A Writer's Mind Never Really Rests
- cdeanne956
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Hello Readers,
This week, I was listening to an interview with bestselling author David Baldacci, and something he said made me stop and smile.
He said that when he finishes writing a book, if he doesn't have another story waiting in the wings, he's at his most miserable. He joked that without another story to work on, he feels like he's floating in the vacuum of space. Then he explained that what keeps him going—his "belly fire"—is always wondering what story he'll write next. He said he never really turns it off.
I found myself smiling because I understood exactly what he meant. No, I don't become miserable—but my mind doesn't seem to know how to stop telling stories.
I recently finished revising my Christmas story, and it's ready to head to my editor. You might think that means I'm ready to put my feet up, enjoy a quiet afternoon, and take a well-earned break.
Instead, my mind is already asking, What's next?
That's the funny thing about being a writer. Stories don't politely wait their turn. They have a way of showing up when you least expect them. A conversation overheard in a restaurant. A memory that surfaces out of nowhere. A face in a crowd. A simple question that begins with, What if...?
Before long, a new character is introducing herself or himself, and another story is quietly taking shape.
Like David, I don't think I ever really turn it off. Wherever I go, part of my mind is paying attention. I'm collecting little pieces of life without even realizing it—a conversation at the grocery store, a beautiful old farmhouse, an unexpected act of kindness, or a line of dialogue that suddenly pops into my head.
I've learned to pay attention when those little whispers come. Sometimes I jot down a note in my phone. Sometimes it's on a scrap of paper beside my chair. More than once, I've woken in the middle of the night because a character decided that was the perfect time to share an idea!
The truth is, I don't think writers ever really stop writing. Even when we're not sitting at our desks, we're observing, imagining, and quietly asking ourselves, What if?
And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Right now, Emerald Dreams is finding its way into readers' hands, and Opal's Light is preparing for its July 28 release. Meanwhile, Amber's Journey and Sapphire Skies are waiting patiently in the wings, getting ready for their turn. And somewhere beyond them, another story is beginning to whisper, waiting for me to discover where it will lead.
That's the adventure I love most.
Before You Go...
💚 Emerald Dreams is now available, and I've loved hearing from readers who are getting to know Emerald and Caleb.
🤍 Opal's Light releases on July 28 and is available now for pre-order.
I can't wait for you to meet Opal and discover why she captured my heart while I was writing her story.
Thank you, as always, for reading my books, sharing your kind messages, and coming along on this writing journey with me. You make every story worth telling.
Until next time... happy reading!
With gratitude,
Deanne
P.S. If you’ve read any of my previous books—Shattered Walls, Shattered Connections, or series I’ve written, I’d be so grateful if you left a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Every word you share helps more readers discover these stories!
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www.cdeannerowe.com
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