Novel November Begins

An update on my fiction writing, a weekend of sunsets, and a yummy soup recipe

I did a scary thing and told no one. Not even Bryan.

A few years ago, I wrote a 16 chapter rhyme-y ode to kindness that dares to define the true meaning of beauty. I titled it: Arbor Fall Festival. And the scary thing I did? Well I actually and finally queried¹ this little love of my late 20s early 30s to a publisher I’ve wanted to work with for a while now². After three years of simply holding onto the tired looking manuscript, scared to move to the next step, I finally and rather impulsively sent the email late (really late) Friday night.

I chose not to tell anyone that I submitted to a publisher I admire. Didn’t tell Bryan. Gosh I didn’t even tell my dad who harbors every single secret of mine. But I chose to keep quiet because I didn’t really believe they’d accept my book. And who wants to share disappointment? I wanted to wait until I had something to celebrate³.

I eventually did tell Bryan (and my dad). I had asked for prayer, for confidence, for peace. He, of course, celebrated me in this small step, a champion of my stories. My father lectured me (lovingly) about keeping things secret. “You guys need to stop that. Be proud in your work. Share it. Gah, sell it. And then write another one, and tell me about it.”

And how humbling to hear my dad tsk at me. And Bryan, too, had the right perspective; I did have something to celebrate after all. I finished a story, a story I love and truly believe in. And I did I brave thing (to my standards at least) by trying something new and daring to hope for more. I have no idea what will happen to Arbor Fall Festival, and the waiting game begins, but I’m praying this story finds the right home.

So while I wait to see what happens to Arbor Fall Festival, I’m doing just as my dad suggested: writing another. Hello, Sonny. And what better month to start truly drafting than Novel November. I’ve finished the first draft of chapters 5,1, and 2 — in that order. And I also went ahead and wrote a prologue. My first drafts are notoriously horrid, but it’s part of my process. I just need the story out of my head, so I can properly start dissecting it. The more I write, the more I love these characters. I’ve fallen for Frankie (Sonny’s sister) and having a hard time not making her the main character.

Here’s a few snippets from the first draft:

A lazy fog, perhaps the laziest, hovered over the Amayan Mountains like a bandage, hiding and healing the scorched scars left from last year’s wildfire.

But Sonny didn’t give them too much attention; he was looking at their mother. She beamed brighter than any sun, moon, or star with her happy birthday smile and a cone shaped hat on her head, holding out an equally bright gift box.

Today, Billy wore his favorite hockey team’s hat, a mean snarl, and yesterday’s shirt.

And so as November rolls along, I’ll continue wading through chapters, sipping on warm teas, and catching the sunsets. Our park adventures have extended beyond just the morning thanks to the cooler weather. And our bedtime has extended, too. But it’s all wonderful. We really only have soup on the menu these days. And this one is a favorite. If you like lentils, potatoes, and heartiness, you should give this one a try.

I hope you find the courage to take a next step and celebrate all your efforts and bravery.

All the lovely things,
JH

1. This was the email:

Arbor Fall Festival, a fable of sorts, written for imaginative, clever preteens, stars a northern red oak named Rosie of the Oak Tree Farms. It is my dream to have Arbor Fall Festival read aloud, with silly voices of course, in cozy living rooms or under bedtime nightlight, bringing families closer together. That would be the true value of this book: giving families something they can all enjoy together. This story also reminds children that there is beauty in kindness worth cherishing.

Rosie seeks to win the Arbor Fall Festival—the first year her tree farm has ever stood a chance at winning. Beauty is the goal, and Rosie is certainly beautiful. But when a little bird loses her flock and attempts to seek refuge amongst the trees, beauty takes an ugly turn. Will this bird find shelter, her flock, and will Rosie risk the winning ribbon to help a little lost bird? With a melody of supporting misfit characters, including a brave lizard, a droopy tree named Sessily, a grumpy hedgehog, and an evergreen with vague advice, I hope this story will be one to savor and enjoy for an entire childhood.

2. Calla Press Publishing

3. For the record, I likely won’t hear anything for a few more months. But! They did start following me on Instagram and that feels like a win.