If you feel like a castaway, stranded on a desert island about now, I can relate. I just turned in revisions to my editors today (whew!) for a novel I’ve been working long hours on, called, A Castaway in Cornwall.
Hunkering down to work on rewrites during a quarantine wouldn’t have been so different from other years, as I am usually at home derriere-in-the-chair for weeks on end when deadlines are looming. But this time did end up being different than expected, because I had planned to travel to Cornwall late March-early April to shore up setting details and fill in some research holes. (I have been to Cornwall a few times, but not to the particular area where the book is set.)
Like many people, my husband and I had to cancel our trip including flights and hotels. I had also booked a few days with a local tour guide to take us around North Cornwall to learn more about the area. Instead of canceling our tour outright, I asked our guide (Peter Long of Elite Duchy Touring) if he would be willing to read the manuscript instead to help me catch any location-related errors and add setting details. He happily agreed (as you can imagine, his income has taken a sharp hit after everyone canceled tours). Great Britain is also on a strict lock-down, but once that’s lifted, he will also take new photos and videos for my website. A win-win, I’d say!
So while things didn’t go according to plan, I am thankful for how they turned out. My author-friend Michelle Griep just reviewed the rewrite for me and claims A Castaway in Cornwall is her favorite book from me to date. That’s a huge relief and an answer to my prayers.
Here’s the gorgeous cover, designed by the talented Jennifer Parker of Bethany House Publishers:
What “changes of plans” have you experienced lately? Any that turned out to be a blessing?
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Probably this is the worst time the world is facing, all we have to do in this pandemic is to stay strong, follow the instructions govt has issues and stay strong, this dark wind will pass by soon.
Thanks, Neha.
Beautiful cover, Julie. I can’t wait to read it. My research trip to Scotland was canceled so I will write that book another year. Congratulations on finishing!
Yes, I’m trying to figure out what to write next, since I’d hoped to research a second book on the same trip. I’m sure whatever you write will be great, as usual!
Yes, congratulations Julie! You have certainly turned lemons into lemonade. Such a blessing that you and your tour guide were able to help each other.
I read The Bridge to Belle Island in March and really loved it. If this new book is supposed to be your best ever, I can hardly wait! Wonderful cover!
Hi Betty. Thank you! I agree. Blessings all around. Glad to hear you loved the latest book.
I love that cover, Julie!! It’s beautiful.
Thanks, Becky. I love it, too.
Looking forward to your new book! I love Cornwall and hope to go back someday and see areas that I missed on my last visit.
Hi Carole, here’s hoping we both get to go back someday soon!
Yes, please! Would love to join one of your groups one day.
Ugh, so sorry your trip was cancelled but glad God took care of the details (He’s good like that, yes?!). My family has a trip planned to Scotland this summer. We’re in a wait and see mode right now but trust that it will all shake out how it’s supposed to.
Can. Not. Wait for the new book!
As William Chapman said in The Secret of Pembrooke Park, ‘Good out of bad, God excels at that.’
Oh Julie, I can hardly wait! I love anything related to Cornwall, an area of England I have yet to visit. (Think Agatha Christie, Winston Graham – even Doc Martin! You’ll be in good company with that new book.) And what a sweetheart of a tour guide to help you out. Stay safe and don’t work too hard – God will get us through this very odd time!
Can’t wait for your new book! I hope my neighbourhood library will get a copy. I have read many of your previous books borrowed from the library.
We had to cancel my hubby’s cataract surgery. But it was 2+ hours away and I would have had to drive home. Now they may reschedule it closer to home. And the weather is better.
Looking forward to reading your book.
I am loving the Regency Bingo!
Hello Julie! I love the sound of waves and the feeling of sand under my feet. The cover of ‘A Castaway In Cornwall’ evokes those sensations for me. I can’t wait to read it! And I’m hoping your setting will be included on a future book trip!(Hint, hint!)
.
Hello,
Love Cornwall, too long since the last holiday -, looking forward to your next book –
Three close encounters with the big Five didn’t lead to the publication I’d hoped for – but I still want, very much, to write, and hope that one day, readers might come across an e-book of mine and enjoy it.
One problem – if you can call it a problem. – the privilege of experiencing lockdown in a place from which most people are currently banned . Must use this time well – unplanned writers’ retreat.