I feel like I can level with you guys here for some reason, so that’s exactly what I’ll do. I haven’t written a blog in a hundred years. Or over a year. 😉 I took some time off last year from writing. I was maybe burnt out. Maybe just tired. I’m not even sure. I just knew I needed a minute. The pandemic took a tole on all of us. (Don’t worry, this isn’t a blog about the pandemic. I’m tried of talking/thinking about it too.) I feel like I am starting to come out of the fog and, let’s be honest, depression of last year. It was hard to create during that, wasn’t it?
At the beginning of this year, I started working on a Love Inspired book that would be part of a group of books involving working dogs. (It just received a title—The Veteran’s Vow.) At first I felt rusty, but then the words fell into place. As they do after a bit of panic and praying and plotting. Ha! If I had to teach a class on writing, that would probably be the title.
I finished up The Veteran’s Vow out here on my patio. It’s one of my favorite places to read, write, sit, pray, think. As I was doing the last few run throughs, I realized that my character needed some clothing adjustments. Confession: sometimes I forget to dress my characters. I’ll leave a note in the margins for myself—everyone is naked in this book! Clothe them!
I have also found that I tend to dress all of my characters in T-shirts for the first few drafts. This is because I am a T-shirt person – I have an addiction to simple, white V-necks – and on the first drafts, I’m not getting into details like clothing yet. I’m still trying to put words on the page that make sense with the plot. (Here are my fave long and reg T’s if anyone else is always on the hunt for one that is comfortable, affordable, and, in the interest of full disclosure, doesn’t hug the belly area.)
After the book has a semblance of a plot, I have the job of figuring out what my character would wear and how it intertwines with their personality. Sometimes a pair of boots is just that—a pair of boots. Other times it’s a big part of the character…Kenzie Rae and her cowboy boots in The Bull Rider’s Secret. Lucy in Her Texas Family and her long T-shirts over leggings for dance classes, Rachel and her nail polish addiction in Her Texas Cowboy.
Cate in The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter was so different from me. She’s a quality girl. She likes one pair of leather shoes that will last her a while and will save and spend for them. And while I like quality, I’m more of a thrift store girl. Although, I will splurge for a pair of flip-flips with arch support. Haha! I am definitely getting old.
Vionic Flip Flop (Black) • Rainbow Flip Flop (Brown)
So, even though we’re just catching up with bookish news and not technically talking about the pandemic, I do hope you survived it. I hope you’re coming out of the funk of it and finding your groove again. Tell me – what have you been up to this summer? Anything fun? I’d love to hear what’s new with you.
Jill Lynn
P.S. If you’re missing any paperbacks of my books, I have a few re-releasing in the back of Marta Perry books. How cool is that?! Here’s a rundown of what is re-releasing and when. Happy reading!
Comments 12
I have purchased two of your books to read when I finish them I will review them
Hi Dorothy, thank you so much! I hope you enjoy them. 🙂 Thanks for reviewing. That is always such a gift.
Hi,I have not read any of your books , they sound very intriguing . Your book covers are beautiful.
Author
Hi Alicia! So glad you stopped by. Thank you so much on the covers! Harlequin does a great job. 🙂 I do have a free e-book if you want to try one out. It was one I wrote just for fun a few summers ago. The Start of Us – it’s free on all ebook platforms. Happy summer!
I look forward to reading these two re-releases. Thanks for sharing!
Author
Hi Connie, thanks so much!
Good to hear from you again, Jill! And I relate to how you write. I always say my characters are naked, hungry, and homeless in my rough draft because I focus on dialogue over the other details.
Author
LOL! Strangely enough I never forget the food part. Hmm. I wonder why that is?? Haha. My editor once told me that I use a lot of food descriptions when it comes to emotions. I laughed so hard! I do love your dialogue. You’re always a champ at it. Thanks for stopping by, Beth. Always so thankful for you. <3
Welcome back Jill!
We all need a little time to step away and find our new normal,
It’s called life.
God bless,
Mary
Author
Amen! <3 Thanks for that grace. I appreciate it (and need it). XO
Have enjoyed reading your books so much, and am looking forward to your next ones!!
Author
Hi! Thank you for always being such a great support. Hope we get to see you this summer!