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The Truth About My Next Book
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Tue, July 21, 2009
Here’s the deal…last year, “Where the River Ends” released sometime in June. Maybe July. Can’t remember. It’s all a blur. Its second week, River hit the NYT bestseller list. It landed at #35, stayed there a week, and then some other unkind book knocked it off, but I’m not bitter about it. A few more counseling sessions and I should be okay.
My publisher then sent me on tour—for which I’m thankful. A great tour. Something like 20-30 cities, maybe more, as far north as Boston, west as Texas, south as Orlando and east as Italy. Christy and I returned from Florence towards the end of October.
During all of this, I was trying to finish a manuscript. Not ideal conditions but neither was the gulag when Solzhenitsyn was writing. I have no room to complain. I submitted that manuscript the week following Thanksgiving. Two weeks later, my agent, Chris, called…
That’s bad.
He was preparing me for the next phone call. My editor. And to her credit, she had called Chris to let him know, so he could let me know, so I wouldn’t be blindsided when she called. In the world of writing, this is very cool.
She and I finally connected later in the day. She was rejecting it outright. There would be no rewrite. No reworking. No nothing. That may sound cruel, but the problem was that she was right. Spot on. And after talking with her for about three minutes, I picked up on this.
Somewhere early in the book, say chapter three, I took a wrong turn. The ripple effects scattered throughout the book. It was as if you and I had built a house. Finished the punch list, painted, sheets on the bed, curtains hung, silverware in the drawer, and then walked in the front door only to find a four-foot crack down the foundation that ran the length of the house. You can’t just caulk that.
She gave me a choice. Fix it if I could, but we both knew that was not happening, or come up with something else. I spent the holidays trying to resurrect it. It’s…tough, to let a story die.
But, after a few weeks, it was obvious. It was a dead horse. No use beating it anymore. I had to level the house. So, I went back to the drawing board, pitched another idea, and she and I spent several hours on the phone, working through plot and characters, etc. Mid-January, she cut me loose to write the story.
Sidenote: A lot of folks have heard this and asked, “Weren’t you peev’d at your editor?”
No. She’s really good. One of the best in the business. She saved me a lot of heartache by NOT releasing something that would have bombed. Prior to landing in New York, I had hoped to find an editor that could raise my level of writing. Make me better. And, oddly enough, by rejecting my work…she was. I’m still thankful for that.
The hard part came next. Coming off “The Kite Runner,” Khaled Hosseini talks about a ‘crisis of confidence’ in “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” I understand. He said his wife helped him through. In understand that, too.
So, I turned on the light, poured a pot of coffee, and started writing. I traveled to Utah with Chris and a good friend Bill. You can find the pics on my Flickr account. Anyway, long story short…I finished and submitted three weeks ago.
Another sidenote: somewhere between there and here, my editor—after umpteen years—left Random House. She’s now a publisher at Simon Shuster with her own team. It’s a fantastic move. She deserves it. She’ll do great things. I don’t blame her. I’d have done the same thing.
There was only one problem.
Me.
I had no editor. I’ve since learned that in the publishing world, it’s called being ‘orphaned.’ Felt like it, too. Felt like somebody’d kicked me in the gut. And no one really knew what was going on. Long story short, and this can get confusing so hang on, my publisher who is one of my best cheerleaders, assigned me a new editor rather quickly. I think he’d put some though into it, too. I’d never met her. Still haven’t face-to-face. And she didn’t know squat about me, where I was in my process, or what I was working on, or the history or really anything having to do with me. So…as best I could, I tried to rehash, recap and fill her in without boring her to death. She knew my deadline, so we hung up having done the phone-call handshake, but that’s a tough way to meet somebody. It echoes with uncertainty.
For the record, the time between submission of a manuscript and phone call from editor is…(I’m scratching my head)…nail biting. Few authors breathe. Myself included. I mean, maybe Grisham or McCartney or Brown or name your icon, breath but not Martin.
Submission is a lot like giving birth to a child. No, I’ve never done it but I’ve seen it three times so I’ve got experience this side of the pushing. You (writer) birth this thing, wipe it off, wrap it up, and hand him or her to someone with outstretched arms. And, you pray like crazy that your child, something you’ve carried for nearly a year, is okay, healthy, got ten fingers and toes, and that the world will let them in because the world can be a tough place.
I know, cause the world had rejected my last child. This right here, this line of thought, it’s not bitterness. It’s honesty.
Two weeks passed. I lost weight. Christy began to wonder about me. I grew more quiet. Think church mouse.
Then I received this:
“Hi Charles--
I am sure you are eager for feedback so I just wanted to let you know that I
am going to take this home tomorrow for the weekend and get back to you next
week.”
So, all was not lost. I sucked in a small wisp of air and started looking at Monday.
The weekend passed.
So did Monday.
So did part of Tuesday. Not that I was counting.
Just before Christy dialed 911 and the medics charged the paddles, my inbox dinged:
“Charles--
I just finished the book and WELL DONE! Really, I so enjoyed it and raced
right through it-- it was absorbing and kept me wanting to turn the pages.
I can confess now that I was a little worried that the trapped in the
mountains angle would seem too farfetched, but you’ve done a wonderful job of
making it feel realistic (and harrowing). I really appreciated all your
first rate detailing (and obvious research) on all of the survival elements.
And I was completely won over by the “surprise” at the end. I can honestly
say, I didn’t see that coming, so the voice recordings had all the more
poignancy in retrospect, which is nice. I am sure you hear it all the time,
but your wife must get a kick out of the fact that she’s married to a writer
with such a way with sensitive and romantic descriptions…”
If you felt a reduction in the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere last week, it was me. Taking a single breath.
As of now, it’s working title is “The Mountain Between Us” and it will release sometime next year.
And that’s good.
If you’ve navigated the internet this far, then you’re big enough to read between the lines. I won’t bore you with them, but I suppose the lessons here are many.
On a personal level, I know this: I’m gut-level thankful for folks who rolled up their sleeves and worked with me when…they didn’t necessarily have to. The list is long.
Lastly, having come off a NYT bestseller, or at least an extended list bestseller, to an outright rejection, (climbing high and falling low) I’m reminded of something I learned playing football:
I learned more from losing than I ever did winning. Having lost makes winning all the better. That doesn’t mean I like it or wish for it. I’d love to be undefeated, but this is life. Welcome to earth. We all fall down. All scrape our knees. What matters is whether and how you get up.
Okay, so maybe I gave you one itty-bitty lesson. You blame me?
My thanks to you. I’ll be in touch.
Very happy for you—both in what you learned and in the (coming) success of the new book. I was at the signing in Woodstock, GA, last month and was starting to wonder. I think you were expecting a call that night or the next day.
I get to be your first comment. And I don’t even really know what to say. I am disappointed that there won’t be a Charles Martin novel this year. On the other hand, it sounds like the story I’ve been waiting for is going to be worth waiting for even longer. But, most important of all, I must ask you a question. ..... Do you have any idea what you’ve just done? Oh, I am sure that you must know that you’ve likely endeared yourself to your readers more than you already had. Your blog entry reveals honesty and vulnerability that is not characteristic of most people. You laid everything out for us, just as if you know us and you were compelled to tell us all that is truth regarding the completion of this book. I am probably not unique when I tell you that my admiration of Charles Martin the Person surpasses my admiration of Charles Martin the Author at this moment. Thank you for writing this entry today. It demonstrates Whose you are. And, yes, I will wait until next year for your novel. And, yes, I am certain that it will be wonderful.
Charles,
Your blog is as honest and enjoyable to read as your books. Thank you for keeping us posted. I just finished “Where the River Ends” and LOVED it. It brought back many fond memories of Charleston and what I truly enjoy about your writing is how I can smell, hear, taste, and feel the things you describe. My husband, mom, and dad have also become huge fans.
Keep up the great work. Can’t wait for the next book. Thank you for the beautiful “escapes” you have allowed us thus far....
Wow! I don’t know how to tell you this… but your writing is waaaay more than awesome...even in a silly ol’ blog. So don’t be surprised when we are all here daily egging you on and begging for more blog posts! I think I need a tissue and glass of water with a tylenol and especially a glass of champagne for the end of the story! CHEERS!!! I know you have a life, but could you please come back and do that again real soon? lol
More excited that you know about the story (and the lesson) AND about the book coming out next year! Thanks for the update!
Charles, I am so happy for you AND Christy! I hate that my new job takes me out of line to be an early reader of your manuscripts. On the ohter hand, reading a bound book is much more fun. I’m anxiously awaiting my first of many opportunities to do just that—reading a Charles Martin book the first time through in a final book form.
Thanks for sharing the journey with us. I have to say, even thought it was a challenge for you, it’s an encouragement to me as a writer. It’s a reminder to keep pressing on in the face of rejection and triumph!
I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
That’s my daughter (*3) - and she’s sooo right- your writing is like a breath of fresh air. She shared her newly purchased “Where the River Ends” and I got to read it before she did. Having just returned from a trip to Charleston it was special to re-visit the area with you. Upon returning home, I had to have every Charles Martin book written. The local library was no help, but Amazon sent them all to me. They no sooner arrived than my husband read two before I had a chance and he too was duly impressed. Am sharing them only with friends I know who will return them. They’re keepers!
Thanks so much for wonderful stories - look forward to many more...God bless
I can’t remember what made me purchase the book “The Dead Don’t Dance”, but I do remember what has made me purchase all of your books after that. You are an excellent writer and your main male characters are every womans dream. I have a feeling that you are very much like those characters.
I can’t wait for the new book to come out. However, everytime I finish one of your books I am sad that it is over. I have actually thought about only reading one chapter a week to prolong the agony.
That never happens. My husband understands that when I buy one of your books, that he won’t see me the rest of the day!!!!
I’m sure it will be well worth the wait.
Your blog was great. Thanks for being “reachable”.
Keep up the great work and don’t rush things.
See...No such thing as too much “survival research”! Glad your editor appreciated it.
Dear Charles,
I picked up your book, in the Orlando airport, on my way to St. Louis. I was in a hurry...and while I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, I saw your cover and it “hit home.”
I have suffered so much loss, since 2001(my sister was killed in an accidental car accident)...in 2002, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer...(ovarian cancer was soon to follow.) I made countless trips to Anderson, SC...bribing the nurses with pastries, so I could be in the “Angel Room,” as my mom went through chemo. 2006, my marriage ended...three children...failure on one hand, survival on the other. Later in 2006, saw an “old friend,” at mom’s best friend’s funeral, who captured my heart. 2007, my “old friend,” Kevin, who lives in Milton FL, and on the Blackwater River, gave me a yellow kayak, for my birthday(he swore it would gather dust...I proved otherwise!). 2008, my mom’s five year battle with breast/ovarian cancer comes to an end. February 2009, my dad dies, suddenly, after a hip replacement.
Through tragedy, I have found serentiy and comfort in the waters I’ve traveled, on my visits to Milton, FL. It’s my mom’s home town...memories since birth...have known Kevin all of my life.
I “google earthed” my first trip...with my heart racing...Kevin pushed me of f of the clay colored bank and into the Cold Water Creek. When I arrived at his dock, three hours later, there he and his dog, Jack(black lab) were...I had made it...and I would make it, again and again and again.
I have since worn the airbrushed “Blackwater Queen” from the side of my kayak...hardly any dust. It’s been two and a half year and I can only imagine how many miles.
Photography, which I’m getting a degree in, has made me spend more time paying attention to what’s above, below and beside me, on my journeys. Kevin is the expert...the taxidermist, who can pinpoint any creature we encounter. He has taken me to places, on the river, that really shouldn’t be accessible. Twice, we have pulled the boat(over shallow waters) to a point where we can crawl through the brush and he has called an alligator, to the surface. First time, I did not bring my camera...second time, I never would have forgotten it! On several trips, I’ve had a Blue Heron, “criss cross” the path ahead of me. Swearing it has to be my mom...I’m confused, because my mom told me that she would visit me as a “Cardinal,”...her favorite bird.
Your book hit home in a couple other ways. In 1997, my husband was determined to make a business relationship work, in Charleston, SC. We moved there, with a 2, 3 and 10 day old baby...nine months later...and lots of memories later, we moved back to Ormond Beach, FL. I was the “mom,” at the pretentious preschool on Meeting Street, who was living in an apartment, behind the Hampton Inn, on Mt. Pleasant. It all worked out...being a member of the Junior League helped, though I always saw the affiliation as an opportunity to help others...nothing more...well, maybe an opportunity to meet new friends.
Art...Doss’ profession...my 16 year old’s passion! I am putting “Where the River Ends”, on her bedside table, tonight. She has a gift...which began with art lessons at 5. She is spending this summer, teaching art lessons and volunteering with “Begin Again Grief Counseling.” She has endured so much, in her 16 years, but takes advantage of opportunities to make the best of tough circumstances. I am a proud mom...her biggest fan...and as she pursues her career and love...I will support her, until my last breath.
I didn’t want your story to end...though, I knew it would. It touched me, inspired and moved me...enough to write this note...through lots of tears...as I was warned.
I look forward to your next novel and my next trip down the Coldwater Creek & the Blackwater River...to Kevin’s dock!
Sincerely,
Nancy Bair Abate
Ormond Beach, FL
Hope this doesn’t double post...sorry if it does. I wrote a response and it appears to have gone to cyber heaven.
So here it is again…
Okay. I admit it. Though I’m a very happily married woman, I am in love with someone (or rather something) other than my hubby. I’m in love with Charles’ writing.
Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. I guess I can wait until the book is released. Probably. Maybe.
Isn’t it amazing, Charles, how God intervenes in our lives when we are a child of the Almighty? The blessings that come from placing our “everything” in His hands never cease to amaze me. I marvel at how the one door closed, but He opened a window for you--a window of opportunity. And we, your loyal readership, anxiously anticipate the blessings which we’ll receive when we crack the spine on “The Mountain Between Us.”
Hi Chales, I’ve just finished reading, Where the River Ends. It is the first book of yours I have read. It won’t be the last. I loved it. You might be interested to read what I wrote on my marriage blog after reading your book. Here’s the link. http://marriage.families.com/blog/what-would-you-do-for-love1
I also appreciated your honesty and sharing what you learned through that last rejection. Glad to hear another one will be out. I love it when I find a new author.
I just finished “Where the River Ends” this evening. What a magnificent love story--very powerful but heart-breaking. I could scarcely put it down. Your writing is so realistic--I felt as though I was with Abbie and Doss on the river, through all their trials and the pain of her deteriorating body. The change in her father after Abbie’s death was surprising and the relationship that developed was beautiful to experience. The only book I haven’t read as yet is “Chasing Fireflies,” and my daughter, who introduced me to your books, tells me it is also outstanding. The word is spreading; I’m telling my friends who are readers about your books, too...and I will be eagerly awaiting “The Mountain Between Us,” which can’t be published quickly enough! I’ve read many Christian books, but yours have far more depth than most of them.
We are so looking foward to your new book! Thanks for including us in your latest journey - one that the Lord saw you through and brought us “The Mountain Between Us” which as a reader am sure will be worth it. We will see you at the signing!
gosh, I could feel the emotions of what you have been through. I will honestly say I have never read any of your books,yet........but I know for sure I will be reading your books in the very near future. Good luck with “The Mountain Between Us.”
Gill in Canada
I know that God is in this with you an when you totally surrender to Him, It will always come out for the good.
I got hooked on “Wrapped in Rain” and have waited with bated breath for each of your books. My mom was in 4th stage cancer (& has since passed) as I read “Where the River Ends.” I didn’t know a person could have as many tears as I did then. I was prepared for the worse, but unfortunately, people with more influence than I, were trying to make her “better,” so that was the only wagon to ride. I’ve enjoyed the feeling of being loved as I’ve related to your heroines. I’ve related to all the places personally (live in Jacksonville, FL & love the springs & trails & even the funny farm). None of the places have been foreign to me. If there is a way to read your “rejected” material, I would love that. It seems that I don’t enjoy any reading except yours. I almost live for the next Charles Martin book to come out. I got on the waiting list early at the library and still had to wait for months to read your last book. Here’s hoping, debby lynn obrien with avid appreciation & admiration.
We can’t wait to put another Charles Martin book on our shelves. We’ve recommended and sold a kabillion copies of Chasing Fireflies this past year. How can we get you to northern Virginia to our bookstore for an author signing? Do you ever do “small” things like that anymore????? You have a HUGH following in this area. Pam Sanders (assistant manager - Immanuel Christian Bookstore, Springfield, Va. 22151
I’ve only just “met you”, Charles, and have already read every novel you wrote...what a wordsmith you are....couldn’t put any of the books down, have no interest in reading anyone else if I can read Charles Martin and CAN’T WAIT until your new novel comes out. Thank you so much.
When I read your first book , I devoured it. I searched out every book you had written and read them all . You are my favorite author. Can’t wait to read your next. Jan Sherman
Your books are full of emotions. Actually, you’ve written very inspiring materials. I can’t wait to get my copy of your next book.
Good Monday lunchtime Charles, Heard you speak at the Hillton Head luncheon after Maggie was published. Our book club read both books and you were kind enough to conference call us as we discussed it. Then your latest book! Didn’t help your book sales as my mother passed it around to all her friends,some who wanted to write you and tell you how much they loved it. Now, for ,what,two years, I keep searching Barnes and Noble every trip in to see if I somehow missed a new one from you. Geez, now I need to wait a year? My,oh,my… Sue T.
Charles, your honesty is a breath of fresh air. I am sure we wouldn’t get that from Grisham, or McCarthey or Brown. Keep doing what you are doing and all I can say is, “thank God you decided to get back up.” Looking forward to reading The Mountain Between Us.
I just finished reading ‘Wrapped in Rain’. What a powerful book! I too, had a violent alcoholic father and relived so much of the pain and bitterness as I recalled my own childhood. I also know the journey of forgiveness and healing. Only through the love of our Lord is that possible! I am amazed at how you have captured the emotions of your characters in each one of your books.
Continue to write and use the gift God has given you to minister to real people who are wounded and struggling to find healing and meaning in their lives.
Mary
Amazingly honest and detailed. Thanks for the glimpse into this novel’s process.
It’s been a year, and I’m looking for your next book. So happy to hear that another is in the works. It sounds great. I live in the mountains in Canada, so I like it already. Enjoyed the honesty in your blog. Keep up the good work. I’ve just joined a book club, and I look forward to introducing these ladies to your books.
Charles, I have enjoyed all of your books. Thank you for sharing your your ups and downs. I’m a painter and understand the fragile nature of exposing your self to criticism. One never gets used to the moment of truth when showing your work for the first time. When I was a young art student and showing my work for the first time at the Gold Coast Art Fair in Chicago, a couple came by and showed an interest in one of my paintings. They walked on down the street looking at other artist but came back a second time. My wife and I were excited about selling my first painting. This couple came back a third time and looked at the painting again. We held our breath! The man said,” How much for the frame?” I was devastated! But 50 plus years later i’m still painting and loving it and thanking God for my talent! God Bless you Charles. Looking forward to your next book! Ron
Thanks for sharing your heart. I have been wondering why I never saw a new book everytime I went to the bookstore. As Paul Harvey always said “now I know the rest of the story”
A friend gave me my first book, which I read immediately to the end. I then went out and bought all the rest over the course of a couple of months. I will be looking forward to the new one next year.
A faithful fan.
Elaine
Charles,
I’ve cried, laughed and enjoyed every book you have written. I’ve passed your books around and others have fallen in love with them, as I have. Thank you for your transparency in your blogs and for not giving up!! You have become my favorite author and I can’t wait for your next book to be published. God bless you as you use your talents for Him.
I can NOT wait for new book. Have read all of your previous books multiple times. Confession: someone asks me to recommend one of your books today and that is what prompted me to check website. It was so very hard to pick one book to recommend. However, based on information regarding the reader, I finally did: Wrapped in Rain. Can not thank you enough for all the many hours of pleasure your books have given me, along with new ways of thinking about life, love, forgiveness and my faith. Please keep writing. Oh and P.S.: the NY Times Best Seller list is a scam! You should be #1!
I have been waiting and waiting for the next book. Did not discover your first ones until last Fall and I’ve read every one of them, quick as I could find them. Ansiously awaiting the new one. I don’t like to wait, so will be impatient until I have it in my hands. I loved every one of them, laughed, cried, worried, wondered right along with every page I turned. Thank you for becoming an author....an excellant one! You will always be on my Best Seller list. Whomever took you off that list couldn’t have read your book! Keep on..I pray there’s more to come.
Most sincerely, Saralyn
I absolutely love your books. And am waiting for the next one, looking for the notice on my computer.
God bless you for sharing what God is doing in the lives of people today....even if they are fictional.
I read all your books over the past 2 months and enjoyed each one more than the last. I just finished ‘Chasing Fireflies” and started with “ When Crickets Cry’, looking forward to your next.
Thankyou for allowing God to dwell in your characters making them more real. I intend to share your books with my book club, hope they choose at least one to discuss.
Charles, I have read every one of your books now and can hardly wait for the next one to come out. Just finished “Where the River Ends” and it was great also. Like all the comments before me, you are an inspiration to everyone who will ever pick up one of your books. Wishing you God’s blessings as you journey on thru your writing. Would love to meet you in person and talk for hours. KP in KY
What an insight you have to the human heart! I read River totally by accident, and immediately went to the local library to get every book you have written. After reading all of them(and I have to say I was devestated that there were so few) I knew I had to “own” each and every one of them. I look forward to reading the next one...Thank you so much
I’ve followed your career closely since meeting you at a ‘reading’ and book signing at St. Simons, GA. I have learned much from your style of writing and even more from your honesty regarding rejection. It inspires me to keep plugging. Please continue to reward the world with your works.
One book I read and then I was a fan immediately of all your books. I couldn’t get them fast enough. I feel like I am right there with each character. YOur descriptions are perfect. The Lord has Blessed you with a gift and the right people around you. You have a fan club here south of Buffalo NY of old ladies here south of Buffalo NY. We cannot wait for the next book/ Thank you
Finally!!!! I have read your other books over and over and was so excited to see what I thought was a new book, “Down Where My Love Lives”, only to realize that it is not a NEW book. I had not been to your website for a while so I decided to check your blog to see what you have been doing. Now I can hardly wait for your next book to come out next year! I can hardly wait to add “The Mountain Between Us” to my collection of your books. It is so refreshing to be able to pick up a wholesome, “feel-good”, love story. Thank-you, thank-you!
Just finished “The Mountain Between Us.” Another wonderful, wonderful book. There is no question that you are a brilliant author. Great writing… very sensitive! I work in a library and fortunately I had the opportunity to read “Where The River Ends.” Need I tell you that I proceeded to read all of your books. “Chasing Fireflies” is my favorite. The library took my recommendation and continues to buy all of your books and I can’t begin to tell you of the feedback I get when I recommend your books to my library friends… they are always on hold.
I read your blog. Let me hasten to assure you that you have no reason ever to fear for your writing ability. You mention Grisham. Don’t. You are miles above him. I have read everything he has published and everything you have published. I’ll take your books every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I’m not criticizing him; I’m saying your work is captivating. I can’t wait for your next book. My only regret in starting one of your books is dreading the length of time before I get to start another one. Can you write faster, please! :)
‘The Truth About My Next Book’ is a soothing tonic for all writers who suffer rejection. Although we know rejection is a part of the business it is still painful after spending years creating our ‘baby’. I’ve just received my 6th rejection and your blog helped ease the pain and inspires me to keep plugging away. I look forward to visiting with you again at Ford’s bookstore on St. Simons. Although I am much older than you, your style of writing and your connection with your readers is what I aspire to achieve.
Charles, Thank you for writing this piece and for sharing it. The words you use to describe facing the waiting between submitting and hearing from an editor or agent on a novel are so apt: EMT, losing weight, can’t breathe. It does feel like forever to hear that ding from the inbox. And when the ding doesn’t bring great news, it’s crippling. I am heartened to hear your story, your journey between “here and there.” I admire your work greatly. I have just finished The Mountain Between Us--fantastic! Thank you. Praying you gain much success and fresh inspiration for your next work. Sincerely, Jennifer King
Hi,
Very interesting story.I should appreciate your honesty.I like to read this.Thanks for sharing this great stuff.
This is such an inspiring post, Charles. Thank you for sharing your journey. I’ve just finished The Mountain Between Us (well done, indeed!) and I’m glad to have found your blog. As a side note, I also just finished Pat Conroy’s My Losing Season. Conroy has the same thoughts about having learned more from losing than winning.
All best wishes,
K. Harrington
Gulp. Bravo, Charles! I appreciate the wide-eyed honesty, even though it increased my dread at getting my own work off the ground. Very true: whether and how we get up is most important. Cheers!
Wow. I went through this but only at the agent stage. It’s terrrifying to think there’s more ahead at the publishing stage, but good to know.
I’ve said I could have got a Ph.D. with the amount of work I’ve put into my two books and they aren’t even out there yet. Well, forewarned is forearmed and I’m glad to know I’m not alone. Thanks for your transparency.
Wow! I am so glad i discovered your blog! I could have imagined you would express yourself in a blog very similar to how you express things through your writing! You are quite the character. In that, you exceeded my expectations also. Not real sure why, since i have fallen in love with each and every character you have so uniquely created in every single novel you have written! I have been reading your works since about 2004 or 5 and have looked forward to each new book from you ever since! I have yet to find an author since then that is able to captivate my mind the way you do through your writing. The very first novel of yours i ever picked up was Wrapped in Rain! Still, to this day, that one is my very favorite! Honestly, i have yet to be disappointed in any of the masterpieces you have created thus far. But, i do want to say that i have noticed you slowly neglecting the “pouring out of your own faith"(as i call it) humbly through each amazing character you have created. In true...bestseller fashion, i can see your need to relate to ALL readers has become a bit of a priority in your writing. I say that in loving criticism because i truly enjoy and appreciate the incredible blessing of being an amazing writer God has so freely given to you. And i love the way you so peacefully incorporate Gods love for us into your works. They all so beautifully portray Gods ability to grow us in each trying situation we are faced with in life. You never fail to show the image of that in any of your books, especially The Mountains Between Us! Each character your books have introduced (especially Miss Ella Rain) has deeply inspired me to want to improve the radiance of this light within me that, as Christians, we are called to shine upon the world! While i am called to full time customer service and part time foreign mission, you are called to this amazing gift of being able to reach people through your writing! I have to say that when i tell people about your books i compare your ability to make the reader fall in love with each character to that of Nicholas Sparks only better because of the spiritual connection the reader is able to make with them also! My family and i pass your books around like secret recipes that we want every one we know to have the pleasure of enjoying! So, with that said, i hope i have encouraged you to continue writing with that amazing passion you were blessed with. And, to take that gift and offer it back to its creator at the throne of God! I pray God blesses you tenfold the amount you have blessed me and others like me!
You made me cry ....... AGAIN! “The Mountain Between Us” is wonderfully crafted. I could almost “hear the bell toll” as I rounded third base (chapter 40). Another gut-wrenching masterpiece. Rock on, Charles!