Never say Never, huh?

I really thought I was done with Love Inspired books.  Not that I dislike them. Just a series of events that lead me to let go of it all and start thinking in new terms.

I am still thinking about new things, still learning and... well, mostly enjoying an extended break from writing, the first in 15 years!  But, ya see, I had this partial that I had done last year then decided not to send out. It's good. I like the story and the characters. So my agent has sent it out.

Today I am contemplating the 'what next' of it all. Not just the 'what next' of selling it but of NOT selling it. Like many of you I have my share of finished unsold books and partials tucked away. Some deserve to stay tucked as far away as possible but others... what next for them?

I actually have some say in that now.  They can become books to be sold to the public. Wow.
Second chances and self determination, control of your own career (however that looks in the new world of publishing). It's definitely worth contemplating.

It's part of the new reality for writers to consider 'what next' in the broadest sense. That has to play a part when putting words on paper just as considering the narrower version of the question (since that line wants this, I need to think about that when writing this scene, or Editor X suggested I focus on this so that's what I'm going to do, or I'd like to be known as a writer who is good at 'fill in the blank' so I need to make sure I work on that aspect of craft). Whew.

So, writers, what next? I hope it's something amazing.

I Forgot to Knock on Wood!

No sooner did I post about not posting and being off line than I came down with something that has kept me out of commission for a couple weeks!

Maybe I did look gorgeous in full make up and lay around in my perfect room reading fine literature. YOU don't know.

 I'd like to say I got lots of work done writing and planning but mostly I sat on the couch and coughed. So far, no editor interest in that kind of work!

It did give me time to think about the state of publishing and what's coming - and to let go a little more of it all. I still write, I am still being published, even sent out a new submission but in an odd flip flop, I find myself thinking in terms of traditional publishing as a 'day job' and planning to one day work on the books of my heart and doing new and interesting things with them. Or not.

Funny thing about stepping away from the lit life, you realize that there is a real life going on all around you. I once thought that would make the writing fuller, more real, more dear to me as a writer. Maybe not so much.

I really believe one day the urge will grab me by the throat and I will write, write, write. At least I hope so.