Diary of a Novel - Week Two

A surprising week. I spent Monday on the little mountain I always go to for praying and fasting on the first day of a project. As usual I felt nothing but a headache and grumpiness cause of low blood sugar. Wish I was like my charismatic friends who hear God or at least get a nice warm, fuzzy buzz. However, there was the satisfaction of obedience and dedication to God's will. Odd how things have changed over the years. The first few novels my prayers were, "Dear God, give me, give me, give me, and give me some more." Now, they're turning around to, "Whatever you want, it's yours, just don't let me mess it up." Not because I'm feeling more "holy," but just because I only have so many books in me and I don't want to waste time (or trees) doing it my way.

Got home with a message on my phone from an AAA League Hollywood producer who wanted to introduce me to the script writer of my Forbidden Doors series. I couldn't believe my ears. We option books quite a bit but to get a green light from one of the top producer/directors in town was a pleasant surprise (and maybe God's way of saying, "I know you're deaf, son, and can't feel my hugs, but I know you'll get this one"). Now, of course, I'm praying that the script writer will write exactly what God wants (whether the writer knows it or not).

Also got a nice confirmation from one of my three prayer intercessors who, after apologizing profusely, e-mailed that she had a "word from God of what the novel should be about." It was the exact topic that "I'd" decided upon. Now, if I would have received that from her ahead of time, I would have been a trifle unsure, but for it to come in afterward was just what I needed as encouragement I was on the right track. (So, I guess I hear from God, after all, but just don't see, know, hear, or feel it). Not as much "fun" but I can sure live with it.

So... I spent the rest of this week going through my research books that I've been reading and jotting down notes and beginning to plot web. (For those who have taken my class, this is that free form process where you jot down random ideas no matter how useless). I do this with each major character and story point. I won't use many of them, but I don't worry about that at this point. I'll continue on this for another week, then will start selecting the best of them and begin the plotting process. I'll save that description for next time.

Oh, and last night at the Biola Film Task Force I listened to the producers and saw clips from the movies Amazing Grace and The Last Sin Eater. Both look good and if anybody's reading this, I hope you'll check out times and theaters. Quality work by quality Christians needs our support. And in both of these cases I think we'll be ministered to in the process.

Thanks,
bill
www.Billmyers.com