Where my heart is…
If you’ve been reading here for a while, you know I haven’t exactly had a regular posting schedule. I’ve written posts here and there, depending on my other writing deadlines and life in general. Which has included setting aside time to work on my book manuscripts.
But lately, especially because I’m working outside of the house a day or two a week, I’ve realized that one of the manuscripts I’ve poured my heart into the most is being neglected…
It’s my young-adult novel, sitting in my desk drawer upstairs.
The story that took me over a year to write.
The story about a girl who descends into a battle with an eating disorder and then finds her way out of it.
The story that, some days, I wrote through tears in my eyes.
Because it’s a story that was inspired by my own struggle with self-image and food when I was in college.
I often “hear” the manuscript calling to me—the girl, the struggle, the triumph.
And for weeks now, I’ve wanted to pull it out of the drawer, work on revisions, and send it out to a publisher or an agent.
But there hasn’t been time.
Which is why I need to make the time.
And take a break from my blog.
Because as much as I’d like to “do it all”, thanks to My One Month, I realize that right now, I need to prioritize. And follow my heart.
I need to follow it upstairs to that desk drawer.
To that story.
About that girl.
I don’t know how long I’ll be “gone” because writing is just that way… sometimes revisions are quick, and sometimes they’re not.
If you haven’t subscribed to my blog yet, please enter your email or click on “subscribe” in the right-hand column before you leave. That way, you’ll know when my next post is up. I’ll also be putting up a few links / articles, and possibly some of my previous posts, while I’m “away”, so you’ll get those too. And I’ll always try to respond to comments and email. :)
I have some fun ideas about what I want to do around here when I’m back. And I have a bunch of posts that I want to write.
Like the one about what I found in my purse last week.
And the one about my daughter and her mouse at the piano.
But for now, I’m off to work on the novel that’s been tugging at my heart.
Wish me luck, and be sure and stop by 5 Minutes for Mom’s Faith Lifts on Fridays to say hi. :)
We’ll miss you…but you just follow your heart, you can’t go wrong!! :)
Miss you while your are gone but good luck with your story. I pray it turns out just as you want it. See you when you get back.
I took a break from writing my children’s picture books to blog…and haven’t opened that drawer in almost a year! So, as a writer, I understand and think it’s good to focus on one thing at a time!
How exciting…I can’t wait to hear about it when you are done.
OK but don’t give us those teasers! ;) I’m glad you’re going back to the book. It’s an awesome book, and I can’t wait til it’s published some day! Love ya Genny!Still wondering what Genny found in her purse…..
Oh Genny, reading this just excites me so much! When your heart is beating with His, following it can never be wrong. Although you will be missed, you are choosing the “Mary” following and being obedient to God’s call and the work He began in you…which He desires to complete. Go. Enjoy. Have fun. Cry. Laugh. Write for Him.Praying for you,Joy
Sounds like the right place to focus now!!Hope your story continues to resonate and grow… and you find that quiet place to do the work!!
Your book is about an issue very close to my heart. I’ll be praying for you as you work away!
Good for you! Go with that tug God has placed in your heart. It must be the ‘write’ timing!Bless you in this endeavor and I’ll be waiting with excitement to hear what God does with it.Joyfully,Cindy
I understand that pull of a heart project. I’ve been neglecting mine too. May this season of pouring into it be a blessed one for you. You’ll be missed!
You will certainly be missed. Good luck, and good for you, following your heart. You won’t regret it, I’m sure.
♥ It sounds like a great book! I hope your revisions go well! :)
God Bless from N Ireland.Take care, and come back when you can :)
Good luck with everything! I know that you have been very busy writing articles and such. You have to do what you feel is write, er..right.
I know I will miss you and anxiously await your return. You are such a gifted writer that I am so happy that you will be writing for so many more others than just those of us in blogland. :0) Work on your book and know that there are a lot of us out here cheering you on.
I can’t wait to read your book! Keep following your heart…
You will be missed, but I am glad you are making some time to do something for yourself and I hope you feel a great amount of accomplishment in doing so. I have faith you will be successful! Good luck and happy writing!
good luck you will be missed!
Go. Go do what you need to do. Muses don’t like to be neglected when they call. We’ll still be here when you get back.
Oh, I will really miss you! I’ve loved your writing from day one. Best of luck with the book – I’ll be looking for occasional updates…and getting back to a book of my own that I’m writing with Kelly @ Pass The Torch…one that is currently on hiatus until the new year.
Wishing you the best….
Good for you!! And best of luck with the girl and her story! (And the publishing thing!)
Hi Genny Yes it sounds like a good idea to get a break and focus on writing your novel. Good luck with that and we will catch up when you get back.
Good luck with your book. I don’t have a book I am “writing,” but I should be spending more time “writing” in the hearts of my kids. I should set aside some things and spend more time on mothering.We will miss your inspiration, but take as much time as you need!
I completely understand your need to focus right now…but we’ll miss you! :)
You’ll be missed, but I understand your need to focus. I’ll be here when you come back.
Congratulations – sounds like a very spirit-led decision. I’ll be checking you out on Faith Lifts on Fridays!
We totally support you! Go for it girl! We will be here when you get back, whenever that is…also I have you on my Google Reader so that is why I don’t need to give you my email to subscribe. :)Carrie
Good for you! Follow your heart! I can’t want to see that book in bookstores.
Will miss your posts but understand!! I’ve played around for awhile now on a children’s adoption story/book….and there are times I hear it calling me to come back! It takes time and dedication.Look forward to seeing your work in print and bound….and reading it!!!
OH, much luck to you Genny! I will keep stopping by.I can’t wait to read that book some day!
i know your break will be worth it. best of luck as you finish what is on your heart!
Oh, Genny. I’m with you all the way. As a fellow author, I’m proud of you for prioritizing. It’s hard, isn’t it? But that girl is calling, and I suspect it’s really God. (And all the girls who need your book.) May He bless and reward your obedience.
It sounds like a wonderful thing to be working on. I’ll miss you, but will “see” you when you’re back. I pray that all goes smoothly for you!
Yes, follow your passion. I hope the experience is satisfying and don’t worry, your blog friends will be here when you return. Blessings to you!
Sounds like you have a calling here. We’ll always be here if and when you come back. Good luck to you. Keep us posted!
Good for you, Genny. You’ve set limits for yourself and that’s so important. I haven’t written a post for a month – I’ve had them auto-scheduled and will run out of posts in a couple weeks. I suppose I’ll need another burst of energy then, but I know from experience that a break is SO worth taking. Your novel sounds awesome – best wishes! And happy holidays if we don’t see you around here for a while!
That sounds like a great book to read. I wish you luck with it, it isn’t easy sometimes reflecting on past struggles. I always love your posts, so I will look for your next post! Good luck!
I’m so glad you’ve decided to revise your novel, although I’ll miss you. I can’t wait to see you back. Good luck, and happy writing!
I’ll head over and vote for you. If you have time, take a peek at my blog post today (it’s a fairy tale with pictures).
You will be missed but I think it is great you are going back to your novel. I will catch up with ya’ later! :-)
Good Luck it will be great becasue you are writing from your heart and soul.
I’m going to miss reading your posts but look forward to the things that are to come for you. May God bless you richly on this journey.
Hi Genny… hope you still read your comments! I have a nice suprise for you over at my blog… stop by and check it out if you can!God bless-Amanda
You will be missed. I have an award for you over at my blog, and we will see you soon!
Proud of you for opening that drawer.Every one of us that writes understands and is cheering you on! How are you coming along?
Cant wait for your comeback!
I just found you on here and I can’t wait for you to come back….good luck with you book.
Hope you writing is coming along nicely!
I think it is fabulous that you are listening to your heart! I hope the book is coming along. Can’t wait to read your posts when you are back.
Wow, sounds like a story you’re passionate about! I hope you enjoy working on it :-) Let us know.
Oh friend…why did you have to go and convict me today? You have no idea how much you are leading me by example. I have other things to do and my blog is taking up so much of my time.Please tell me that this time away from your blog has been productive.
Can’t wait to hear how things are going.
You know that I totally understand. It is admirable and inspiring that you are willing to put aside that which can be to do what your heart is calling you to do. Good luck with your book. I can’t wait to see it on the shelf at my local book store. See you soon!
Wow, I dropped by here today, I think I visited a long time ago- no accident that I am here as someone I love very much is a 31 year old with almost every aspect of every eating disorder out there. She is on the road to seeking help, but in the very early stages of healing. I would love to know if you have written anything on your blog about your experience as I want to be very supportive of her. I have gotten some good advice from professionals, but there is nothing like talking to someone who has been in the same pit.
I hope the writing is going well!
Hey, I’m Sharing Some Linky Love with you over at my place…please come Check. It. Out!
Genny, if you’re still checking in…I thought of you when I posted today! please come by my place if you have time to see how to Pay It Forward during this Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Obviously I’m quite behind on my blog reading. I hope the book goes well. It is a story worth telling. I too had those struggles. Take your time following your heart. I’m sure we’ll all be here when you get back.
I’ve given you an award :). Check out my blog for more details.
Jsut stopping by to say hi! I hope your holiday season is wonderful. Miss you.
I also wanted to say…I encourage you to continue on with finishing the book :). It sounds like a book that many girls could relate to. In fact, I think I can understand some what you went through. A few years a go I had a body image problem. I never told anyone and have never talked about it. Anyways, I was clearly a bit too thin back then. But it didn’t help that people told me I was “too skinny” all the time. It just made me more insecure and confused. Before I got skinny my friends told me I couldn’t wear shorts and that I wasnt that thin. It hurt to not be as thin as them. But then I got thin and people didnt like that either. I finally realized that no matter what my body shape or weight, I will never please everyone. Its still a struggle though…to not go back to the days of never eating anything….But at least I am healthy and normal now. Normal for me. Normal for MY body.
Beautiful site. I’ll return.Enjoy your time with the LORD as you write your book. God bless you.
I’m missing your blog…but praying you are enjoying your time away and things are turning out the way you hoped.Just wanted to stop by and let you know I was thinking about you and wanted to wish you a wonderful Christmas!
Happy New Year Genny!
Hi Genny!Hope all is well with you and your family and hope your book is progressing nicely.All the very best for 2009.LovePeggy
Following your heart is always a good thing! Blessings!
Hi, Genny. I saw you peek in at B!F! so wanted to stop by and say hi. It looks like you are quite busy – good busy! Happy 2009!
We miss you, but wish you all the best in all you are doing. We will be here when you return.
Just stopping by to say Hi! I hope your book is going great!
Good luck, you are such a talented writer, I love your blog!!!
Hope you get your writing projects completed. Sometimes we just need to take a break on other things to get the important things accomplished.
Just stopping by to say hi! Have missed you. Hope everything is well with you. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!