ❀
Interesting post, Wendy. Thank you for sharing detailed information about your writing process. Your writer’s cottage looks so conducive for writing. The photos are lovely too. 🙂 Love, Iris
Thank you, dear Iris. xo I find that time working in the garden is also ‘conducive to writing’. While the hands are at work–the mind plays with plots. I suspect you know just what I mean. ❀
Yes, I understand what you mean Wendy. Enjoy the garden and keep on writing!!! 🙂 Love, Iris.
Thank you for sharing your process with us Wendy. That is so very helpful to an aspiring writer like myself. And it’s so great you had beta readers t give you their response. where did you find them? How does that work. Beautiful pictures of your cottage where you write. Much luck to you! I feel sure you will get published.
I really appreciate your encouragement. It’s helpful to me as well to read about other peoples’ writing process. My beta readers are my husband and my daughter, so far. After I get more editing done I will need to find others. It’s scary letting someone read your work. But it’s also rewarding when you see them want to continue reading. Ideally one should join a writer’s group. I’ve begun to make steps in that direction. I’ve been making good use of both our local library and the internet for writing helps. ❀
Great post, Wendy. I am looking forward to read your book. 🙂
Thank you, Arindam. I am seeking traditional publishing; however, I’m investigating self-publishing at the same time. I’ll wait and see which door opens. ❀
Oh, Wendy… you bless me so! I rarely do these types of things because of time restraints, but I couldn’t say no to you. Your words are always lovely, always full of love and hope, and always accompanied by God’s great beauties in your lovely photos! I am honored you chose me.
I can’t wait to visit each author you mentioned too!
And your words here:
Man cannot live by bread alone and it’s not good for man to be alone either.
… and your posts every day…
They light up the cracks imposed on this world as Jesus speaks through your words and heart.
I enjoyed reading how your process works and what I love most…
that you write as you go and you with God as you write.
Bless you sweet lady!
Heather
Ps – I want to visit you and your writing cottage. And I want one!!
Thank you, Heather, for your warm words of encouragement. It was my pleasure to invite you since I know that you have a heart for encouraging people through your writing.
Blessings on your weekend. ❀
Your Writer’s Cottage looks like a Thomas Kinkade painting…beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing your process of writing the book. Blessings~Zoey
What a lovely comment, Zoey. I have always loved his paintings. If Mr.Kinkade can make such a lovely place–imagine what Heaven will be like… ❀
Thank you for the wonderful update, Wendy. God’s blessings as you continue to write for Him and with Him–and do all the necessary editing! 🙂
Thank you, dear Laura. I am almost finished the first round of editing. I do need both God’s guidance and blessing–otherwise it will just be empty words on pages. ❀
It’s nice to know that God is in the Word business and is always there to help us along!
Lovely Wendy … what a precious, idyllic cottage … your writing process segment is intense … the finished book will make for a brilliant read. God bless xxx
Thank you, Liana. I am learning so much about the publishing world; it’s an intense place. It takes a lot of steps to get a book on a shelf. Blessings on your beautiful writing. ❀
Idyllic landscape for staying a few days.
Thank you, Marylou. ❀
I loved your poem and learning more about your writing process! God bless you as you edit!
Thank you, dear Debbie. Editing is so humbling. Much like the loving editing that the Author of our faith does in our hearts and lives. ❀
What a beautiful post, Wendy, with your sharing of your writer’s cottage and for introducing us to your friends who also write. We all need a special place where we can pray, dream, create and celebrate our talents.
Thank you, dear Mary. I’ve noticed there’s a lot of bloggers who have books published already (including you), and my admiration grows all the more as I learn how long the journey is between the writing hand and the book in hand. ❀
Another wonderful post, Wendy! I wanted to thank you again for allowing me to quote you in my class. I put your words on paper and handed it out to all the women. Then I encouraged them to visit your blog. Please check out my new blog entry which includes a video of photos from the classes I teach. I would be honored to have you post a comment on it. Thank you!
Love and Blessings,
Danielle Street
Danielle, thank you for your visit and encouragement. I loved the inspiring and joy-filled video. The ladies all looked like they were experiencing a peaceful woman’s retreat. Wish I lived closer. ❀ I’ll be over to comment after I braid my daughter’s hair. xo
Really great post!
Thank you, Robyn. ❀
Thank you so much, Steve. I loved your post! ❀
Hello Wendy…
I hope you are doing great… What can I say?… I am blown away by that writer {s cottage… It seems taken from a fairy tale.
Lovely… a place that:
“holds a bottomless well /
filled with ink/
and mysteries galore/
that books will surely tell”…
Captivating , magical… Truly mesmerizing.
Thanks for sharing,
best wishes, Aquileana 🙂
Thanks for your visit, Aquileana. I’m sure to find that your latest post is as intriguing as ever. See you there, dear blogging friend. ❀
Thanks for dropping by dear Wendy. It was great to read your words.
Best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Wonderful learning about your writing process and the photos!
Thank you, Christy. I could read all day about how others write–but then, of course, I wouldn’t get anything done. ❀
This is lovely Wendy! I enjoyed the photos and learning more about you and how you come to your beautiful work.
Thank you so much, Easter. I had no idea that I would love writing fiction as much as I do. It’s an adventure I’m so glad to have pursued. ❀
I am so happy for you.. a new-found gift is always so wonderful to receive.. Bless you 🙂
Thank you for linking, dear Heather. ❀
Such a splendid post Wendy! I love the way you peeled off the layers on how you write, and those pics just brightened my day!
Blessings and love to you my friend!
Thank you, dear Seyi. I’m enjoying the editing too (I’m on my second round). Hugs! I’m coming over to your blog to see what you’ve been doing. ❀
Beautiful Post!
Thank you. ❀
I love your beautiful writer’s cottage, it looks so wonderful in spring. Gorgeous photo Wendy. Good luck with the novel. 🙂 xx
Thank you for your kindness. I often walk around the garden with my characters. As always, I really enjoy both your poems & photography whenever I visit your lovely blog. (My first iris of the season opened this morning and I thought of your recent post.) ❀
The lush flowers that introduce the post are my fav here, Wendy. They give mE a sense of fullness. Quite enjoyed the glimpse into your writing process. I love the noble, lofty goal of redemption in the plotting and the surprise, that even you don’t yet know who dunno it. =) I’ve no doubt it’ll be a grand work, what with your eye for excellence in everything you touch.
Diana
Diana, I am honored by your kind words. Excellence is very evident in each of your blog posts. Blogging is similar to writing a novel in that with each chapter I spend more time editing it than I did writing it in the first place. ❀
Dat was hier echt genieten
Thank you, Marylou. ❀
Reblogged this on Lianne's Picks – best of the blogs and commented:
A writer’s blog you simply can’t miss – beautiful images as well.
Thank you, Lianne, for the kind reblog. ❀
My first visit and I’m just in awe of how beautiful and carefully crafted this wonderful blog is.
Thank you, Lianne, for your kind words. I love your ‘Light in the Darkness’ post–it’s beautiful. ❀