Thank Goodness for Girlfriends

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  Last Friday, I had a pretty tough writing day. See, my latest book was not going where I had intended it to, and I was kind of at the point of no return. Since I’d been fighting with my characters for two weeks-all while writing frantically every day-I knew there was only one thing to do:

Send out an SOS.

I don’t do that very often. Actually, I kind of pride myself on being able to write, no matter what. But relying on myself wasn’t working, and I knew it. Luckily, some pretty amazing women came running and saved the day.

First, I saw my critique group. We met for coffee and bagels at 9:30 am. After they listened to me whine, I handed them a 20 page chapter and asked them to please, please help. Oh, they did!  They cleaned up some crazy sentences, told me where things didn’t make sense and then offered advice. When I left them, my confidence had been boosted and I was more determined than ever to Finish The Book. 

Then, late Friday afternoon, I reached out to two other Amish authors, Amy Clipston and Beth Wiseman. I needed some help with research and I really hoped they might be able to help. I sent them a frantic ‘help!’ email..and they both replied within the hour! Both offered suggestions, advice, and even offered to help me some more if they could.

Boy, talk about being generous.

Finally, I called up a lady from my church who, from the beginning, has helped with my research. After asking her for help, she emailed me her advice, then did one better, and got on the phone and called up her friends in Sugarcreek to get more details. By eight o’clock Friday night, I had all the answers I needed. Wow!

I thought and stewed  and fussed on Saturday, took Sunday off, and then got to the computer, ready to go at 8am this morning.

An hour and a half later, I finished the book-a task I know I couldn’t have done without so many women offering their help in just the nicest way possible.

I’m so, so thankful for them right now.

Tomorrow, I’ll begin to revise and edit and expand Autumn’s Promise. But for now, I’m just going to celebrate.  And write a few thank you notes.  : )

Shelley

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