Writing, Regency Gown in Ink

I'm stuck. I’m writing and writing and writing everyday but don’t know if I’m on the right track. It turns out your heroine must be real and can’t run for three hours in a underground tunnel to escape from the horrors that are happening in her family’s remote home.

My editor suggested writing about something else. Something mundane to bring the five senses into my writing.   

Here’s my first attempt:

The stagnant smell of neglect permeated the room leaving a dusty taste in his mouth. In the corner, the hard corners of the dark wooden desk were hidden beneath mounds of crumpled and scattered pages. A torn sheet from a pad of lined paper was slightly visible among the disarray. The draft from closing the tiny room’s door caused a long forgotten ‘to-do’ list to dance.  At the same time, the window adjacent to the desk let a tiny whistle of air into the chaotic space. He touched his father’s desk reverently as if in doing so he could finally say goodbye to the man, he realized now he had idolized. 

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Psalm 24:1-2

Writing, Watercolor Regency Gown

So she told me to review her points and when I felt that I was successful to contact her. Successful. I’m sure it is already in line to win awards. How can I possibly work on changing names, combining characters, choreographing scenes and bring it to an engaging and realistic read.

I can't believe how hard it is to try to come up with ways to get certain things to happen that don't seem contrived. 

I'm now of the opinion that writing is much harder than I originally thought.  Those books that the heroine did something out of character  - I now must say - kudos to the author for making all the other scenes believable.

My daughter used watercolors and ink on the gown to the left and ink and colored pencil on the one below.

Which one do you like better?

The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame. Proverbs 3:33-35

Writing, Regency England and a Gown (2)

So my editor, who by the way only read the first three chapters, called me up to say that she would take on the project but . . . .

1.     Too many characters

2.    Too many people with similar names

3.    Too many coincidences

4.    Very unrealistic

I asked, “Did you love it though?” I knew I didn’t have the expertise in conveying each scene perfectly. Near perfection, but not perfect. But I felt my story was good.

Silence on the other end. Eventually, she responded slowly, “I think there is potential.”

I’m not sure, but I think I what I think may not be what she thinks. I may be in for some trouble. 

Here's a dress that is similar to the one on my last post.  But this one has embroidery on the neckline, sleeves and hem with no lace. The bows make a nice accent.

For fools speak folly, their hearts are bent on evil: They practice ungodliness and spread error concerning the Lord:  The hungry they leave empty and from the thirsty they withhold water. Isaiah 32:6