By the time you read this, I hope to be well on the road to recovery from pneumonia. Getting sick got my attention. I had to rest! I put aside my pile of revisions for Half-Truths courtesy of my mentor, Joyce Moyer Hostetter, but I didn’t put aside the “thinking about” process that all writers experience. I’m re-reading Blue Willow by Doris Gates. I’d forgotten that the main character’s step-mother gets pneumonia in the story. I could relate to that!
As I wrote in my first blog post about Blue Willow, Half-Truths’ two main characters, Kate Dinsmore and Lillian Bridges, both read this Depression-era book. That is one of the ways they begin to connect as friends. On this re-read I’m realizing additional connections between Half-Truths and Blue Willow can be made which will increase emotional resonance. Exciting work ahead!
In my couch potato hours, I’m also enjoying paging through The Best of Norman Rockwell
and Norman Rockwell’s America. I’m not only re-discovering beautiful paintings, sketches that inspired my characters, and snapshots of 1940’s-1950’s Americana, but a magazine which my protagonist, Kate Dinsmore, would have leafed through.
Given that I’ve had a week of coughing and fatigue, I thought today I’d encourage you to read my first blog post about Blue Willow in which I talked about how that 1941 Newberry Honor winner was influencing my developing manuscript. I wrote that post almost ten years ago. Needless to say, Blue Willow hasn’t changed, but my story has. When Half-Truths comes out in 2025, you won’t read that opening in Chapter One. And later in the book you won’t find Kate with a little sister named Maggie, because I wrote her out of the story! But, you will find a budding friendship between Kate and Lillian Bridges. And a few lines that believe it or not… didn’t change one bit.
Many of you are new to my blog so I hope you will enjoy looking back at a book that I am still learning from. Two years ago, some of you read the follow up to that post, BLUE WILLOW: A BOOK that LILLIE AND KATE READ PART II and INSIGHT INTO REVISION. As I go into this last round of revisions, I once again see how the work of revision is such a HUGE part of writing.
Look for at least one more post about how this short classic from 1941 has impacted a book written 80 years later. If you chose to become a part of my launch team–a copy of Blue Willow will be one of the prizes. In fact, here’s the QRC code to sign up now!
Make sure that you check out Greg Pattridge’s MMGM blog for more great middle-grade suggestions.
Hi Carol. You asked whether I was a subscriber. I’m not sure if I am because I don’t see any subscribe button on your site.
Then how did you know it posted today? The subscribe button is on this page:https://carolbaldwinbooks.com–as I can see you found. Thanks for the comment.
Aha, a subscribe button popped up right after I posted the previous comment. So it seems a person has to comment before the subscription offer appears.
Interesting… WP is at it again! I didn’t know that was the case. I’ll have to ask my web person about that. I had no idea so thanks for telling me!
And thanks for subscribing!
Dear Carol,
I am sorry you have been under the weather, but glad you found good books to read while God was busy healing you.
With love,
Joan
You are so sweet, Joan. And He has been busy!!! Love you, Carol
Glad you’re on the mend. Your post makes me really want to dig into my revision now. Be well Carol 🌸
Thank you, Donna. I’m glad my written-on-steroids-post inspired you. Revision is a mighty BIG task. Take it a piece of a time.
I hope you’re feeling better. It sounds like you’ve made some major changes when revising your manuscript. It’s great you were so brave to eliminate a character, which is hard to do, but hopefully made your story stronger.
I am better, Natalie. Thank you! Yes–I have made major changes although the crux of the story stayed the same. Thanks for reading and commenting.
How wonderful that you’ve gotten inspiration from a story you love and you’ve been able to reread over the years and still learn new things! I just went and read some of your older posts about HALF-TRUTHS – congrats on its upcoming publication!! I know firsthand how crazy and difficult the publishing world can be. :-)
Thanks for your comment and for rereading my old posts. And for becoming a new subscriber too!
I’m glad you are feeling better and on the road to a full recovery. Your down time did allow more reflection on Half Truths and sharing a third round of interesting thoughts on BLUE WILLOW. Happy MMGM!
Thanks, Greg. I actually made it outside today for two very short walks too. AND some new work on HT inspired by BLUE WILLOW. A good day!
I remember reading this book, Blue Willow. I LOVE the china pattern and collect it myself. But I don’t remember the story’s plot! I will have to see if I can get a copy to re-read!
Hope you’re feeling better!
I am better–thanks. Send me a picture of some of your china and yes, reread the book!!
Oh my, I hope your continue to feel better! Blue Willow sounds fascinating. Love period pieces. Take care!
I am better, thank you, Patricia. Yes–period pieces are so interesting!
Pneumonia is nasty–glad you are feeling better! And thanks for a tip-off about an old Newbery book I suspect I’d like. I’ll be checking it out–and wait with interest what turns your own story takes!
Thank you, Rebecca. BLUE WILLOW is a short but powerful book. I hope you check it out!
Ugh! Pneumonia is not fun! Glad you are feeling better. It’s amazing how much Blue Willow influenced your writing. Thanks for an interesting post.
Thanks, Rosi. I know you know what it’s like not to feel well. So thankful for antibiotics! And yes, I NEVER would have guessed that this old china pattern (and book) would influence me as much as it has. I can’t wait for you to read Half-Truths!
So sorry to hear you’ve been sick! Wishing you a speedy recovery (pneumonia is nasty!)! Loved the post, and I can’t wait to read Half-Truths! I think I already signed up for the launch team (I hope I have anyway!). Thanks for sharing & get well soon!
Oh yes, Valinora. You’re signed up and thanks for your support!