Posted in Country Perks and Grits

An Eighteen-year-old Novel ~ With a New Slant

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Resurrecting an old novel

I am currently re-writing a novel that I first wrote eighteen years ago! At that time, it was my first attempt at a full-length story, and my plot was weak. This, of course, resulted in a story which, although I think it is entertaining in parts, waffles somewhat aimlessly in most places, and arrives at the end with little sense of resolution.

So now I’m rewriting. This time, I am excited about the storyline. It involves a family in ministry (based on the teaching I had at the popular idea – “Write what you know!”). They are nothing like our family, but it was fun developing the characters. I started my rewrite during NaNoWriMo, the annual writing challenge where you tackle a 50,000 word book in a month. You do not have to finish the book–just write 50,000 words. I completed the challenge, but I still have a way to go.

I have just signed up for Camp NaNoWriMo in April. For this virtual camp, you set your own goal, and it can be a new work or an editing task. I aim to complete the novel’s draft during this period. You also get to “share a tent” with your friends or writing companions. How about you? Are you interested in joining me in my tent this April?

Here is the draft plot for the novel:

Marcia, a gifted artist who marries a man who is a student for the ministry, looks forward to being in ministry with him, as long as she can continue to paint. During their first years of marriage, Marcia is a stay-at-home mom of her growing brood. Whenever she has the chance, she dabbles with her pencil, looking forward to the day when the children are old enough, and she can devote herself to her art once more.

Then comes a move that changes everything. The new congregation has a clear role mapped out for their new pastor’s wife—a role she has no desire to fill. The problem is Owen, the minister, has his own ideas. And Marcia doesn’t like them. Not one bit. Eventually, matters came to a head, and Marcia takes off on an unannounced sabbatical, leaving Owen with the children and the congregation to figure out what has gone wrong.

Will Marcia be able to return to her pastor husband? Does their marriage, and the ministry stand a chance? You’ll have to read the novel to find out. (And I need to write it!)

Looking at the novel’s immediate future:

Over the next few weeks, I’m planning to share some insight into the various characters in this light-hearted story with some underlying lessons for us all. The Runaway Minister’s Wife is a temporary title. I’d love your suggestions.

Question for You:

What would be a great title for this novel?

Please leave your suggestion in the comment box. If you come up with the winning title, I will send you a free copy of one of my Out of the Shadow books – your choice. Don’t suggest The Runaway Pastor’s Wife, which I absolutely love, and it’s perfect for the story. Sadly, it’s already taken!

If you don’t have any suggestions, please comment on the story outline. Do you have any questions for me?

10 comments on “An Eighteen-year-old Novel ~ With a New Slant”

  3. Love the idea, the minister’s wife runs away to become an artist! Here are a couple of title suggestions, “Vicar’s Wife at Large” or Flight from the Parsonage. Sounds like an interesting story!

    • Thank you for your visits and suggestions, Deryn! I like them. Yes, the story is keeping me up at nights as I think of other ideas. I suppose that’s good, but really? I’d like my sleep too!

  4. I have been waiting 18 years ro read this novel! So glad you are working on it again and am waiting with bated breath to read the final result.
    Happy writing and happy Nanowrimo Camp.

    • LOL! Yes, you have, but it has changed and developed so much during those years I hardly recognise it – apart from the characters! Even there I’m having to dispose of one of my main cuties.

  5. Hi, Shirley
    You have now inspired me to dig up some of my old and unfinished stories. And there are a lot!
    I’m sure your book will be a huge success. It’s an exciting story line and has potential for some interesting character growth.
    May God bless the work of your hands

    • Thank you Madeleine! I’ve been working on this novel periodically, and have got to know my characters so well they’re like an extension of my family! I’ve actually written four or five novels (all through NaNoWriMo) using the same family!

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