Friday, February 10, 2012

Slight Change to my Username and Other Random Factoids

Hey guys!  Just wanted to let you know that I've officially switched my username from "beast'sbelle" to just plain "beastsbelle", without the apostrophe (just in case anyone cares!).  The main reason for this change is that I'm really tired of being labeled as "beast&39;#sbelle" (or something along that line) on some blogs when I comment...it's rather annoying! ;)  It also keeps things simpler for me, because I have the username "beastsbelle" on several other sites, so now everything is the same.

In other news, I hope to get some actual blogging done sometime this weekend!  I was hoping to get to it today, but I've been focusing on getting my disaster area of a house ready for my middle daughter's birthday party next week!!  Blogging is much more fun than cleaning...which is pretty much why my house looks the way it does right now! :}

Let's see, I figured it was about time to give another weight-loss update as well.  The good news is that I lost about 15 pounds before Christmas!  The bad news is that I gained it all back after Christmas (my aunt's homemade fudge and gingerbread was the beginning of my downfall, not to mention that I had absolutely NO exercise in the month of January!).  I haven't given up, though.  I'm realizing that this weight thing is going to be like dishes and laundry...it's something I'll have to battle all my life.  I'm trying to shift my focus to being healthy rather than being a certain dress size.  Hopefully, that will make the task a little easier and less depressing. :}  You'd think you'd get to a point where you could ignore the pressures our society puts on us to have perfect bodies.  Perhaps I'll get to that point someday, but I'm definitely not there yet!  And by the way, I'm sorry if I've already said similar stuff before...I'm bad at unintentionally repeating myself...which I think I've already mentioned (see what I mean?). ;)

I have not forgotten my promised posts....they're coming soon, I promise! :}  I also have a few review posts in the works that should be fun.  Blogger was being stinky the other night and refused to upload my pics, otherwise I would have had a post ready for you today! :}

I would also appreciate your prayers.  I've had an idea for a series of books in my head for over 2 years now.  I've actually typed up close to half of the rough draft of the first book.  The story involves retelling of fairy tales, which as you may have noticed is suddenly very "in".  I was actually really worried when ABC's "Once Upon a Time" series aired, because there are some similarities to my story ideas there.  Thankfully, they're not identical...but my story idea was a lot more unique before "Once Upon a Time". :(

So here's my dilemma.  My original plan was to wait to try to publish anything until all three of my girls were in school (which would be August of 2013), but my idea is perfect for the current market.  Should I forget my original plan, or should I stick to my plan and not worry about the current trends?  I want to think very carefully before I make a decision.  I would hate to rush into trying to get my book published and then find I was in way over my head.

I feel like I'm standing on the edge of a precipice, with a raging river below me, wondering if I dare to dive in or not.  On the one hand, this story is very important to me.  I've sensed the Lord's direction throughout my project and felt it was something that could be useful and enjoyable to others.  The characters are as real to me as if they were truly flesh and blood.  I would love to see them come to life, to introduce them to the waiting world!

And yet, on the other hand, I'm plagued by doubts and fears.  What if it's not good enough?  What if everyone hates it?  What if I invest hours and hours of my time on something that's a big-time flop?  Worse still, what if I have a deadline to finish the stories and I just can't deliver?  What if I can't figure out those last few elusive plot holes?  What on earth could I have to offer that would be even slightly interesting to anyone?  What if everyone just thinks I'm copying everyone else? (I'm really good at living in my imagination...can you tell?) ;)

The other downside to going ahead with my project is that I would have to majorly slow down on my blogging.  I would still try to have at least a little update post up each week, but many of my photo stories and things would have to be fewer and farther between.  I love my blogging!!  I don't want to have to choose between the two, but at least for a time, I'd most likely have to.

I do so desire to follow the Lord's leading through this.  I don't want to jump out ahead of the game without consulting Him and trusting His guidance.  And yet, at the same time, I don't want to wait and hem and haw so long that I miss the boat.  Just pray that I will be able to make the right decision...for me, for my family, and for everyone.

Okay, enough thinking out loud!  I'd better stop before I bore all of you to death. ;)  Thanks for following this rambling, random post.  I'll be in touch soon!


P.S.  I almost forgot...tomorrow, 3 new Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls will be revealed on the Hearts For Hearts Facebook page! :D  I can't wait!!!

19 comments:

Mickey's Girl said...

Grr.. I'm really sick of being "Mickey#39sGirl"! I might just have to do the same till they fix it! :(

I watch "Once Upon a Time" every week. Let's say I'm not addicted to it, I'm just sticking with it. I'm sure your story will be 10 times better! Maybe not as unique, but now people will be able to compare and see that "Once Upon a Time" is not near as good. ;) I have faith in you!

Mickey's Girl

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks, Mickey's Girl. :) I must confess, I've really enjoyed the series overall...although I'm almost scared to watch it each week to see what else may be similar to my story!! :}

I also am a bit frustrated with some of the content (although it's been a lot cleaner than I thought it would be), especially with Snow White and Prince Charming. It really frustrates me when "true love" is used to excuse and condone an extra-marital affair. :(

Anonymous said...

We will be praying for you on this end .. prayer is something we can do really well even when sick.

I think you should start writing on it more and yet selfishly keep blogging for awhile, we would miss you if you were gone completely, but we will pray for God's leading so you know what He wants.

We love you,
TracAn

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thank you so much, TracAn. :) I've really enjoyed getting to know you this past year and a half. I appreciate your support and prayers.

Even if I have to really back off on blogging, I do not plan on quitting completely. This has been one of the greatest, most fun things I've ever done. I just may have to stick with posting every other week or once a month or something for a while. :)

Casey said...

You're certainly right about the fairy tale resurgence - it's even in academic writing. In fact, there is a gal here who is translating medieval fairy tales for publication and Jesse wrote a chapter for a book that is discussing fairy lore. All that said, good writing is NEVER out of style, so no matter what your decision, you'll be fine. I'll be praying for you! :)

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks so much, Casey. It's funny, one of my other writer friends said almost exactly the same thing! :) She also said that it's nearly impossible to try to follow the trends...half the time, by the time you get something published, the trend is different. :} I do appreciate your prayers, all the same. :)

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Just thought I'd add, it's refreshing to see the fairy tale spin on things...maybe we'll be moving away from vampires for a while! :} Of course, many of the retellings are pretty dark...

Mickey's Girl said...

No Twilight? I'm okay with that!! ;)

It looks like Blogger fixed it self I'm no longer Mickey#39s Girl! Hooray!

Mickey's Girl

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Lol...yeah, me too! :)

Glad to hear Blogger's doing better. It seems to only happen on certain blogs for me, but now it won't on any! ;)

Anonymous said...

I'm preparing for a birthday too. MINE it's in 9 days I'm so excited hopefully this means another american girl doll but I've learned not to get my hopes up lately with the recession and all ( I didnt get kanani but i did buy her myself later which makes her more special but a birthday doll is special to now i went on a rant) Anyways I wouldnt bemuch of a help with your book because i would be conflicted too that's just how i am i have to analyze everything and then process it and just a whole long process
Your reader
savanah

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks for commenting, Savanah. I hope you have a lovely birthday! :)

anya said...

I sure hope that you can publish your book! God will point out the way. I'll pray for you!

I'm writing a book to publish also...but I'm also afraid it's going to fail. And, publishing happens to be a bit pricey. :)

Claire said...

Beastsbelle! That is so exciting! Don't give up hope, if the Lord put it on your heart, he's gonna pull through, God can do anything! I can't wait to see how he uses you :)

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks, Spicemuffin. I'll pray for you, too. :)

I haven't even gotten to the point where I've checked into publishing prices yet. I do have a great local Christian writer's group that I'm a part of. Our next meeting is tomorrow night, so I may talk to some of them who have already been published and get some ideas of what it would entail to pursue publishing now. I'll keep everyone posted on what I find out! :)

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks very much, Claire. :) I so appreciate all the encouragement and support you guys have given me. :)

anya said...

Good luck with your writer's group!

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks, Spicemuffin. :) I had a great time with them last night, and got a lot of encouragement, as well as some realistic expectations of what I need to have prepared for future publication.

anya said...

I'm glad! I've been learning about a Christian publishing company. However, they require you to buy 1000 of your new published book with them when you publish. D: Wowza. Good part of it is, no other cost besides that. Editing services are included with it.
I'll just have to scrounge up a bunch of money when I publish! :)

I can't wait till your book is released. Let me know when it's published! Cause I want to buy your book. :) I'm confidant that it will be really good. :D

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Whew, the thought of publication can be daunting, can't it? Thanks for your vote of confidence, though. :) I'll be sure to let all of you know when it's released. You'll have to be patient, though. ;)