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

Writing, Regency England and a Gown

Every time I finish writing a book, I ask everyone in my family to read it. I have asked all five of my sisters and my sister-in-law as well as my mom to read my book. My two daughters have suffered through at least one. My husband and my dad have even read one.

Each gave me their opinions along with misspelled words and grammar problems. I re-worked the book each time. But still my book didn’t have what I knew it needed.

And then I happened upon an editor. I was so excited for her to read my book. 

"It has everything anyone has ever wanted in a book," I said confident in my work. 

 "Look, I can help you, but it will take hard work if you want to take it to the next level," she said not even bothering to open to the first chapter which I must admit is superior to all other first paragraphs of other books. 

I thought to myself - how much harder could it be? With enthusiasm, I replied, "Of course."

Because deep down inside, I knew I had created a gem, a one of a kind diamond like creation. It would only take one reading of the book for this editor to realize it, too. . . . 

Here is a simple gown with embroidery around the neckline, sleeves and hem. One of my absolute favorites.

If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel you will be devoured by the soword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 1:19-20

Reading Emma by Jane Austen

 I tried once again to read Emma by Jane Austen. I don't know what it is about that book, but I just can't get through it. Perhaps, it is because Emma at 22 seems to think she knows everything. Maybe it is because everyone around Emma with the exception of Mr. Knightly seems to think Emma knows everything, too.

For whatever reason, I read half-way through and just couldn't take her machinations one minute longer.

I'm not a wimp when it comes to reading. After all, I've read Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

  

Out of the two, I would read the latter rather than the former.

I know some people that just love this book. I ask them why and they say the same thing every time. Emma is funny. But Emma messes with people's lives, so it doesn't seem funny to me. 

I know, I know. Books are not real. Enjoy. Maybe when I try again next year. 

God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:6

Gowns and Lace

 I finished reading Persuasion and as always was sad to say goodbye to such good friends.  

I counted the word persuasion or derivatives of the word 32 times throughout the book. But I may have missed some of them due to being absorbed in the story.

 I was reminded as I read that for the gentry, who did not have an abundance of funds, the women would make their own clothes. They would look at the fashion plates and make over a dress they already owned –perhaps even dying the material to a deeper blue or darker green to make it look like a new gown. Lace and trim would help to make the gown look different. A lace collar or lace on the hem and sleeves might be the perfect accent.  

"Behold, I make all things new."

Revelations 21:5b

Regency Mourning Gown

Writing takes up every spare minute that I'm not working, playing or reading.

I've read Regency novels since I was a 5th grader. The absolute worst thing an author can do is to take their heroine whom you have grown to love and then have her do something out of character just so that she can get into trouble again and be rescued. 

One day after finishing a book like that, I thought I could do better. I began writing my own book.

Five years went by and I had accumulated over twelve inches of writing, but still it was not the story that I had envisioned.

My daughter, who is an artist made this mourning gown for my heroine. 

Just seeing what my heroine would have worn helps me to look realistically at the time period. It’s kind of a fun thing to look at and wonder if any gowns were ever made in this style and color.  

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?"

Matthew 6:29-30