Reuben has come home from New York. Catherine and Elmer have returned from Austin. And none of them found a home in those places. They aren’t actually relatives of mine, but they might as well be. They are characters in two of my novels. They have been a part of my life and my thoughts for so long I almost forget they aren’t real people.
It is always disappointing to get a “No thank you” letter from an editor or an agent. (Sometimes referred to more crudely as a rejection.) And it is sometimes tempting to stick both manuscripts in a drawer and try to be a normal person who doesn’t have alternate realities living in her head. I was thinking of that this week and suddenly remembered the parable of the man who owned a fig tree. The tree had failed to produce fruit for three years, and the owner got fed up and said, “Just cut the thing down!”
But, one of the workers had another idea. He said ,”leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ “Luke 13:8-9
So, I’ve decided to dig around these two plots a little more. I’ll fertilize and water and tweak. Then I’ll push “Send” another time or two — or three — or fifty and see if anything bears fruit.
I wonder if Catherine would enjoy California?
You stick to it Ms. Kathy! We’ll all enjoy the fruit of your labors someday!!
Oh I can’t wait to meet these characters!! Keep hitting that SEND button! It’s going to hit the mark very soon, I just know it!
Well, my creative benefactress, don’t come to me for encouragement these days. My hope is all deferred and disheartened. But I’m not going to give it up either. I still enjoy the actual creating. It’s the business that’s driving me crazy.
Keep digging, and watering, and fertilizing, and sending. I’m sure it will pay off one day. As for me, although I rarely leave comments, I LOVE reading your thoughts and insights. I always feel encouraged by the little nuggets that you share with us. I just know the world will be a better place, having eaten the fruit from the tree you’re caring for so persistently and tenderly!
yes, Catherines love California!!!
🙂