Sunday, August 30, 2009

FROM ENDING TO BEGINNING

I thought you might like to see what three novels look like before galleys and before they're made into page proofs. I usually start out with a small notebook, the 3 ring binder kind. Once I get further along, I print out each chapter with tabs for each one. I have a divider for history proof and research. Another section I have is for a couple of correspondence from my editor or agent and maybe marketing. Last, but not least, I have a section for my support, and I have so many and I’m so lucky to have them. Notice that I don't have art work for the cover yet for A Love of Her Own.

Now for The New Beginning…I’ve just signed another contract with Revell for a new series entitled, The Blue Willow Brides. Of course, I’m never sure if they will keep my series title or book titles. Book one is Deeply Devoted, book two, Three Little Words, and the last one, Timeless Perfection. This time I’ll try not to get too attached to the titles but will still fight for them. It will be about three sisters, the eldest committed to her younger sisters welfare. This idea came to me when searching for the next book idea as I wandered into my living room and dining room. I looked fondly at my Blue Willow in my hutch that I have collected and thought about the first time I ever saw Blue Willow. My sweet brother, Sam and his wife Olevia, gave me a Blue Willow tea set when I was in the third grade. Since then I’ve been fascinated with its beauty and have decorated my home with the beautifully designed plates. My brother died in June right after I finished book 3, but Olevia died years before. How precious the thought when it came to me to base my next book around a woman’s only cherished possession besides her Bible.

I’m excited about this new series, but along with that, I feel a touch of anxiety to create the best that I can to make the readers happy. In the long run, I have to make myself happy because I know that not everyone will like them. To which I say--then don’t pick up an inspirational historical. I do strive to write about the West in the truest and most honest form that I can, enjoying all the research that it takes to find that one little tid-bit to make the story come alive.

I’ll be talking about the series as I get the momentum going. I’ve already made up the new notebook and started what will soon become one of the larger ones you see on my desk. I look forward to filling it with adventures of three beautiful heroines from Holland…

7 comments:

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

Hey Mags!

Wow ~ that looks/sounds like a lot of work! I'm so excited to hear more about The Blue Willow Brides ~ I'll bet it's going to be another wonderful series. :D It's very touching that you were inspired from something given to you by Sam and Olevia. Hopefully working on this series is part of God's plan to help you through your loss of Sam ~ remember, you're in my prayers!

Only 1 more month! *clapping enthusiastically* I'm soooo ready to read The Jewel of His Heart! I can't wait to see what happens with Josh and Juliana.

Take care,
~ Lori

Caroline Friday said...

Brenda/Maggie,

I'm so proud of you on this new book series. You are such an inspiration. I did "borrow" your notebook idea, and it works great. Thanks for the tips and advice!

Love,

Caroline

Maggie Brendan said...

Hi-Lori! I received my post cards and bookmarks today and they are beautiful. Hope to see you in Oct.

Maggie Brendan said...

Caroline, I'm happy that you followed through with the netbook thing. I really helps me to stay organized.

Lynne said...

So interesting to see how this is done. As a reader, I don't even think about the "nuts & bolts" of the process!

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

That's great ~ congrats! I can't wait to see you in Oct!! :)

Maggie Brendan said...

Hi Lynne-speaking of nuts and bolts, I've written an upcoming interview about the publishing process and its obstacles for Christianbook.com. I'm not sure when it'll be posted. But check back on my blog for updates. :)