On Sunday, I finished the revisions on my January 2016 release, Keeper of the Stars. The last two weeks were really gruesome. I didn’t pull any real all-nighters but I came close. Groan. And when I saw the graphic saying “Done is better than perfect,” I almost shouted Amen. I will never write a perfect book. At some point, I have to stop writing or revising or editing. I have to be done.
Some writers love revisions. I can’t go that far. I don’t love them. They’re hard. What I love is knowing a book is getting better with each tweak, so it is definitely worth the long hours it takes to accomplish.
But sometimes I think my brain will explode as I try to remember new things I’ve added and what things I’ve removed. I make a lot of notes to myself, but I never seem to keep track of everything. Which means I have to keep going back through the manuscript to find out if I really did write this or cut that.
Anyway, the revisions are in the hands of my wonderful editor now. Before I know it, the line edits will hit me in the back of the head. It always happens faster than I’m ready for.
© Marek / Dollar Photo Club
While I wait for those line edits to arrive, I’m trying to get a new series idea on paper. For the stories I have in mind, it is more important for me to create a cast of characters and get the theme of the series nailed down. So I’m doing a lot of pacing and mumbling to myself and thumbing through several character-naming books. That’s all part of the process.
For the first time in over 25 years, I don’t already have my next year’s writing schedule mapped out. That feels very weird. I’m a writer who likes to plan her schedule. Even if deadlines move around a bit, I like to know the starting point.
Prayer Request
Four and a half years ago today, I had breast cancer surgery. I bring it up because my daughter has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. An almost identical diagnosis as my own. She is now deciding on her treatment options. If you have a moment when you read this, would you lift Micki in prayer. It means so much to us both.
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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I’m so sorry that your daughter has breast cancer. I have prayed for her. May God give her strength in the coming year.
Thanks so much, Shirley.
Lifting your daughter, Micki up in prayer, as she faces what lies ahead….may God guide her decisions and give her peace and comfort as well as you as I am sure as having been through it yourself and as her mother it makes you anxious.
Thanks, Sheila.
I love that cover for Keeper of the Stars, and can’t wait to read the book! Excited for you as you play with a new series idea, too! And of course, praying for Micki. I would imagine it’s very encouraging for her to know that you have walked this same path, understand what she’s facing, and have come through victorious!
I love the cover, too. In fact, I sent it to my publisher, and they liked it enough to license it for the book. So I am very happy with it. And thanks for the prayers for Micki. So thankful for the mammogram that caught it early.
Oh, Robin. My heart goes out to you and your daughter. You will both be in my prayers.
Thanks, Lynn. I would wish she didn’t have to walk this path, but having been down it not that long ago, I am at peace for her.
So very sorry to hear about your daughter! Praying.
Thanks, Bette. God answered all of the prayers that went up for me and I know He will do the same for Micki.
Praying for you and Mikki today. Blessing on both of you.
Thanks, Nancy.
I pray that God’s healing presence will be with you and your daughter. Most of us have a loved one with this same struggle. I pray for a cure, and for God’s will to be done.
Thanks so much, Pat.
Oh, so sorry to hear the news. Prayers and hugs!
I appreciate you, Angie.
I’m so sorry to hear of your daughter’s diagnosis. This morning I prayed for her healing and peace door both of you.
Thanks so much, Jen.
Will be praying for your daughter, Robin. Put her on my prayer board. And you, too. Trust God. he is able.
You wrote this post for me today if no one else, Robin. When you said “my brain will explode”, I laughed. My exact words about 2 days ago. Thank you for this. Getting a release, finally.
Thanks for the prayers, Sandy. And I guess we’d better not get in the same room together. If both brains exploded at the same time, could be very messy. LOL!
Haha Robin. So true. One of my family readers just called to ask about something in the book and my husband another. Brain’s gone!
Robin,
If I may, I’ll pray now.
Our Father in Heaven, Great is Your name and worthy of all praise. Thank You for this day. This is the day You have made; may we rejoice and be glad in it.
Father, You see the concerns that crowd around Robin and her daughter, Micki. You know the fears, the worries, the confusion. Probably even questions. In the name of Jesus Christ, bind the evil spirits and cast them out. Grant confidence and boldness to move forward and faith and trust to never let go of You. Thank You.
Be with them as they walk this path. May they find support with each other and from other family members and friends. May their brothers and sisters in Christ uplift them in every way possible.
Be with the doctors and with all who will help Micki through this. Grant them discernment and wisdom to see what needs to be done and the skill to do it well.
Encourage Micki and her family. May they feel Your presence as never before. May they–may we all–understand more fully that nothing we experience is outside the scope of Your understanding, compassion, and provision.
Father, may Your name be glorified in all things and may Your will be done.
In the name of Christ, amen.
Amen!
Praying for Micki, Robin.
Thanks so much, Becky. Means the world.
Praying for you both.
So appreciated, Karen.
Mammograms are so important. So glad one caught your daughter’s. That’s what caught mine. I’m going on four years as a survivor now, so Robin, we are survivor sisters.
I’ll be praying for your daughter to have a complete recovery.
Gail, I am four and a half years as a survivor so we were going through treatment awfully close to the same time. Thanks for the prayers for Micki. This was NOT one of those things I wanted to share with my daughter. Now I am nagging my youngest about getting her mammogram (caught mine that way too).
Praying for all of you!
Thanks so much, Shelia.
Prayers going up for you, your daughter, and other family members who will be with you during this time of life.
You are not alone, God will “Never Leave You or Forsake You”.