Everyone I know has Spring Fever, including me. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and the snow is melting at last. The steady drip of snowmelt from the eaves outside my office sounds like a drumbeat, summoning me to come outside and play. The season of new beginnings is here.
Getting inspired at a Civil War Reenactment
And it’s a new beginning for my next writing project, too. My contract schedule has me handing in my manuscript in January then completing any changes my editor asks for in March. I’ve just finished that process and turned in all of my final changes and edits, so now I’m ready to start the process all over again with a new book.
But where will my ideas come from? How does the next story begin to form in my mind? Every author is different, but I begin by replenishing my supply of words. That means reading lots and lots of books. I choose authors who not only know how to tell a great story but also have an extraordinary love of language. I just finished two novels by one of my favorite writers, Rosamunde Pilcher, who can tell a gripping tale while painting word-pictures that are so vivid they can make me shiver: “Antony opened the front door, and the cold wind flowed in like a sluice of icy water.” Brr!
Me by the real life Wonderland Creek
At the same time, I start reading lots of non-fiction books about the historical time period or setting that I’ve chosen. This includes first-person accounts such as diaries or memoirs written by people who might have lived alongside my fictional characters. Whenever possible, I visit the setting for my new novel, taking photos and absorbing all the sights and sounds and smells, keeping track of them in a notebook for future use. I also love to ask people to tell me their love stories, or their God-stories, or their family’s story. (Warning: don’t ever tell me a story unless you’re not afraid to see it in one of my books!) I’m creating what I call “story soup,” tossing images and ideas and historical facts into a huge pot and letting it all simmer together in the back of my mind until I’m ready to start writing.
One of the things I love to do while these ideas and images are simmering is to go outside in the gorgeous spring sunshine and sample God’s creative handiwork. I want the theme of His redemption to flow through all of my novels—how he takes what is broken and cold and dying and fills it with renewed life. And seeing the beauty of rebirth in nature as the snow melts and the new grass and spring leaves began to peek through,inspires me to tell of His goodness and grace all over again.
After the overwhelming destruction and judgment of the flood, God promised Noah—and us—that “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease” (Genesis 8:22). We will always have seasons in life that feel like a long, dark, frigid winter—those times when life hits us in the face like “a sluice of icy water.” But He is the God of Springtime and new beginnings and second chances. He breathes life into the cold, dark corners of our hearts and we begin to find joy again. “Behold! I make all things new!” No wonder we have Spring Fever. Let’s go dance in the snow-puddles!
Latest posts by Lynn Austin (see all)
- Can An Old Dog Learn New Tricks? - November 15, 2021
- A 1951 Christmas - November 1, 2021
- Researching? - October 18, 2021
This was absolutely beautiful, Lynn. I loved the soul comparisons. Spring came earlier this year to the West Coast, but while we might be enjoying flowers and blooming fruit trees, our souls are still crying out for new beginnings and second chances.
And we serve a God of second chances! …And third and fourth…
“I want the theme of His redemption to flow through all of my novels.” Me, too! I pick a theme that can be boiled down into less than three words for each of my books. For example, Healing. Forgiveness. Finding hope. But I realized somewhere along the way that all of my books are about second chances and God’s ability to offer redemption through them. Here’s to the coming of spring!
Amen! What a privilege we have to write about God’s infinite goodness!
Appreciate all the research and editing and effort it takes to put out a new novel. When I read a book in the future I will remember all the things that go into making a good story before it gets to the reader.
Thanks
Shirley
Fortunately, I LOVE doing the research. It gives me lots of story ideas.
This post is an interesting read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like the “story soup” idea.
I have read several of your books and look forward to your next release.
Thanks, Shirley. I hope you enjoy it. Every “soup” I cook up is a little different.
I have tasted some of your “soups” and every one was unique and “nourishing” for soul and mind
I’m really looking forward to your next book.
Can you give us a wink what’s next on “menu”?
LOVED this, Lynn! 🙂 Reading your post actually made me feel a bit revived – – as we anticipate the refreshing springtime.
I always enjoy learning about the processes that my favorite authors use as they prepare to write another book. I like your “story soup” method. 🙂
Here in Georgia we had a lovely spring-like day today, so I hope your area experiences this very soon.
Hugs, Patti Jo
I really, really enjoy your books and can tell you have done tons and tons of research. Your books immerse me in the culture and circumstances of the time period and make the plot and characters very authentic. Thank-you for your books!