While having a brainstorming session at a friend’s house her
roommate walked by picked up a copy of my LI book and smiled. “This is cute.
How long did it take for you write this? A weekend?”
I didn’t
even comment. There was no point. Unfortunately LI authors often hear a
variation of that comment mainly from people who have never read one of our
books. Their perception is that a book
that small can’t be very hard to write. They equate being small in size and
word count with lacking in significant content. Most of us will tell you
writing for LI is hard work and we’re blessed to be their authors.
Perceptions
colors everything. My husband was in the car business for decades. He sold
Chevy’s. People would swear they only wanted GMC vehicles. But guess what. They
are the exact same car. Made at the same factory, same chassis, same design all
around with the exception of the logo on the front. Yet customers would swear
there was a difference. Perception. Sometimes he’d receive a new shipment of
vehicles with the Chevy bowtie on the front and the GMC logo on the back.
Part of the
fun for me is coming up with those differing perceptions for the hero and
heroine and trying to come up with logical points of view for both. Why does he
want to maintain the status quo? Why does she insist on change? What happens to
each if they lose? What happens if they compromise?
In Their
Family Blessing, Carly and Mack have very different reasons for dealing with
their inheritance and are confronted with their long held assumptions and perceptions.
They must reexamine their memories from childhood, of their parents, of events,
and what they’ve been told and what they think they’ve seen. As the truth
emerges they are forced to adjust their beliefs about people and memories.
Something we all do as we go through life. I remember the moment when I looked
at my parents and realized that their relationship wasn’t what I’d always
assumed. I saw them as separate people and not my parents.
If we
believe a certain product is better than another, no harm done. But if we have
perceptions of others that aren’t true then we can damage and distort
relationships and bring heartache to everyone.
Have you
ever had to realign your opinion of someone or something once you had more
information? How did that impact your life?
I hope
you’ll enjoy reading how Carly and Mack sort out all their misconceptions and
find their happily ever after.
Their Family Blessing
She owns the lodge but he owns the land.
When single mom
Carly Hughes the Longleaf Lodge, she gains a heap of trouble – her teenage
crush Deputy MacKenzie Bridges. Her father left Mack the land around the lodge.
While Carly wants to sell for her daughter’s sake. Mack wants to stay for his
niece’s. and if they can’t work together, they’ll both lose everything…
including the renewed spark between them.
Posts
Great post, Lorraine. My daughter’s name is Carly! Love your cover. Yes, I’ve had such comments. Some people have called it “my little hobby.” I tell them it’s not a hobby if I’m putting checks into the bank. We write commercial fiction. That means we are working writers. I love when someone says, “Yeah, I might write a book one day. How hard can it be?” Of course, they have no idea. I always remind myself of that old saying, Be kind to everyone you met. We are all fighting our own battles.” You and i know the battle of getting a book sold!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Lorraine!
ReplyDeleteHate that woman's comment! Grrr! Shame on her. Agreeing with Lenora as she takes money to the bank!
Funny about the likes and dislikes of car buyers!
Folks these days seem so ready to jump to judgement without knowing all the facts. I see that as an increasingly polarizing problem. Not sure how it will be solved or resolved. Except through prayer!
First impressions can be deceiving, as we all know. I've currently got a gruff secondary character who actually has a heart of gold. Often we see that type of person in real life. We never know about people until we get to know them...truly know them. The phrase "walking in another person's shoes" comes to mind too!
Your story sounds wonderful! :)
Oh, this got me! First, I can only imagine of writing a book in a weekend! Haha!! Second, you're right. Our perception of others changes everything. Your cover is beautiful! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteA well-timed post, Lorraine. Thanks for sharing. A weekend? How insulting and how big of you to ignore the comment. Writing is hard work even for prolific authors.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is a Ford man. His best friend has a Chevy. Truck's of course. No car for my hubby LOL.
ReplyDeleteI always heard that Earl Stanley Gardner wrote his Perry Mason books over a weekend. I need to read one to see what I think and how long it is.