Back to Normal? by Jana Richards

Photo by Beatriz Pérez Moya on Unsplash

I’ve written a lot about my daughter’s wedding in September, how it occupied my mind and made thinking about anything else nearly impossible. But now that a month has passed, and no one attending the wedding has become ill, I can move on. I can get back to normal.

It’s more difficult than it sounds. I feel like an ocean liner that’s being asked to turn around. Not an easy task to accomplish. 

First of all, during a pandemic, what’s normal anymore? Two weeks after the wedding, my province imposed a “code orange” on my city and surrounding area. That means, among other things, that gatherings are limited to ten people, both indoors and outdoors. My first thought when I heard this news was whew! Thank goodness we got the wedding in under the wire! But my second reaction is concern. The extra restrictions were put in place because cases of Covid-19 are rising, which is a sobering thought. 

Secondly, I recently began editing the Work in Progress (WIP) that I finished and put aside at the beginning of July. I decided to take a break from writing since I couldn’t focus anyway. Taking a break meant that my beta readers had time to read the book and offer their opinions before I jumped back in. 

Jumped back in? More like cautiously dipped my toes in the water.

Usually, I approach editing with some optimism. The Work in Progress may not be perfect, but with the hard work of revision, I can make it an interesting story I can be proud of. 

I knew my current WIP had problems, but often I find that when I let it sit a while, it’s not as bad as I first thought. There’s usually some good stuff in there, along with the dreck. 

But this time…

I’m totally uninspired by this WIP. I can usually get into a rhythm  with editing and discover the direction the story needs to go. But I’m finding it difficult this time. The problems I sensed but didn’t see earlier are glaringly clear now. And instead of wanting to fix them, I’m feeling mildly depressed about it.    

I think this is a lingering case of Pandemic Blues. I’m in no way ready to throw in the towel when it comes to writing. But this is not going to be an easy manuscript to edit. 

In the meantime, life and promotion goes on. This month I’m participating in two different promotions:

Trick or Treat Book Bonanza

Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

Enter to win a $25 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

Enter to win a $15 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

Enter to win a $10 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, SEEING THINGS, will be featured on October 29. Wait until you read what my Halloween costume would be. You won’t want to miss it.

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/trick-or-treat-book-bonanza

Pre-Holiday Giveaway! 

It's never to early to celebrate Christmas! Check out the Pre-Holiday Giveaway with $462 in Gift Card prizes plus plenty of e-books to be given away. It's easy to enter and easy to win! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ec8aae6739/?