I, and many of us at this time, have had to dig deep to find
the positive, live the values we believe in, and cultivate a patience that
often hides itself from us. One of my ongoing initiatives is to give thanks for
the good, however small.
I was fortunate this past year to work with a freelance
editor, Pam Glauber, on tuning up my Brittle
Silver manuscript. Over a period of several months, Pam analyzed my plot,
characters and story arc, and made suggestions. It was several more months of
fits and starts, interspersed with challenges in my own life, to finally come
to a rewrite that made me happy. I am so thankful for her vision and
assistance.
Finally under 100,000 words, still historically accurate and
interesting, yet character-driven and challenging, Brittle Silver is again ready for a round of hunting for a literary
agent. This daunting and time-consuming task always leaves me shaking my head,
but I hope for the best, and a match of interest and enthusiasm. Each
submission is personally researched, tailored, rewritten with guidelines
followed and details adjusted. All with the hope that my manuscript will find a
home and a champion that can see the world of Vic and Jago and relive the days
of 1892-93 in Granite and Philipsburg, Montana.
Thanks to Granite County Museum for some of these classic
photos.
Other reasons I am thankful; for my husband to share these
trying times with, for my family who keeps in contact through texts, calls, and
video chats, for my friends who stay in touch. I yearn for more, but try to
accept the current situation.
I am grateful for spring and summer and the beautiful signs
of nature around us that continue to show forth. I am pleased I finally
discovered that odd sound I have been hearing; the winnowing of the snipe,
actually the wings of the snipe as it flies in the evening or early
morning. Check it out. Truly amazing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dam0sDp6Xig
I won’t tell you how long it took me to figure it out. https://www.pri.org/stories/2014-05-16/mysterious-sound-snipe
My encouragement is for us to accept and honor our feelings,
whatever they may be...then to list ten things we are thankful for, no matter
how small and simple. Peace to you in these days.
