Happy March 1!
So today, I’m thinking about deadlines! Some authors thrive on them, love them to bits, find that adrenaline rush for the finish line fuels them. Some of us hate them. Either way, we almost all end up with them.
Somehow, after declaring last year that 2017 would be the year of no deadlines, I find myself committed to six new romances with deadlines due this year! Plus loads more deadlines if I count blog posts like this I need to get done on time and usually have no idea at all what to write about. And my health issues are chewing up more time and getting in the way of writing way worse than I hoped. Eep!
What to do? I don’t want to drop out of any of the four wonderful new boxed sets, or the exciting new multi-author series! I’ve prayed over every new project before agreeing to it. I’ve prayed over my scheduling calendar. I’ve switched partly written stories around between sets, the switched them back again. I wish I could switch even more.
Which brings me to the title of this post. Piglets! Today is National Pig Day. A character in one of my completed but unpublished books has an adorable pet piglet, very like this one.
Unfortunately the piglet may grow just a teensy bit too big for a skinny twelve-year old stuck in a wheelchair to manage as an indoor pet, but as a smart kid who loves his pig, he has plans for that. His mom might not quite agree with all Josh’s plans… especially the bit about her marrying his estranged dad so he can move in with them…
What’s the connection between piglets and deadlines? This story would fit perfectly into the spring romance boxed set. The one with the deadline in less than a month. The one that at the time of writing I only had seven not very inspiring chapters of my other story written for! So it occured to me – wouldn’t it be perfect if I use this publish-ready story (it happens in spring and has a theme of renewal and redemption) for the boxed set instead. Then the story I’m working on can move to the first summer boxed set.
Brushes hands together. Voila! Two deadlines dealt with for the price of one!
Just one problem. I submitted the piglet story to Love Inspired four months ago and am waiting to hear back from the editor. It’s on second revisions, which means chances are good that the next time I hear from her, it will be a rejection or a contract. Or just possibly, another round of revisions. But I’ve felt almost sure it will be a rejection, it’s just a matter of when.
So the past couple of weeks, for the first time ever, I’ve prayed for a submitted story to be rejected asap! I even considered emailing the editor and taking the story back (not a wise move, with the potential for burning bridges!)
God seems to be asking me to wait, trust Him, and wait some more. Uh… and keep working on the current story in the meantime, get it as good as I possibly can, just in case it does need to go in that spring boxed set.
The waiting time is tough. It feels like a fallow season. If the piglet story is rejected too late for the deadline for the boxed set, it’s not a good fit for anything else I’m committed to this year. It might need to wait almost a year before I can release it.
And that’s okay. Even while writing this post, I had an idea for something I can tweak to make the story better! Like the psalmist, I need to trust that God’s timing is always perfect. The trees are bare and leafless still, but soon, they will produce blossom and leaves again.
This spring, like every spring, will be glorious!
Make sure to comment on this post for your entry into our Inspy Romance Birthday Bash sweepstakes! Every comment
And along with a few other Inspy Romance authors, I’m participating in the Book Sweeps spring giveaway. Click here to enter and have the chance to win 45+ Inspirational Contemporary Romances + a Kindle Fire.
Wemble says
Ahh, that waiting place! One of my favourite books is Dr Seuss’ The Places You’ll Go- he describes this well.
Will pray that your writing goes smoothly and deadlines are met.
Cute piglet- pity they have to grow up!
Blessings to you:)
Jill Weatherholt says
It’s tough when you’re stuck in the waiting room. I’m currently there too, Autumn. Praying for you. That pig is adorable!
Marion Morrison Ueckermann says
This has been an interesting year, Autumn, but oh, what an exciting one. I’m praying, too, that you’ll hear about that manuscript soon.
And I seriously need to get more cute animals into my stories. So far I’ve only had baby elephants, and some hedgehogs that were merely props in one scene :)
Renate says
Thanks for your blog Autumn. Best wishes to you and all the Inspy Romance authors facing deadlines and publishing decisions and may you have the patience in the waiting game. Personally I often worked better at crunch time. Baby animals are so very cute. That is why it is fun to visit local farms, petting farms, and zoos. As a reader, I enjoy reading stories that include animals, especially unusual ones – hedgehogs or pigeons.
Melanie D. Snitker (@MelanieDSnitker) says
Waiting is never an easy thing! I hope all works out smoothly for you as you try to meet the deadlines this year. And I can’t wait to read the story with the pig – how fun!
Kathy R. says
I love you, Autumn!
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Piglets! Aren’t they just the cutest :) I love the premise already. I’m just praying we get to read the story one way or the other before too long :)
Sherri G says
I hardly get anything done without a deadline. But I’m retired and mostly read and quilt through my days. Speaking of deadlines and quilts, my friend’s baby shower came and went without her baby quilt being done. Then she had the audacity to have the baby three weeks early! So I’m working away on the quilt hoping it’s done before he graduates! I pray you do better with your deadlines. :-)
Sally Shupe says
Deadlines are so not fun! But those piglets sure are. Can’t wait to read that story!
Diana says
The piglet is adorable! We are also waiting as we are selling our house and finding a new one several states away. Sometimes I trust God to work everything out and sometimes I worry. Lord bless your health and give you strength. Thanks for writing!
Jessica B. (USA) says
Good luck! I hope your tweaking goes well and that your current work in progress continues to come together well.
Autumn Macarthur says
Yes, I love that book too! My husband sent me a link to a wonderful true story about a British couple who were given a supposedly pygmy piglet. That pig is now 500 pounds and still growing! I imagine this one will be the same!
Autumn Macarthur says
I love that book too, posted on it a few months back. I think it was wise – we all find ourselves in that waiting place. Hubby sent me a link that wasn’t quite suitable to share here about a British couple given a supposedly pet pig – now over 500 pounds bigger! They still keep her as an indoor pet- but moved to the country and started an animal sanctuary to do it!
Autumn Macarthur says
Oops! I’m on my Kindle as I can’t use my laptop (triggers migraines), and I swear that first comment just disappeared! Now here it is!
Autumn Macarthur says
Hugs, Jill! Praying you hear soon too!
Autumn Macarthur says
I know I haven’t written enough stories with animals, or kids, considering how big a part they are of most of our lives.
But baby elephants? I think you get triple points for those!
Autumn Macarthur says
Thanks Renate! What stories with unusual animals would you recommend?
The follow-up book to the piglet story will feature an entire animal sanctuary. I know they have goats, rabbits, and llama. Not sure what other citters will turn up!
Autumn Macarthur says
Thanks Melanie! Thankfully, the deadlines are already sorting themselves out. One boxed set has been put back to next spring, so I can put that story on hold till January now! Or use the piglet story, if it’s not a good fit for Love Inspired. It all works out!
Autumn Macarthur says
Thanks Kathy! <3
Autumn Macarthur says
That one is just soooo how I see the pig in the story! I’m thinking when I revise it again to give her a few more scenes than I did. LOL, though I chuckle visualising one scene she IS in!
Autumn Macarthur says
LOL, how dare that baby arrive early! But a quilt will be a lovely graduation gift Sherri! ;)
I am generally a last minute right-up-to-the-deadline type, working best under that adrenaline pressure. Unfortunately it’s not happening like that at the moment! Maybe it’s finally time for me to learn the slow and steady approach. Eep!
Autumn Macarthur says
I hope Pattie is a fun piglet to read about. She makes me smile, so there’s a chance she’ll make readers smile too!
Autumn Macarthur says
Diana, prayers all goes well and smoothly with the sale and move. That’s a big thing to be dealing with, being human and with faith that’s not yet perfect, we do all still worry sometimes.
Autumn Macarthur says
I hope this doesn’t post twice too! Working on my Kindle Fire as the screen is gentler on my eyes, but it’s a little temperamental. LOL, like it’s owner?
A quilt will make a lovely graduation gift, Sherri! ;)
Autumn Macarthur says
Thanks Jessica! I’m sure it will all work out – I just need to keep trusting God!
Britney Adams says
I love this adorable little pig and am so glad he wiggled his way into one of your stories! I hope all your deadlines work out as needed!
Renate says
Fainting goats and spitting llamas sound like a fun addition. We had a pet parrot and a pet hermit crab. My father had an aquarium, so did his nursing home. One nursing home in the area has canaries. My parents had a friend who was a shepherd. Baby lambs are cute. His sheep only followed him – great analogy for the Good Shepherd. Question for a future blog!
Andrea says
This sounds like it will be a story with a lot of humor in it. I don’t know if I could handle the stress of deadlines or the patience of waiting, lol. Seems like the writing process has much more waiting than other jobs or situations, for the most part.
Margaret Nelson says
I enjoy stories with animals in them! Praying for your health and your writing.
azipprick says
Oh, I will be praying with you in this, Autumn! I’ve been in those periods of waiting, and while it is difficult, I’ve grown to really appreciate those moments. I learn to depend on God much better in those moments. I am excited to read the piglet story whenever you are able to release it. Also, keep us posted on how we can support you in prayer during these health difficulties!
Jan Elder says
Hi Autumn, I’m not sure how Love Inspired could POSSIBLY turn down a piglet story, but if they do, put that pig in our summer set and have him gallop into a picnic scene. See? All better. I’ve fixed it. Seriously though, I don’t know how you do it, and I am in awe. Praying those migraines head for the hills and leave you alone to write in peace. Blessings, Jan
juliearduini says
Six romances this year? My hero. Praying for all your endeavors, Autumn!
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
What a cute piglet. :) I hear you on waiting. I’ve been there, but I assure you that God is in control and His timing is always perfect even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.
Valerie Comer says
“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” ~ Douglas Adams
I love deadlines, too, but not for the same reason! What I don’t like is TIGHT deadlines, or unexpected ones. I like pacing myself and knowing I can meet expectations. Of course, there are always hiccups, right? Can’t wait to read about your piglet, one way or another!
JoAnn Durgin says
Target has a clothing line for toddler girls with the Seuss “The Places You’ll Go” theme. I keep looking at it for my little Amelia. I think I might have to get some of it… :) Blessings to you, Autumn. Praying for all your writing projects and decisions to be made.
Autumn Macarthur says
He’s a cutie, isn’t he!Or she! ;)
Autumn Macarthur says
I think one of the reasons we love publishing our own books so much is that it eliminates the waiting! Once we have the book ready to publish, we can hit publish. LOL, the only wait then is to see if readers like it! But working with traditional publishers, there can be a LOT of waiting. Even when the wait of seeing if the editor wants to publish the story is done with, it could be well over a year before the book actually releases!
Autumn Macarthur says
Thanks Margaret! <3
Autumn Macarthur says
All prayer is good prayer, thanks Anna! Yes, you are so right about how waiting leads us into a deeper trust in God. It all has a purpose. :)
Autumn Macarthur says
LOL, Jan! Now that’s a good plan! Only problem is, it’s not a summer story. They go skiing! (Not the pig, she has to stay home). I have a different story in mind for the picnic set. No pigs, though it will have a parrot and a few other animals in it. I’m looking forward to it! ;)
Autumn Macarthur says
Well, they are almost all novellas, which helps! And planning six and writing six aren’t quite the same thing! I’m very grateful to have reduced that to five now – one set has been cancelled, so it’s story can wait till 2018! Phew!
Autumn Macarthur says
He is, for sure! Good to know, and I’m sure a lot of the reason these things happen is to remind us of that!
Autumn Macarthur says
LOL, I love that quote, Val! I haven’t been so good at pacing myself in the past. Gotta learn!
Priscila says
Praying that you get well soon and experience the joys of being healthy again.
Good luck with your deadlines too. I’m for one looking forward to all of these books. Keep them coming (in a boxed set or not)!
Winnie Thomas says
Deadlines and decisions–I don’t like either of them. They both cause me stress, which I can do without! LOL Now piglets are a different matter. How can you not like little piglets? They are so fun to watch. Of course, they do grow up to be pigs, which are not quite so cute, but they are still fun to watch.
I hope everything works out well with you, Autumn!
Autumn Macarthur says
Thanks Priscila! Hope all is going well with you. :)
Autumn Macarthur says
Winnie! Hi! True, both those challenging d-words are far more stressful than piglets!
I’m so thankful that the most pressured deadline is now gone as the group decided not to do one of the sets. Phew! I can go back to praying Emily gives me a third chance to get the story I subbed to Love Inspired right, instead of guiltily hoping she’d reject it so I could use it for one of my boxed set commitments!
Trixi says
Oh my goodness, I very much dislike the “hurry up and wait” stage of anything! Especially when God says to wait. Does He know that drives me crazy…YES….but I also know He knows the timing of everything WAY better than I do. And I also know He’s shaping me & molding me through the times where I have to be patient. (UGH!!) As in James 1:3-4: ” …knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” So He has a good work going in me :-)
That little piglet is just the CUTEST!! I think my favorite piglet is Wilbur in “Charlotte’s Web”, my all time favorite book as a kid. :-) Then I loved it even more when they made an animated movie out of it!
Praying for perfect timing for your book, and that perfect work in patience God promises us for you!
Jackie Smith says
Praying for your writing and your health, Autumn!!
Wemble says
Hi JoAnn:) Hmm, wonder if Target here has the Seuss theme clothing…will have to check it out. Nice to ‘see’ you:)
Kelly Youngblood says
So sorry to hear of health struggles, and that they are getting in the way of writing. Praying for healing and strength…and patience in the waiting.
Joelle Hawkins Teague says
Thanks for your honesty in your struggles and a reminder if the best way to deal with them. I Love it when God uses people to remind me of certain things.
Autumn Macarthur says
LOL, Trixi! I just love your “Does He know that drives me crazy?” Yes, He does, for sure. It’s hard when we can’t see his higher plan, just gotta keep trusting! :)
Autumn Macarthur says
Thanks Jackie! <3
Autumn Macarthur says
It will pass! LOL, or at least my pity party stage will!
Autumn Macarthur says
Thanks for visiting and commenting, Joelle. God is good!
Jan Elder says
Now I’ll seeing skiing piglets in my head! Parrots sound good too, though. I’ll look forward to reading that!
Autumn Macarthur says
LOL, Jan! Because Josh is disabled, he uses a sit ski, basically a chair on a steerable sled base. He would love to do that with his piglet on his lap! Not sure the piglet would enjoy it so much!
Susanne says
I love seeing little baby piglets :) Thanks for the reminder, God’s timing is always perfect!
Autumn Macarthur says
It is! :) He’s already started working solutions to some of the things that were bothering me. So blessed!
Amanda Geaney says
We raised our first pig last year. Now our pig wasn’t a pet, but I cannot imagine bringing Alexandria HAMilton into our house. However, I can see how they could be potty trained.
I’ll say a prayer for you today, that God will guide you and give you patience while you wait.
Autumn Macarthur says
Thanks Amanda. Um, I guess I’d better not ask where Alexandria ended up!