Books & Writing Are a Gift

with author Rachael Ritchey

Is there a book that you could read again and again? My daughter and I were just discussing movies like this, and I realized I really can’t think of one all-time favorite movie or book, but there are several that I could think about watching and reading over and over.

What are some reasons you might reread a book? Or rewatch a movie? For me, that tends to be because I might crave the familiarity of it, the knowledge that I enjoyed it before, and it’s comfortable…like an old favorite sweater or t-shirt you can’t bring yourself to get rid of because it carries good feelings and memories. You know?

I’ll forever love Jane Austen books and some of the movie adaptations. And so many stories of epic adventure and love are always on my list of re-readable/rewatchable. If there is some whimsy, beautiful redemption arcs, happily-ever-afters, and great characters, I’m not opposed to revisiting a book. No sirree!

What about you?

Graphic Design Update

I did one of these updates last week, but I have to share that I finally got a good proof copy of the SCCS 8th grade grammar class’s anthology book that we’ve been working on (the first one had the wrong book inside!), and it looks fantastic! I really hope the kids love it.

Sheila made waterproof vinyl stickers for everyone and sent me some! I love them!

She went with the square one, not the circle, but this is what the circle one looks like (the same, just a different overall shape. lol).

Writing Update

I’m not really sure why it feels like everyone is into “Secret” projects lately. I suppose my ideas are always secret until I share them. Then it’s just out there. I guess maybe it’s more about not having a solid name for a story yet? Or maybe to drum up interest in the writing? I can feel that. It’s good to have interest in your books ahead of time, and that’s certainly one way to build curiosity!

So, guess what! I have a secret-not-so-secret project!

LOL I think I already told you about it, but I can’t recall. I’ve got several stories going in my mind, but I’m desperate to finish this prequel I started writing waaaaay too long ago. I was going to call it a really cheesy title: Forever and a Thousand Times, but I doubt that one will stick, especially since I’m starting nearly from scratch on it. Right now it’s just called Ismene & Othniel. Have you read The Beauty Thief? Do you know who they are?

I’ve written 15,000 words in it now! What was I at last week? Half that? Not sure, but it feels so tremendous to be really and truly writing again. There’s nothing like it.

I feel so silly when someone walks up behind me when I’m in writing zone. I am terrified they’re going to read what I’ve written over my shoulder and laugh at me. I just get so invested in this world and characters! But my family has always ALWAYS been so supportive of my writing—I think they would be whether it was good or not, so I’m not sure that’s always a good thing! LOL

As far as this book, if you’d be interested in beta reading when it’s written—as in a complete draft that isn’t fully revised and proofread yet—please let me know! I’ll add you to my list. When it comes to beta reading, that’s like giving it a second read before it gets finished. You can tell me if you find typos, plot holes, or just don’t like a character!

I used to dread critique of my work, but now it’s more like, “Bring it on!” I want to write stories that resonate, that people enjoy, that YOU enjoy, and that reflect a little of me and the faith that sustains me. If you want to be a part of that and get to read the story before anybody else, give me a shout out in the comments or reply to this email. :)

Just Thinking

I finally told someone last week that I’ve been feeling disconnected from the people around me lately, not entirely, but not growing in closeness and seeming to drift…not my family, but other people, friends and such. It’s so hard to stay connected with everyone and to not feel this way. Like I will forever be an outsider.

I was really thinking about it and my response to this feeling, and I think an area where I’ve grown over the years is this: it often used to be my first desire, when these feelings and thoughts invaded, to lay most of the responsibility on the other people for not reaching out to me or connecting with me purposefully, but that would be wholly wrong.

It’s nobody else’s fault when I feel that way. Feelings are our own things. We get to choose how we feel even though it feels like our emotions are choosing for us how we feel. It’s hard to steer them because they can be so strong, but just reminding myself of that fact really helped me to refocus my thought life and take responsibility for my feelings and actions and get out of the pity party.

Our feelings are only part of the steering mechanism of our mind. Our rational thought and intellect also control this ship we call self. We can rely solely on one or the other and be adrift in this tumultuous sea of life, or we can work to balance our feelings with the truths that we know and learn to steer through the pitfalls, overcome the waves of selfish deception, and tread more peaceful waters that bring us closer to our fellow ship-people where we can support and watch out for each other better.

Now I want to go read Captive Hope again with all this water-ship-sea metaphor stuff!

Upcoming

Next week, if you’re interested, I’ll share some of the backstory and maybe and excerpt from Ismene & Othniel’s prequel! But let me know, please, otherwise I probably won’t because I’ll assume you’re not interested. My imposter syndrome (mostly because I am one) is hitting pretty hard this week! I could use a word or two of writing encouragement BUT only if you mean it!

I am so thankful for you! If I can pray for you, please let me know.

~ Rachael

Chronicles of the Twelve Realms