You know what I realize more and more the longer I do this thing called publishing?
A good editor is worth her weight in gold.
May I take a moment to brag on my editor, Shannon Marchese? (Shannon, if you’re reading this, I know you’re shaking your head. Indulge me, please.)
Do you know what Shannon (and other editors like her) are so good at?
Seeing what isn’t there.
They don’t merely seek to improve what’s already on the page.
They have this uncanny ability to see what could be, but isn’t yet. They turn potential into vision. Then they help the author turn that vision into reality.
For my upcoming release, A Broken Kind of Beautiful, the potential existed in a character named Marilyn Olsen.
In the original version, Marilyn Olsen was nothing more than a secondary character who served one main purpose–getting my heroine, Ivy Clark, to Greenbrier. Beyond that, she didn’t have a significant role in the story.
Shannon, along with my line editor Lissa Johnson, quickly realized that Marilyn had so much more to give. They saw what a huge role she could play in Ivy’s journey, if only I would let her.
So let her, I did. Marilyn not only received more page time, she became a point-of-view character with her very own arc.
The result?
A story that is much deeper than it was before my editors got their hands on it.
Was the original version publishable?
Probably.
But on this side of the edits, I’m so much more confident in this novel. And so much more eager to share it with readers.
So let’s get the sharing started, shall we?
Starting today, and every Monday until the release (April 15th), I will be giving away one autographed copy of A Broken Kind of Beautiful. That’s SEVEN opportunities to win. To enter this week’s giveaway, check out the rafflecopter below! But first, here’s a little bit about the book you’re entering to win:
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.
If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?
Do you have any questions about the editing process? Feel free to ask them below!
Please join me and former model, Olivia Ryan, next Monday as she shares a powerful testimony about God’s ability to set her free from the heavy chains that held her captive during a time when her life looked most glamorous to the outside world. I’ve heard this testimony before, friends. I promise, you will be blessed. So make sure to mark your calendars!
*Winners will receive their autographed copy as soon as I receive my author copies.
Marilyn was most definitely an essential character. So glad you expanded her role in the book.
I would love to learn more about Ivy.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
Enjoy your books
Blessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
I’m sure I left a comment yesterday. Maybe I just forgot to post it 😛
Marilyn is possibly the most important character of the book, simply because of the way she portrays Christ’s unconditional love to us. She was willing to accept the unwanted, put herself out to offer kindness and love. Without her consistent love in Ivy’s life, even when unseen and unappreciated, Ivy would not know the richness of love (Of course as an author you would have found another way).
I am so glad you expanded her character.
Thanks for sharing . Love your books and would love to win your book .
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for sharing this. I would love to read this book.
would love to win….
I have now read your first two books, “Wildflowers from Winter” and “Wishing on Willows”. It is so good to know that two more books are coming out.
You have a way of bringing characters to life. I felt like I knew each one and found a little of each life events that echoed my own.
Please …keep writing.
PS…My poor hub had to fix his own breakfast and lunch today because I couldn’t put the book down[either of them].
I agree – Marilyn’s story added a great deal to the depth of this book. I think all of us need a Marilyn in our life!
Good call, editors, and great story, Katie!
Katie, I cannot wait to read A Broken Kind of Beautiful! It sounds like just the message the world needs to hear.
Congratulations on plowing through to a bigger vision!
Katie, A Broken Kind of Beautiful has landed on my Top Ten for 2014 list. It’s the kind of book that stays with you. I’m recommending it to my book club. Beth-Anne is right.. Marilyn shows unconditional love in a beautiful way. It’s a powerful book.
THANK YOU Ane! I really appreciate the encouraging words, and the book club recommendation!
I have really enjoyed your first two books and this one looks equally as interesting. Good luck with the release!
I just would like to say that Marilyn was such an amazing character in your book and it would not have been the same without her!