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Sunday, May 3, 2009

Just Not That Into You

I'm in a new relationship. We've been together three months now, but it isn't going well. I'm becoming convinced, even though it's hard to admit, that my manuscript is just not that into me.

Ever have the same feeling? You know the signs.

1. It's distracted when with you. You sit down to spend time with it, and the words jump all over the page refusing to coagulate into a coherent sentence. Nothing you do pulls it together.

2. It's not calling you. You go through your day and realize, "Hey, I haven't thought about my manuscript in, like, forever." It has not made an effort to call you to sit down and write.

3. It doesn't want to commit fully. You're moving along, thinking you're on the right track, when everything falls apart in the middle. The whole manuscript unravels, and you realize it's not doing its part to bring the storyline to completion.

4. It has disappeared on you. It's gone. And with it every unique idea, every bit of plot, every colorful character. You don't know where it went. All you know is that you must start over. And you realize, maybe it wasn't the storyline for you, anyway.

Every relationship takes work. This couldn't be truer than for you and your new manuscript. When you first meet that special storyline, pray to be sure it's the right one for you. Then, if you feel peace about moving forward, follow these steps to avoid the "Just Not That Into You" relationship:

1. Love is patient. Relax. Take your time to develop a solid plot.

2. Love is kind. Kindness is love in action. Do something special for your manuscript. Spend the time it desires, nurturing it, letting it know how important it is to you.

3. It does not brag and is not arrogant. Nothing will kill a relationship with a manuscript faster than an egotistical author. Manuscripts have a way of bringing down the boastful. Plot lines drop. Characters become flat. Settings? What settings?

4. It is not self-seeking. Know that you and your manuscript are on the same team. If you feel you're struggling with it, guess who has just become a world-class wrestler? Strive instead to dance with it, arm in arm, and listen to its heartbeat in the rythym of the words.

5. It is not easily angered. Throwing your manuscript against the wall is not allowed. Instead, attend to its needs. Patiently work on each problem, and soon it will thank you by flowing smoothly once again.

6. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Believe in your manuscript. If you prayed, as suggested above, know that it will stick with you until completion.

7. Love never fails. If you love your manuscript, it will love you back.

9 comments:

Mary Davis said...

Hi Kathy,

This was absolutely great!

I'll try to remember this when I"m working on my next manuscript.

Thanks!

Blessings,
Mary
:-)

Donna Reimel Robinson said...

Cute, Kathy! You are so creative. I never thought of comparing manuscripts to a relationship, but it's so true. And I have more than one on the string!

Thanks!
Donna

Kathy Kovach... said...

You're welcome, Mary. And when will that be, exactly? Hmm? (from your accountability partner - love you!)

Donna! More than one? You hussy! Okay, confession time. I have more than one...um...relationship going, too. Maybe my next blog article should be about the woman at the well. LOL

Patti Shene said...

Kathy, this article was fantastic. I loved the humor you used to get some great points across. I'm still in love with my manuscript. I just never get time to court it! LOL!

J. N. Hups said...

That was one of the best articles I've ever read, Kathy. I simply loved it!!!!

Jan Parrish said...

Awesome stuff Kathy! I Twittered it. :)

Paulette Harris said...

I love it Kathy. Who woda thunk!!!! The idea of a relationship with a manuscript is so right on with what a lot of us do with our work. I just never thought of it in those terms, but it couldn't have been put better.

Blessings,
Paulett Harris

Niki said...

LOL That was GREAT! You always make me laugh and think...and not necessarily in that order. :)

Paula said...

I knew this was your piece before seeing your name at the end because it was just so clever.

 
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