I love writing more than any non-human or non-pet thing in the world. I'd rather do it than anything else. Even when I'm doing other things I love doing, like sewing or working at the library, writing is there in the back of my mind. It never goes away. But when I get to the end of a book, I'm exhausted. I'm also fulfilled, but I'm too tired to care.
I had a little surprise when I finished writing my December release, The Happiness Pact. Not that I was tired of it, but that I wasn't sure I liked the book. I didn't tell my editor this, although I did wax dramatic with my friend Nan Reinhardt and my husband Duane. (Both of them have heard all this before. Probably every time I finish a book. They both sighed. Heavily.)
So I did something I don't think I've done since my first book came out 19 years ago. As soon as The Happiness Pact showed up on my Kindle, I read it.
And it made me happy. Because not only did I like it, I loved the people who'd told me their stories. There are the other authors nodding their heads again. Isn't it the greatest feeling?
I hope you like it, too.
The Happiness Pact joins A Gift for Santa, Every Serengeti Sunrise, and His Baby Dilemma in Heartwarming's December lineup. What fabulous company I'm keeping!
If you're tired, I hope you get some rest and enjoy the sweetness the next few days brings. And while you're there in the recliner, grab a book. We all appreciate it.
Merry Christmas!
Yes, it is a great feeling, isn't it? Congratulations on your December release. I'm really looking forward to reading it. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jill! Merry Christmas to you, too!
DeleteYup, yup and yup, Liz! Oh, and I love the 'Aaron' spam. We here at Hearwarming are all about fixing relationships. Have a wonderful and dear Christmas, Liz and to all my Heartwarming sisters!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't he just the sweetest thing to come visit the way he does! Merry Christmas, Moira!
DeleteCongrats on your release, December sis! And I'm laughing (not only at the spam ;) because I do the same thing and my mom told me I say insecure things after every book I finish. I was like, 'I do?' She just laughed and said yes. I think it's a writer thing lol ;). When our book is 'out the door', we panic and wonder if it's good enough for the world to see...much like when our human kids grow up and leave or 'fly the coop', we panic and wonder if they'll be okay out there in the world ;).
ReplyDeleteBack at you, Rula! Yes, we suffer with it every time, and every time I forget it!
DeleteLiz, I read the book and loved the story and characters, too. It's nice that you were able to read your book and not for revision or a final read-through on the computer. I've not done that with one of my books. Happy Christmas and time to kick back and refill the well.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a note and it disappeared. Sheesh. Anyway, what I said was that I read the book and liked the story and characters. I'm glad you were able to read it not for revisions and final read-through on your computer, but as a reader. Happy Christmas and save some time to refill the creative well.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Roz! Merry Christmas to you, too.
DeleteI loved the characters in your story, too, Liz. They were real, warm, vibrant people and the cover is perfect for them. I know exactly what you mean about not being sure you liked the story. Sometimes my opinion of a certain passage I've written changes with every read. It's been great sharing a release month with you. Have a wonderful, relaxing Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Beth. It has been such fun. I hope we get to share a month again--what are you doing come August? :-)
DeleteI'm coming out in July, so I guess we'll do the baton hand-off instead this time.
DeleteLOL, Liz, I love your writing. And, yes, sometimes as I'm writing, I'm like "Oh, no, this isn't going as well as I hoped." But, then after it's written, you'll read a review (okay, wave your hand... how many of us read our reviews), and realized, "I done good!"
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm still a sucker for a good review, and still suffer terribly over a bad one! Thanks, Pam!
DeleteFor decades now, I've said, "I'm one of the lucky writers who really likes to write--not to have written, or will write, but the process itself. I'm always happy to find similar sisters and brothers who also love this work more than about anything else!
ReplyDeleteOh, absolutely. It's like anything worthwhile for me--more about the journey than the destination!
DeleteCongratulations on your latest release, Liz. I look forward to reading it...when I get tired this week! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kate! I'm hoping you find some down-time in 2018. I miss seeing you around--and, of course, Harley and Logan.
DeleteI've never been able to read my books once they're published. I can, however, listen to them. Don't know why. But I do know what you're talking about. It's hard to be objective about what we write. But I love your writing and look forward to reading your Christmas story soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks, so much, Pat. I've only listened to two of mine. Loved one, flinched a little at the other. I think I read them all eventually, but never right out of the gate like I did this one. It did make me happy to be as invested as a reader as I had been as a writer--for this time at least. Merry Christmas!
DeleteI am so looking forward to reading your new release. I’m enjoying Rula’s book right now. Thank you for writing these tender stories. I’m so happy that there are books to fit every mood, and Heartwarming books are such a welcome respite after an emotionally draining read. I’m sure I’m going to love your book. And I look forward to seeing all of the new releases in 2018. (I have Heartwarming book covers rotating on my Apple Watch. It’s so cool.)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Enjoy your rest. ( ;
Thank you so much, Laurie. Merry Christmas!
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