IWSG~Hair Pulling & Multiple Stories

Have you ever been struck by a story idea that fizzles out once you start writing? 
I'm not talking about one of the bazillion story starters that wave through your brain while sitting patiently at a stop light. But the idea that already has legs, a full outline, and characters developed. Maybe it's even a sequel to a first book or one in the series. Maybe it's a companion novel. The world is brilliant - living and breathing, just begging you to plop your main character into it and get all the trouble started. 

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But as the fizzling occurs another story idea hits you. And this one's legs are easy to develop. It's exciting and fresh, and you just can't wait to start writing it. BUT THEN....
...THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS.
That original stories flicks you in the head, demanding attention. A river of creative scenes and new twists on your sub plots flow over you like cleansing air you've longed for. You write the first chapter. You're thrilled. BUT THEN...
...THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS...AGAIN!
Something you just wrote in that first chapter ignites an older story you'd developed two years ago. And you know you must write it down. This is my current reality. It's never happened to me before, not quite like this, not so I feel like I must work on all three stories simultaneously. What I've done over the past week or so is let the loudest barking story have my attention. So far it's working. 
Has this ever happened to you, and did you fear you'd end up writing a bunch of useless hodgepodge?
The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. JOIN in anytime.

A RARE NATIVITY by Sam Besson

It's almost that time of the year. The sound of wrapping paper tearing, families gathering, and all that puffy white stuff floating gingerly from the sky. Unless you live where I do and it comes down bolder-size served on a torrential wind.

It's the holiday season. Yes, I know if you're an American you're already thinking "Geez, it's not even Thanksgiving yet." And I agree.

Normally.

Because from the moment I first read this book I knew I had to share it with you.

Amazon * Deseret Book

A Rare Nativity (32 pages) 

by Sam Besson 

Publisher: Ensign Peak
Released: September 8, 2015
Format: Hardcover

Description: We have all heard the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, and we have all seen the traditional Christmas crèche. Now, author Sam Beeson and photographers Nina and Terral Cochran combine these two classic Christmas icons to create A Rare Nativity. Upon reading the first lines of the book, it is clear the narrator holds a bitter grudge as he sends his enemy crude and discarded gifts: On the first night of Christmas I gave my enemy a briar from a tanglewood tree. On the second night of Christmas I gave my enemy two rotten eggs. Night after night the gifts pile up shards of glass, rusty nails, gnarled twigs, and more. What the narrator s enemy decides to do with each of these odious gifts is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. The photographic creation of the rare nativity at the end of the book is both a work of art and a wonder to behold.

COVETED! MUST HAVE!

My Splats: Internally Moving & Powerfully Self-Reflecting!

Most people are familiar, at least on some level, with the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. It could be surmised as a playful countdown of gifts given in successive order until Christmas morning. But in reality, the true meaning of the song are hidden beliefs of the Catholic faith to help young children during a time when it was illegal to practice or teach the faith. A Rare Nativity takes the latter even farther.

The story is written in a similar rhyme and rhythm, yet it's really worlds apart. At the onset, it's easy to see the narrator of the story has ill feelings toward another person. He is hurt, angry, and cold. Vengeance has infected his heart, and by the sound of it, it's probably just due. But whose duty is it to exact vengeance?

The reader is taken on a journey of self-reflection and put into the shoes of this narrator. A dark place has taken of his mind ... and his heart. Unspoken words flow from the text - What would you do? There's concentration on the offense and the pain it's caused the narrator, but then ... a moment, one that gives the narrator pause and shifts his gears - the offender asks for forgiveness.

Well, this throws the narrator into a tailspin of which I'm not going to share for fear of giving too much away. Just know that despite this being a short read (I think it took me five minutes, if that.), it is extremely powerful. The images are simplistic, yet move the soul, and the words give the reader a chance to reflect on pain caused by another. How did we choose to receive that pain and in what vain - with an open or closed heart? And if it's with a closed heart, who does that really damage?

One final note: the ending is brilliantly poetic and stirs the heart. Every home should have a copy for the holiday season.

TOUR SCHEDULE

About the Author Sam Beeson gives himself annual writing assignments. In 2005, he wrote a poem a day. In 2007, he wrote about his wife every day. In 2015, each day he wrote a handwritten letter to someone new. Sam teaches high school English and loves reading the journals of his ancestors.

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from <a href="http://iamareader.com" target="_blank">I Am A Reader</a> and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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