Reaching a Milestone
Yesterday I finished writing chapter thirty-four of my novel. I still have to write the epilogue (and that song I mentioned last week), but technically I have written the first draft of the book! Putting the pieces together at the end felt like taking a complex final exam. My brain was remembering bits and pieces of all of the characters, how'd they'd acted, their motivations, their goals, what they'd said and done over the course of four hundred pages, and I was orchestrating the grand finale. I really enjoyed deciding the fates of my cast! I hope my readers will love it too!
I'd like to introduce you to the main players, and share a bit about the plot.
In the bustling heart of Nashville, 23-year-old songwriter Hannah Thompson has big dreams of someday adding her voice to the music industry. While working as a bartender at one of the hottest spots in town, she is brought face to face with her crush and country sensation, Charlie Wyatt.
Charlie’s romantic past has been filled with women more concerned with spray tans, filtered photos, and Instagram followers than an actual connection with him. Hannah is a stark contrast to his ex-girlfriends, a rare and natural beauty. His chance meeting with her comes at the perfect time because he’s ready to settle down for good.
While their relationship takes off, so does Charlie’s career. Landing a record deal with SoundWave Records pushes his fame to a new level, but with success comes someone from his past threatening to expose secrets powerful enough to make him lose his career and Hannah’s trust. Tension continues to rise as information comes to light, leaving Hannah questioning the future she thought they would build together.
In another corner of Nashville, Paige and Ryan Sullivan grapple with their own heartache. United by a shared dream of parenthood, they face the harsh reality of miscarriage. Turning to adoption as their beacon of hope they meet Jasmine Davis, a courageous teen who is facing an unplanned pregnancy. As Paige anticipates Jasmine's decision, her joy at potential motherhood is overshadowed by the haunting fear that she will change her mind, plunging them even deeper into heartbreak.
As the two couples' lives intersect against the backdrop of country music, readers will be taken on a journey of the challenges each protagonist faces to find true happiness, their bond of friendship carrying them through.
A personal note:
School is almost out for the summer. That means less time for writing and more time spent with my boys. Cameron is finishing fourth grade, Riley is finishing first. We are looking forward to a family trip to Florida in early June. It'll be their first time on an airplane and seeing the ocean!
I plan to spend part of the summer revising my book myself, then finding a professional editor. After that, I'll be writing my query letter and sending it off to publishing houses, hoping to find an agent who will support my book and get their publisher interested in offering me a deal! If that doesn't happen, then I'll figure out self-publishing.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this all plays out, and sharing more about my book with all of you!
