Celebrating Milestones

Wow, can you believe that a quarter of the year has already passed?

These past few months have been a whirlwind for me as I've worked through various stages from proposal to first drafts to revisions to line edits to page proofs of FIVE different novels.

To be honest, I'll be amazed if the wrong hero or heroine doesn't show up in the wrong book at some point!

But... this is the week I get to celebrate the fruits of--not the past three months labor--but of last year's, as my fifth Love Inspired Suspense, Perilous Waters, hits bookstore shelves.

And...

Later this year...in the "fourth quarter" to be exact, I'll celebrate the ten year anniversary of my first wobbly steps as a fiction writer. I might even dig that first manuscript out of the cupboard and read it. :)

Okay, wait a second...

I just dug it out. The opening line reads: "I have no choice, Laura. You know that," Philip said in an irritatingly controlled voice.

Hmm, I kind of like it. It has possibilities. ;) Just need to up the danger factor...

Like the Alaskan Cruise that inspired my current release, my writing has been a feast of new experiences. I've met all kinds of people, in person (some vicariously through my daughter traveling to AU) and online, from around the world.

I've experienced new places, braved new challenges, stretched and grown, boldly risked rejection and failure in hopes of reaching new heights...

Just like the heroines I admire!

But the coolest thing of all has been gaining a better understanding of my own story.

As I've learned how to ferret out my hero or heroine's internal conflicts, the lies they believe, the wounds from their past that have brought them to this place in their story and the truth that will set them free, I have discovered truths about myself and have grown tremendously.

I hope you are cherishing each step of your life's journey and if you have a few hours to spare, perhaps you'd enjoy vicariously cruising Alaska with Sam and Jennifer in Perilous Waters, who also happen to be celebrating milestones, and if all goes well, can celebrate not getting killed. Hee, hee, hee. ;) 

 







  Sandra Orchard is a multi-award-winning Canadian author of inspirational romanticsuspense/mysteries with Love Inspired Suspense and Revell. An active member in American Christian Fiction Writers, The Word Guild, and Romance Writers of America, she enjoys helping writers hone their skills. To find out more about her novels, and to read interesting bonus features, please visit www.sandraorchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard 



Photo Credits in order:
First 3 images courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Next image courtesy of bplanet / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Globe Image courtesy of cooldesign / FreeDigitalPhotos.net