Friday, November 2, 2007

Seeking Balance and A Quiet Place to Work

I need more hours in the day. So many tasks and projects and not enough time to complete them in the way I'd like. I'm on a deadline. The fact that it is mostly self-imposed doesn't matter. It's still an important deadline. Before the day is out I will complete the first round of edits on a manuscript. Next week, New York awaits along with valuable face time with my agent. He's such a great guy. Working with him is a dream come true.

This manuscript has been a miracle in the making, so much raw emotion to drag out and examine. Some days I'm not sure why I wrote the first word, thought I could make this work -then I think about my inspiration. I remember her and know it's worth the agonizing excavation to commit her short life to paper.

There is interest in this manuscript and the insight I can offer to others in situations like mine. So far the compliments have made me light-headed. "He must be talking about someone else's work," I say. But no, it's mine. Now is the time to make it the best it can possibly be. I have today to accomplish it.

I'm worried that I can't pull it off, bring the story around the bend to a satisfying end, leave the reader with hope instead of despair. How will it go? Will you see my name on the cover of a bestseller, or even a modest print run?

I'm taking the day off to pray, work, and give it my best shot. Have a great weekend. May all our dreams come true.

Lisa

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Lisa,

This post alone, the way in which you've written it, makes me want to read it. And I'm sure many others will too.
Trust your own intuition, and the feedback you've been receiving, and I'm sure things will work out the way you want them to!

Though I really do not know the background of the story you're writing, I do relate to your quest to bend it to a satisfying end.. However, just remember the story truly is your own inspiration, right? If so, it will also be an inspiration to others!

Hope you have great weekend (and make positive steps next week) too!

Ellen

myonlyphoto said...

Lisa, don't forget to get some rest,clear your mind off it for a while - relax, breath, enjoy nice view, have a cup of nice refreshing tea. Sometimes we forget that our brain needs rest.
I am so happy for you, your probably closer than you think. We all feel like that when we are closer and closer to the finish line. Good luck with your work and do take some time off for your brain, and body it is probably stress from tension. Anna :)

Lotus_in_the_hills said...

Best of luck, Lisa :)

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Hey Lisa,
I think you are going to be fine. I loved the post alone, so I know whatever the finished product will be a masterpiece! Take care of you FIRST and everything will fall into line. Drop by my blog, I am back home now!
Love,
Babz

Anonymous said...

Lisa, I hope everything goes well for you, I'm sure it will. By the time you read this it will be all water under the bridge and life will be grand. So here's to you kiddo. Best of luck.
~JD

La delirante said...

Hi Lisa! Long time no see. Good luck! Please drop by to my blog :) I have given you an award :)

Anonymous said...

As someone with a manuscript gathering dust because of a lack of courage to bring it forth I admire your determination and I have no doubt you will step into your greatness

Craig Smith said...

It sounds like you are doing well. Getting an agent interested in your work isn't very easy to do! Good luck :).

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

I wish you so much luck...you have an obvious writing talent. Do not doubt yourself. Keep us posted. Chin up! -Mike

Lynda Lehmann said...

Wonderfully written post, Lisa! You can do it! And if for some reason you can't pull it together today, you will tomorrow! You have the insight and the will.

Now you have me wondering whose short life you are talking about.

Good luck to you.

Heather said...

I SO agree with Ellen.

I already want to read it...and WILL read it, I'm certain.

You just have to promise to send me an autographed copy.

I envy you your ability to say you have a MANUSCRIPT!

I keep trying to write and come up short every time. :)

I'm pulling for you - it's gonna happen!

Lisa McGlaun said...

To everyone who was so kind to comment during my absense,

New York was great! I'm riding the high of knowing this manuscript is good and people believe in it. Whatever happens when it's submitted, I have the memories of this trip and the people I met who were happy to welcome me into this crazy world of publishing.

Thank you for hanging around. Today I get back to business as usual. I'm ready to post.

All of your words mean so much to me. The encouragement is like air to my lungs and water to my soul.

Thank you all,
Lisa