Falling in Love with Your Next Book

 by Mindy Obenhaus

So here I am at the beginning of a new story. And I'm realizing the process is a lot like dating. C'mon, let me show you what I mean.

The Initial Meeting -

Your eyes meet, and you both feel it. That spark. You strike up a conversation, and your heart is all aflutter. Could this be the one? 

Yes, each and every book starts with a spark of an idea. It could be a premise or a character. Whatever the case, you're intrigued. And the possibilities seem endless. But before you can commit to writing the story, you need more information.

Getting to Know You -

You meet for coffee, go on a few dates, text/talk often. Learning a little bit more about one other with each conversation.

As with any good relationship, you have to get to know one another. Perhaps there's an element to your story that you don't know much about. Do your research to find out if it will work for what you have in mind. 

You also need to get to know your characters. What do they do for a living? Where are they from? What is their family like? Do they have siblings? What are their likes and dislikes? What do they want out of life (aka, goal), why (motivation) and what stands in their way (conflict)? 

Taking Things to the Next Level -

Things are clicking. But before you commit to a relationship, you want to know more about them. Their hopes and dreams. Do they want kids? 

It takes time to dig deeper and find out what makes your characters tick. The more you know, the more layered your characters become. And those layers not only enrich a story, they can often drive it. What is their greatest dream? Their greatest fear? And don't forget to channel your inner four-year-old by perpetually asking "Why?"

Make or Break?

So, the relationship seems to be clicking. But are you just comfortable with each other or do you see it becoming a committed relationship?

If a story isn't working or seems to fall flat, then it might be time to move on. Go back to the drawing board. Though things might not be a total wash. In this story I'm working on, I had the right characters, but I was trying to fit them into a story that was all wrong for them. There was no conflict. So, I came up with a completely different plot where the conflict was organic and not forced. And now the sparks are really flying. 

New story love can be exhilarating. We're infatuated with the characters and the story. But infatuation doesn't necessarily lead to a happily ever after. Get to know both your story and your characters before taking the plunge so you have all the elements to carry you on to that happily ever after.

I'm giving away a copy of Easter on the Ranch, a 2-in-1 with the first book in my Rocky Mountain Heroes series, Their Ranch Reunion, and Jessica Keller's The Rancher's Legacy. Simply leave a comment to be entered. (US mailing addresses, please)

Spring and second chances

The Rancher's Legacy by Jessica Keller

Returning home isn’t part of Rhett Jarrett’s plan—until he inherits the family ranch from his father. Running it won’t be easy with his ranch assistant and childhood friend, Macy Howell, challenging all his decisions. But a long-buried family secret might help Rhett begin to see things Macy’s way…and allow them to find love—and a home—together at last.

Their Ranch Reunion by Mindy Obenhaus

Single mom Carly Wagner is surprised to learn she’ll have to share ownership of the home she’s inherited with her first love, Andrew Stephens. Now a successful businessman, he’s standing in the way of her dreams to expand her B and B. Andrew has eight weeks to buy Carly out. But Carly’s too stubborn to persuade—and too beautiful to ignore. Should he leave and chase another deal…or stay and chase Carly’s heart?

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com