I’ve been on deadline all summer, but “the end” (literally!) is in sight! I always feel sorry for my poor husband when I’m on deadline. I am getting better about remaining calm, but with every book, there is a certain amount of what Ken calls “fritzing out” that accompanies getting my manuscript turned in to my editor by the deadline. (Even when I’m generously given an extra few days or even weeks.)
My normally tidy as a pin desk (okay, office) is now a clutter of coffee cups, tea glasses, smudged eyeglasses, chewed pencils, wadded tissues (because of the sad parts, you know), stacks of books, and notes like the one I scrawled on this morning’s church bulletin.
Ha! My pastor has no idea how many great ideas I get from him for my characters. I dare not miss church even when I’m on deadline.
When I’m on deadline, I see this view of my office twice a day…dusk and dawn, and often an even darker view as I burn the midnight oil.
When I’m on deadline, our house doesn’t get cleaned nearly as often, my e-mail doesn’t get answered in a timely manner, I feel I’ve alienated most of my family members and friends by turning down invitations and neglecting visits.
But at least Ken is being served oven fresh meals nearly every day (just not from MY oven.)
Yes. I will be very happy when this book is done and I can take a couple of weeks off, sleep late and go to bed early, catch up with my friends, clean off my desk, clean the house, and just join the human race again. At least until my next deadline.
To celebrate writing “THE END” Deb is giving one winner a copy of each of the first two books in the Chicory Inn Novels series, Home to Chicory Lane and Two Roads Home! (Sorry, only U.S. mailing addresses are eligible to win.) To enter, leave a comment on this post. Check back here on August 1 to see if you won!
Latest posts by Deborah Raney (see all)
- Inspired by Scripture - November 17, 2024
- Writing “The End” - November 11, 2024
- Inspired by Scripture - November 10, 2024
Very lovely office
First, congrats on being nearly done with the series. I’m sure it is a tad bittersweet. Second, I make a point of praying for a favorite author when prompted. Know that as soon as I finish this comment I will being praying for your writing, deadlines, rest and recovery, the books reach and success, and for the lives it may touch. I’m not sure what new news you have had with your publishing, but I will also pray for your future books. Thank you for the hard work you put into your writing so that we can enjoy a good book.
I would love to win these two books. You have wonderful books!
Your books look great – and so does that pizza! Fresh meals at their best(o: Anyway, keep up the great books! I can’t wait to read these two!!!
I love all your cubbies for things. And I love you for writing Christian fiction, and for following God, even when you are under a deadline. I pray you keep it up, and that I learn from it!
Praying for you, Deb, as you work to finish your book. May God grant you clear thoughts and His inspiration.
Good luck on your deadline. I’m sure your new book will be great.
Thank you for giving us a little glimpse into your “madness”. LOL I’m excited about reading the rest of this series. I have the first two books on my Kindle, but I really need them in book form to hold in my hand and to put on my Deb Raney shelf in my bookcase.
How exciting for you! Your office is beautiful, even with the lived-in look 😉
Thanks for writing such wonderful books that are hard for me to put down when I should really be paying attention to my own housework, but we all need some quality time to ourselves too!
I am glad “The End” is in sight. Would love to win!
I had no idea how stressful it can be to write a book. You must miss the human contact with everyone.
Wonderful titles! Very nice office! I can imagine writing would be stressful. Would love to read your books.
hope you get some rest soon,,i would really enjoy reading these books and relaxing myself
Congrats on being so close. Take a little time to rest and enjoy your family. Thanks for doing the giveaway.
office looks pretty good to me…would love to win your Chicory Inn novels for my church library!
Congratulations on finishing your book. I look forward to reading this series!
I would love to win, read and review. God Bless.
I love Deborah Raney’s books!!! Hope she writes many more!
Deb, congratulations on meeting deadline! I am looking forward to reading this series. 🙂
If that is a messy office…well, it is a beautiful one that’s for sure! What a wonderful place to meet your characters each day. Loved the notes on the church bulletin. I always take notes on the sermon but occasionally the message applies to my story or better yet, sparks an idea. Then my pen really starts flying and hubby has no idea!
So glad that you have made it through another “stressed out ” period, so that we can look forward to another great book!
Love your work area
Looking forward to the many novels, yet to be written!
Love your books!! Can’t wait to read the new one!
Wouldn’t mind winning these books! I’d like to read them 🙂
Your office on deadline almost scarily resembles my own work area when I’m on deadline or crazy-busy with work piling up! I agree with whoever said, “what a wonderful place to meet your characters each day!” Looks cozy and inviting 🙂
Love your office.
I thought I was the only writer that made notes on my bulletin during the sermon. 😉 Looking forward to your next book. Praying for you, girl!
Always enjoy peaks into your home and yard. Ken and you are always coming up with fun things. You are gracious to include your readers in the fun.
You know I’d love those books.
I loved getting to see your office – it looks so cute and cozy! Enjoy finishing and having time to relax again! I certainly appreciate the hours you spend writing since you write such wonderful books!
Go get ’em Deb! Praying for you!
Your readers will appreciate the time spent writing. Your characters are true to life and lead readers to life change. Page turners indeed.
Your office is lovely.
Blessings on your day.
Warmly
Gail Helgeson
I really like your office. It has a warm look to it. Not cold and boring but is inviting!
My friend Downing always used to rally everyone with, “Hard work pays off!” It sure does, and your readers are thankful for the hours you log in that office. Thanks for the opportunity to enter!
I always love seeing pictures of your spaces, especially your writing space, even if it does make me a little envious. 😉 Your mess is neater than my tidy at any point in the writing process!
Congrats on closing in on your ending, fritzing and all.
Blessings to you,
Heather
Sounds like a stressful, but exciting time! I love your office! It’s so pretty!
Thank you for the giveaway.
I love your work space! The old door with lights is so cool! It gives me a great idea for a corner in my dinning room. Now I’m on the prowl for any old door in clean up day trash! LOL Keep up the creative work!
Love new books – Thank you.
Love your books!
Have these on my TBR list and would love to win copies! I love your writing. Blessings on finishing the latest one.
Nice Office. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thank you for writing books that I can thoroughly get lost in and enjoy.
I am really looking forward to Another Way Home. The first two books have gotten me hooked.
Congrats on being almost done! Nice office! Thanks for the chance to win!
I like your work space. So that’s where you write all those great books.
I know you will be happy to have a few weeks off. The days just go by so fast and “fritzing out” is so easy to do. May you find these last days going by quickly and w/o too much fritzing!
Here’s hoping to be a winner.
Your office space might be a bit untidy right now, but it is always beautiful and welcoming! I won a copy of Two Roads Home a while back, but I still need to get a copy of Home to Chicory Lane before I read them. Thanks for the opportunity to win your books 🙂
I love your books. Cant wait for next one. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us. I can can see Gods love
Hats off to Chef Ken! Pizza makes deadlines bearable. 🙂 Thanks for this giveaway that gives your readers even more to look forward to. ~Kim
Honey, if that’s your version of a messy office, you have nothing to worry about! You should see what it looks like when me and my co-workers get under deadline (ok, we’re not that neat on a non-stressful week either haha).
Excited to read the next installment in your wonderful series!
Joyell
I love the honesty and openness on what life’s like when you are on a deadline😊 It reflects that
you to are a regular normal person. Thanks so much.
Two of my favorite “Deb things” – bc, you know, I know her, lol – are her sense of humor and her office! Her office appeals to my love of beauty, my need for order, and – I’ll be honest – my ADD, as she is always changing something here or there! It all inspires me to create a writing space of my own and so maybe be able to write THE END to that novel I have over 100,000 words to and STILL haven’t finished!
I enjoy your books and would love to win these.
I am not an author, but I am a teacher, so I know a bit about deadlines. Trust me, your desk is pristine compared to mine. ☺ You have a beautiful office. Please enter me in the contest.
First I love all the pictures that you have shared with us. You know as a reader years ago I would pick up a book at the store and read about the author and then read the book. Not giving a thought of how much blood sweat and tears go into the making of the entire book. Then once approved and printed you have sites that make you have so many people like me like the book or leave a review or they won’t promote you. That is outrageous so after the book is done that just starts the wheel rolling once it is printed and mailed to you. Wow , as a young girl and reading i thought wow an author they make so much money for writing a book. That is mearly the beginning of the cycle.
Sounds like you are human too. It is hard to get things done when you have a higher priority. Such is life. I had to laugh when you mentioned getting ideas from your pastor. I bet he would be pleased to know you get ideas from him. If he is not already reading your books he would after hearing that.
LOL, Deb. I can relate a little. I also get ideas from my pastor’s sermons 🙂 Your idea of a messy office looks tidy compared to mine at the moment.
Don’t throw my name in the hat. I already have copies of the first two books, which are awesome by the way. I can’t wait for you to finish this deadline so the next one can come out soon!
Your house is beautiful and inviting even if you have a wee bit of extra clutter from being on deadline. Bless you for writing books that teach and encourage as well as entertain!
Thanks for the view of the office. Nice to see where the “nuts and bolts” happen 🙂
Your office is beautiful! I really like your decorating style. I would love to read this series. I just had ankle surgery on Friday (the 24th) so I’ve got a good bit of time to read and crochet as I elevate and ice my ankle.
Deborah,
Thank you for the opportunity to win these 2 books! I’m glad to read that you still have time for church! Praise the Lord for that! And I love your door that leads to a wall. 😉 So cute!
Thanks for the giveaway! Now get back to work so you can enjoy your “vacation” after the book is finished and the sprint to the post office:)
Your life sounds like mine and I don’t write books, just read them.
God’s Blessings to You,
Janet.
Would LOVE to win one of Deb’s books!!
Ah, Deborah, you inspire me! Reading your words, feeling your emotion and tension from the deadline, and seeing the wonderful pictures of your office — all move me toward working on my own novel, which is slowly, ever slowly, coming together. Many blessings on you as you work toward “The End”!
What fun to read that you get ideas for your characters from your Pastor!
Deb, But really, aren’t deadlines fun, in a way? It means somebody can’t wait to read what you wrote! I was writing to a contest deadline and my husband said something like, “See you in six months.” Fortunately, he too thinks frozen pizza is a real meal.
And I still absolutely love your “desk.” The closest to it I’ve found so far is at Walmart, of all places.
I admire you for following and pursuing your passion for writing! ~Blessings!
Looking forward to reading your new books!!!!
Will pray you finish soon. Your office still looks great! I’m all in favor of the pizzas, though.
If your office is this beautiful in a deadline crunch, then it must be amazing when you’re not so rushed! I loved seeing it and knowing that even deadlines don’t keep you from church. Thanks for offering TWO of your books and enjoy your break!!
Blessings,
Connie
Thank you for giving readers stories that captures their heart with compassion, grace and characters that we fall in love with. Your stories flow across the pages like a gentle breeze that comforts you.
Deana
Deb, I love your books and try to read them all! Thanks for our generous giveaway!!
I can completely relate to everything you’re experiencing while on deadline, because those are the same things I experience, too. The ‘fritzing out’ — definitely. And also the refusal to miss church because God uses it to inspire me, refresh me, and fill me with insights and ideas. May God equip you and sustain you with energy and passion for your work. 🙂
I love reading your posts and viewing your beautiful home!
Deb, how I love all the pictures of your home! It’s nice to see your office have that lived-in look–then we know you’re grinding out another book for us to enjoy! Would LOVE to have those first two books in this series….
Would love to win! Your desk doesn’t look to bad right now…lol
Thank you for the opportunity to win/read your book! Blessings!
I love your office! I could definitely be creative there! Thanks so much for the chance to win your books!
I would really like to add these to my collection. 🙂
Hi Deb, Your office looks very lovely and cozy! My house looks ten times worse and I clean just about everyday. Me and clutter go hand in hand and no matter how much I pick up and organize it still looks like a tornado swept through my home in the form of four boys. Thank you for sharing what your writing life is like. Blessings and prayers, Jenny
Your office is lovely! Thank you for the chance to win. I always look forward to reading your posts here. You rock!
Thanks, Deborah, for a chance at a giveaway! Congratulations also on achieving your goal of completing your book! I have enjoyed the first two in this series!
I would to get a copy of your book and honored to review.
Linda
How fun to see where you work! So comfy & airy.. thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Love your office space – even cluttered. And getting ideas from church is great. Gotta keep those bulletin notes. You write well!
It is a mess to you now, but it is the sign of doing your dream job!
Congratulations on being almost done! Great office and don’t worry about the hot meals… My family survives on cereal…..hahaha
Looks like a very inspirational place to write and be creative. There’s nothing wrong with pizza…a definite go-to in our house! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
These ones have been on my want-to-read list! Love your office and pizza for dinner….I’d be all for that, lol!! Thanks for the chance to win these books!
What lovely decor in your office and home. Very tasteful. Now I can imagine what the inn looks like. I read Two Roads Home, but not the first book. Winning the pair would mean I could share these warm, heart-filled stories with someone else.
Love the pics of your writing space and hearing about your writing process!
I love your office. It looks so airy and light — a great working environment!
Congrats on meeting deadline!!! Love your office! Thanx for the giveaway.
Thank you for a chance to win ! I enjoyed your blog. I love your old door. ~ Blessings ~
Don’t k ow how you keep up with a house and write a novel. You must be very organized. Th a ‘s for the giveaway.
What a bright, cheerful and fun office! And congrats on typing another “The End”. I haven’t started reading this series yet; it does sound intriguing! Blessings! And enjoy a little of that oven food from other ovens yourself, sleep late – then catch up!
Hello Deborah. I enjoyed this bit of your life. Believe me if I was a writer mine would be much worse. Sorry you have such busy times. But am thankful for your good books. Thanks to your hubby for being understanding. But I’m sure he will enjoy your company more to now that the deadline is met. This is going to be a lucky person who wins this giveaway. GOD bless you.
Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Thanks for the contest and the pictures of your office. It looks nice even when it’s “messy.” I enjoyed the 1st book and am looking forward to reading the next 2!
Thank you for offering the giveaway! I loved hearing about how you write as well as seeing your writing space. Good luck with finishing the series! 🙂
Mom and I both recently finished Two Roads Home…and loved it. (The church library’s copy…we returned it before the two-week checkout period was up.) Is your book signing at Faith & Life Bookstore in Newton before or after your deadline? I’d love to be there…but Aug. 1 doesn’t work for me. (Doing any book signings in Hutch or McPherson?) When is Book 3 likely to hit bookstores? I’m eagerly awaiting it… Oh, and don’t feel obligated to answer any of these questions within the next month; certainly not before your deadline… they’re all things I would enjoy knowing, but for the most part can find out as things happen. Blessings to you as you work toward your deadline…and make it!
Anita, my book is due ON Aug. 1, the day of the book signing, but since that falls on a weekend, I’m turning my book in on Monday. I hope to write “the end” Friday night, but even though I edit as I go, and read through each chapter several times, I always am grateful for one last chance to go through my “first draft” (which is really more like a 12th draft) before I send it to my editor. I usually add 5000 words or more during the rewrite phase (my favorite part, because I’m now writing with some direction from a professional editor) so this manuscript I’m turning in is far from “final.”
Anyway, I’m sorry you won’t be able to make the book signing at Faith & Life, but so glad you and your mom have enjoyed the series so far. Another Way Home (book 3) should hit bookstores mid-October! Thanks for asking.
Love your books,thanks for a chance to win
Thanks to all of you for your comments, encouraging words, and entries in the drawing. Forgive me for not answering each of you individually, but this deadline isn’t quite over yet and I must apply my words to my manuscript. 🙂 Remember to check back here on Saturday to find out who won the copies of Home to Chicory Lane and Two Roads Home. (I’ll try to contact the winner privately, but that’s not always possible.)
I think you have a cute set-up, there, Deborah. I’m looking forward to reading your writings.
Deb, Deadlines just act to make us write faster, don’t they? I believe it was Samuel Johnson who said that when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his attention wonderfully. Or, in this case, substitute “miss a deadline” for “hanged.” You’ll get there–and the results will be wonderful.
What a lovely place to write! Thanks for the giveaway, but most importantly-thanks for writing good, quality fiction! God bless you!
You’ll have to autograph the page(s) for your pastor! 😀
Your beautiful open spaces are relaxing to me, even in photos. Blessings to you and your family. Thank you for your deadline giveaways. Praying for a complete recovery as new wheels start turning for the next series ~ any hints on location? Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Love the ‘feel’ of your office – especially the cool door. 🙂
Thanks for the opportunity to win your books!
~Blessings~
I can just picture you at your desk during your deadlines. I sympathize, but love your notes on church bulletins. That I can relate to, although mine are not for use in a story. I think you are awesome!
Praying for your deadline Deb, and for your rest that comes after that deadline. Thank you for sharing with us in the midst of this busy time for you.
Nothing better than books and pizza! Would love to win your books!
We think that the sacrifices you make are worth it. We get to read great books. Thanks! Would love to win these; I have not yet read these two.
I would love to read these novels. Thanks for the great giveaway!! 🙂
Wow! I can only imagine all of the stress you go through to get a book finished on time…thanks for the giveaway, would love to win!
Cannot wait for #3! Love your office!
I have been wanting to read these books for ages, but due to everything that comes with a busy life, I have yet to have the chance, but I’m hoping I will be able to soon! They sound great, and I just love your office! It’s so cute!
I have not yet read one of Deborah’s books but have been wanting to. Winning would be a lovely way to do so! Thanks for the opportunity!
Your office looks so warm and inviting. Love it. I’d l I ve ti win this giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity!
Thanks again, everyone, for all the wonderful comments. For obvious reasons (D-E-A-D-L-I-N-E!) I haven’t responded to each one, but I truly appreciate all your encouraging words, compliments on my office, and entries in the drawing! Just a reminder to check back here tomorrow morning to find out who the winner is!
Blessings on your weekend!
Deb~
I love your books!
I enjoy this series! Your photos of your Office are so pretty!
Wow! You work so hard! Thank you for writing great books! Have a great weekend.
DEBBIE RHOADES, the random number generator chose YOU as the winner of a copy of Home to Chicory Lane and a copy of Two Roads Home! Congratulations! Always fun to see another “Debbie” win! 🙂 Please send me your mailing address (to debraney @ mac.com) and I’ll get your books in the mail to you.
Thank you again, wonderful INSPIRED BY LIFE & FICTION readers (and my fellow bloggers) for all your prayers and encouragement during this deadline. I have truly felt them! I’m just a few thousand words (maybe 3000?) away from writing “the end” and when I do, you will probably hear me cheering no matter where you live! 🙂
Congrats on finishing!
Thanks for the peek inside your writing space!
I get a lot of inspiration from my pastor too. Thank you for giving us amazing stories to dive into.