Friday, September 17, 2021

Opinions Please - The Heart's Song

 


Hi everyone, Winnie Griggs here. Today I’m coming to you with a question.

 

I recently acquired the rights back to the one and only contemporary novel I wrote during the nine years I was with Love Inspired. The book is called The Heart’s Song and this one really holds a near and dear place in my heart. For one thing, it’s  the only book I’ve written that’s set in my home state of Louisiana. It also features a handbell choir which is something I’ve always enjoyed listening to. But my favorite thing about this book is that the story line allowed me to explore the various ways Christians react to the loss of a loved one. Reeny lost her husband in an auto accident. Graham lost his wife and newborn daughter due to complications from her pregnancy. These characters both come from strong Christian backgrounds but the way they faced their losses was very different.

 

Anyway, as I said above, I now have the rights back to this book and plan to reissue it on my own at some point, but first I need to update it – after all this originally came out in 2010, eleven years ago. But as I was thinking about tackling the revisions, I had an idea that I wasn’t sure was inspired or just plain crazy.  Since the majority of my books are nineteenth century Americana historical, what if I reimagined this book in that genre? 

On the plus side I think I could make it an even stronger story and it would be more along the lines of what my readers normally look for from me. And it would be a fun exercise, I could even see how it would be easier to spin off additional stories in that world if it were historical rather than contemporary.

On the other hand, it would take a lot longer to get it revised, would require a stronger edit and at the end of the day it would still be the same story at its core.

What do you think? Would such a reimagining be worth the effort required? Or would I be just as well served to do some minor tweaks and get it back out there?

 I have several author copies of this book still in my book closet so leave your thoughts in the comments below to be entered in a drawing to receive a signed copy.


THE HEART'S SONG



Widower Graham Lockwood hasn't stepped foot in church since he lost his family. So he can't possibly say yes to his new neighbor's request that he lead the handbell choir. But widowed mother Reeny Landry is so hopeful—and her fatherless children so in need—that Graham agrees to help. 

Suddenly, the man who closed himself off is coming out of his shell. And he finds himself acting the father figure to Reeny's sweet mute daughter and loner son. 

But going from neighbor to husband is another matter altogether. Until a loving family teaches Graham to hear the heart's song.

 



29 comments:

  1. I think it sounds great as a contemporary but you should pray about it and follow what God speaks to your heart. Praying for you now. Blessings
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Good point Lucy! And thank you, prayers are always appreciated!

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  2. Winnie, I got this book from you the last time I won here on Seekerville and chose a book from your backlist. I really enjoyed it. I do think it would be interesting in the historical genre. But I can see how it would be easier for you to rewrite the contemporary. No need to put me in the drawing since I have it already. I really enjoyed it!

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    1. Oh thank you so much for thosee kind words about my book Sandy. I certainly appreciate them and you!

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  3. I enjoy both genres of books, so I think if you enjoy the story enough to do the work that it will take to put it in a historical setting then you should do it.

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  4. What an interesting conundrum, Winnie!

    On one hand, the book is written. Done. Minor editing and tweaking will enable you to get it out on the market again.

    On the other hand, your happy place is historicals. Changing it would create a new, fresh story - same situations, but placing the story in a different time period would even change the characters' reactions to their loss. That would be a challenge!

    I think I'd change to historical...but I'm always looking for a challenge. :-)

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    1. Hi Jan. You're so right about my happy place :) And I think the challenge would be a fun exercise

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  5. I also enjoy both genres, and the story would work in well in both. I do not think your idea is crazy at all! God will show you which way to go, and whichever way that is will be wonderful.
    lindajhutchins(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. THanks Linda, for both your feedback and the vote of confidence!!

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  6. Well, now I want to read the original, Winnie. But I agree with Jan. Definitely a dilemma. Are you up for the challenge? You could at least play with it and see. And since this is your one contemporary in a sea of historicals, it might be worth the effort.

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    1. LOL Mindy, I'll gladly send you a copy of the original my friend!

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  7. Hey, Winnie, it certainly sounds like a Holy-Spirit-anointed idea to me, my friend, so I say, go for it! First of all, re-imagining it in your home genre will not only enrich your writing experience, but I believe the readers' reading experience as well. Just my 2-cents worth, my friend!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. Good morning Julie! Your two cents are always welcome - you make some excellent points!

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  8. That would be a big commitment, but if you have the vision and passion for it, I say yes!

    Or is it possible that you could write a story with similar themes...the loss of a loved one, set in historical times, that would be different but allow you to explore more of what you loved about The Heart's Song?

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    1. Hello Erica! Interesting alternate option. Yet something else to consider.

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  9. Winnie, what a "fun" dilemma to have. :) Either way, it sounds like a fun story. Here are my unprofessional thoughts. :) First, what is your goal for the story? Is it to sell a lot of copies (don't we all hope for this?!). Is it for the enjoyment of the challenge? Is it to finish so you can resell as quickly as possible? I'm thinking your overall goal for this story will influence what you decide to do.

    My other thought is if you're passionate about it and you want to stay within your normal genre, go for the idea of revising it to fit within the timeline of your other books. :) I know. Not a lot to go on, but it sounds like you have a passion for this story, and it may be well worth it to take the time to revamp it for the nineteenth century. :) Have fun, however you decide to go. :)

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    1. Hi Jeanne, those are all good suggestions. I'll have to give some prayerful consideration into what my goals are/should be for the story before I put it back out there

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  10. Winnie, first I want to say that I love your historical stories. If I were in your shoes, I would ask myself what is God laying on my heart regarding this specific story. Do you have a strong desire to reimagine and rewrite it to fit the 19th century? Either way, the story is one I want to read. GBY

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    1. Awww Roxanne, thanks for those kind words, they are definitely appreciated.

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  11. If you really want to do it, go ahead. But everything you write is wonderful!,

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  12. That sounds like a cool idea, but also a lot of work. I think that you should pray and think about it before you make any decisions. I would love to be entered in the giveaway

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    1. Thanks for the sound feedback Angeline, and you are most definitely entered in the drawing.

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  13. Winnie, giving your story an historical setting sounds like a great idea, especially since you're known for your delightful historicals. I wonder if making the changes will be easier than you think. You might end up having a lot of fun making the switch, and I know the readers will love the new story just as much as they loved it's first edition!

    I say, go for it!

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    1. Thanks Debby. I have to admit, that's the direction I'm thinking of right at this moment :)

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  14. Wow. I don't know what I would do. It depends on your ideal time frame, I think. It would be fun to read the contemporary and then read your revised historical.

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    1. Thanks Lee-Ann. There are definitely a lot of pros and cons to consider

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  15. I'm late to this party, but I read all the comments to see if anyone thought it would be a good idea to publish BOTH! I don't know, but the idea sounds intriguing. :)

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