The Final Proof

By Catherine Ulrich Brakefield

Wilted Dandelions is now in the final editing stages. I feel like an expectant mom all over again. My mind crisscrosses the nine months of Wilted Dandelions gestation, the research, editing, and more editing that went into this historical romance.

The final proofing was not easy for me. This is it. Once Wilted Dandelions goes into print, it is out there for the world to see. My mind raced along like a fireman to a house fire. Should I change this dialogue? Does that ever happen to you when you do your final edit?

I always liked to check the “what ifs” of a situation. Just like when I was pregnant and ready to rush to the hospital with my second child. It hadn’t been an easy pregnancy. I had gotten labor pains four week before my due date.

Now that my children have left my maternal nest, the characters in my books have, in a way, replaced them.  Rachael and Jonathan Wheaton, the heroine and hero in Wilted Dandelions have become as real as one of my family members.

I want Rachael and Jonathan depicted as I see them in my mind’s eye—alive, vivacious, dressed to glow with vitality, and their voices strong and poetic. Did I forget anything? Are the characters and scene depiction strong enough to carry my reader back into the 1830s, into that time machine of words and imagination I envision? Back to the western frontier before the Oregon Trail was a reality, before there were states to mark the vast unknown?

Memories pelted my thoughts like a thunderstorm. My contractions were coming; only they didn’t feel right ...  my baby wasn’t due for another week. Prov. 3:5 immediately came to my thoughts, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not rely on your own insight.” The encouraging voice of my obstetrician confirmed this. “Your baby is healthy and he will do fine.” With my faith renewed, my confidence escalated.  

With Wilted Dandelions I felt that concern again, Prov. 3:6 came to mind “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

“At some point we just have to let go.” My publisher had e-mailed me. Her words provided the confirmation of faith I desired.

Yes, dear authors, we have to let go. Our new creation must come out of our hearts and computers, become the printed word in order for our readers to enjoy our characters and story.

Just as I held my bundle of joy in my arms, so perfectly formed by God’s hands, I know a mustard seed of awe will be present when I caress Wilted Dandelions with loving fingers, and whisper a prayer to my Maker and Savior, Jesus Christ, to bless the words and characters within Wilted Dandelions and to perform their mission and reason for existence. 

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed portraying the creator with your characters? Awed, knowing you are also beautifully created by a loving God?

Does your stomach feel the butterflies, knowing this is the final hour? Your final proof is finished and you pray God will be honored above all else?

Thanks so much for having me today and may God richly bless you!

____________________________________________________________________

Catherine Ulrich Brakefield is an author of two non-fictional history books, and two inspirational historical romances, The Wind of Destiny and Wilted Dandelions. She is a former staff writer for Michigan Traveler Magazine, and has freelanced for numerous newspapers and magazine publications. She has had many short stories published. A few are: CrossRiver’s The Benefit Package, Revell’s The Dog Next Door, and The Horse of my Heart scheduled for release in Fall, 2015. Catherine enjoys horseback riding, swimming, camping, and traveling the byroads across America. She lives in Michigan with her husband, Edward, of forty years and her Arabian horses. Her children are grown and married. She and Edward are blessed with three grandchildren. Please visit Catherine at https://www.CatherineUlrichBrakefield.com Hopes,Heart, and Hoofbeats: http://catherineulrichbrakefield.wordpress.com Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/CUBrakefield 

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CatherineUlrichBrakefield Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/pub/catherine-brakefield/15/B3/471 Google+"https://plus.google.com/113662349569050700543/postshttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3387463.CatherineUlrichBrakefieldhttp://www.amazon.com/Catherine-Ulrich-Brakefield/e/B001H6UI8U