Welcome. You are invited on the maiden voyage of my newest category—For & About Writers. I’ve recently completed revising my novel, Colors of the Ocean, for the umpteenth time and am currently exploring publishing options which is another whole job in itself. Although it’s not nearly as much fun as writing a story, I’m learning all about marketing, email newsletters, sell-sheets, and so much more. Yikes! It’s a bit overwhelming, but who doesn’t love a good challenge? Keeps us young and on our toes. Thank goodness for writing conferences such as Taylor University’s Professional Writing and Ball State’s Mid-West Writer’s program, writer organizations like American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and most importantly, critique groups. My writing friends at Heartland Christian Writers (HCW) offer a variety of creativity that include novels, non-fiction, inspirational poems, and journalism. Without all of these wonderful resources, I’d have no idea what I’m doing or how to share my stories with the world.
Speaking of sharing, below are a few short excerpts from my Young Adult (YA) novel that also may appeal to mature middle graders and adults. It’s written from two viewpoints—thirteen-year-old Roxi and her grandmother as they explore the world in a sailboat and overcome their stormy relationship.
Roxi McKay clung to the rail of the wobbly sailboat, Dawn's Dove, as it motored away from its slip. Her insides were crumbling like a sand sculpture when the tide rushes in. She glared through brimming eyes at her mother, Star, as the distance between them grew...
She licked a salty film off full lips as she recalled that final day with her mom. "I'm gonna miss you Mom. Will you miss me?"
Star had taken a long drag on her cigarette and let it out slowly. "Well of course, Snuggle Bunny. But what an opportunity for both of us. This new part on the soap opera is going to make me rich and famous." She flashed a fake smile. "And you're embarking on a fabulous adventure."
"Really? You don't even care that I could die out there?"
Star's eyes flashed with alarm for an instant, but then narrowed. "You're more of a drama queen than I am. Stop thinking only about yourself." Her voice hardened. "Do you know how much I've sacrificed for you? My career, freedom, relationships,pretty much my whole life!"
It always came back to this same argument. Now Roxi found herself stuck on this dumb boat with grandparents she barely knew. Star had finally promised that if Roxi still felt unhappy after a year of traveling, she could return home...
Can I survive this? She stole one last glance toward the distant shore. Star was long gone. The scent of the sea conjured images of squiggly jellyfish and giant squid lurking beneath its murky surface. Roxi shivered in the damp October wind and squinted at the vast gray ocean ahead. Just like her future, it stretched out before her, bleak and unknown.
That’s all for now. Next time I’ll share a tidbit from Carol’s POV. I’ll keep you updated on progress of my publishing journey. By the way, I learned a new word today: raconteur: a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way.
Hope is the child of faith & worry the child of doubt. While we may not know what the future holds, we know who holds the future—excerpt from Days of Grace by Lewis B. Smedes
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