Writing, writing, and more writing . . .

ByDeborah Raney
19 Comments

For the past four weeks, ever since returning from a whirlwind spring with two conferences and a writers retreat, I have had my nose to the grindstone, hunkered down at home finishing my novel, Who Names the Stars. I am not one of those writers who can finish a book with twenty minutes here, an hour there, a day here… No, I need extended, focused time to “live in” my story and really concentrate on every aspect of my setting, characters, and plot.

I have the most supportive husband when it comes to my writing, and Ken has been taking care of supper nearly every evening (he only cooks breakfast, but he’s great at picking up take-out and heating up leftovers. 🙂 )

Last week was my most productive yet! I averaged over 2000 words a day—twice what I usually write! I am definitely on the home stretch now with only 10-15,000 words left to write. I’m thinking I might even write “The End” this week! Ahh, that feels so good!

That said, I think this novel, the third in The God Who series, has been the most fun I’ve ever had writing. And a large part of that is because my book is set in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas where my dad and brother both had farms for many years. Daddy is 93 now, and although he no longer lives on the farm, he has been invaluable in helping me with the research for this novel. I’ve been mailing him new chapters every few weeks, waiting with great anticipation to hear what he thinks of them, and worrying whether I got the research right or not. Several times, he’s caught things that weren’t accurate or answered research questions that I didn’t even know to ask! I’m so grateful to have him as my go-to guy! Here we are ten years ago on a drive through the Flint Hills. Look at this gorgeous countryside!

The weather here in Missouri has cooperated beautifully, with many rainy days that make such a cozy atmosphere for writing. The rain has also kept it cool enough that I’ve been able to write on the screened porch where I can watch the creek flow and enjoy the fawns playing in the backyard. This has been a sweet season that I’ll remember fondly.

What is your favorite setting for a novel? Do you like stories set in your own familiar home state? Or do you prefer exotic locations her or abroad? Or maybe your favorite setting is a fantasy world that doesn’t even actually exist! I’d love to know your preference in the comments below!

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DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Forty books later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a four-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is on faculty for several national writers’ conferences and served on the executive board of the 2,500-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization for 18 years before retiring in 2022. She is a recent transplant to Missouri, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, e-biking, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard.

19 Comments

  1. I love that your dad is such a helpful research partner for you. How fun! Congratulations on making such amazing progress on your book! I know that feels so good.

    I enjoy reading books set in all types of settings, but my favorites are places I’ve lived or visited.

    I look forward to reading your new book!

    1. Thanks for sharing, Deena. I agree that I like to read about places I’ve lived or visited. It’s fun to be able to picture a setting so clearly!

  2. Thank you for sharing your writing process. I am in awe of all authors because I know I could never write a book. I will just enjoy them. I will read any time or setting. I just love a good story. Looking forward to this one.

    Bless your dear father and his help to you at the age of 93. I was fortunate to have my father until a month before his 91st birthday. As always, I enjoy your pictures. Have a great day!

    1. Thank you, Betty. You may not have the talent to write a book, but I know you have many other talents. My own mom was always in awe of my ability to write, and yet I felt the same about the beautiful quilts she crafted! Isn’t it wonderful that God gave us all different talents so that we can enjoy the things we are NOT good at as well as the ones we are! <3

  3. Love the pics of you with your sweet dad! He’s so special. I still remember first meeting him (and your dear mom) all those years ago. I’m praying for you as you write to The End on another wonderful story. Now hurry up and start sending it to me so I can start editing it! LOVE that we still do this for each other after so many books—and years. Thanks again for all you did for In These Hills. 🤍

    1. I ALWAYS say, I hope I NEVER have to write a book without your eyes on it first! I’m sending the first 29 chapters your way in a few minutes! Can’t wait to get your comments and edits! They are always a GIFT, dear friend!

  4. Because I write WWII novels, my settings are all over, mostly in places that aren’t featured in other books. I like the unusual.
    My dad was also a font of knowledge for me. Since his passing in 2024, I’ll think of something to ask him, but then … oh, no.

    1. Oh, Terri. I know a day like that is bound to come with my own dad, and I can hardly let myself think about it. You never grow too old to be a daddy’s girl! I’m so sorry you don’t have your dad here on earth anymore, and yet, oh, how blessed we’ve been to have loving, faithful dads in our lives for as long as we have.

  6. My first few books have been set in familiar places, but I’m just starting to research a town I haven’t spent much time in. Starting with reviewing maps and festivals scheduled there.

    1. I usually write about fictional towns near larger real towns just so I don’t write about a coffee shop only to find it has closed by the time my book comes out! Fictional coffee shops never shut down! 🙂 I do love a good map though!

  7. How precious to work with your dad on this book! I’m sure it is for both of you! I had a great dad too, and really miss him.

  8. I do love to read books set in my home state of Michigan and the other state where I lived for many years (Virginia) as I grew up and as I was first married and began my career. I’ve now lived in Texas 48 years, so I also have a soft spot for books set in Texas. However, I also enjoy learning about areas new to me.

  9. I love that your dad is assisting you in your research for your book. Enjoy every minute of it. Thanks for sharing the picture of the two of you together.
    I enjoy reading books set in a variety of locations, including my home state – though I haven’t found many of those. Books set overseas, in countries I hope one day to visit, are my favorite to read. That is how I do most of my traveling. *wink, wink*

    1. I “travel read” for the same reasons, Tammi. I know I’ll never be able to actually travel to all the great parts of the world I’d love to learn about, but reading a story set in those places is the next best thing!

  10. That’s neat to have your daddy help with the research! Very cool. Also, the backyard! I like a variety of settings, all over the place!

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