Character development

In my current story in progress, I am doing research for a new character. I'm looking into historical websites to form the details surrounding the character's life. I want the character's entrance into the story to be timely and as accurate as possible. In contrast, during my third book I had characters who just appeared into the text of my story without any thought at all. While writing a scene where my characters are caught in a blizzard, my hero began ringing a school bell as a dim light appeared in the storm. I became caught up in my own story as a missionary and his very pregnant wife came out of the storm, seeking refuge. The arrival of the missionaries brought another dimension to the story that I would not have otherwise thought of. They also became significant characters in the series. I don't know why sometimes I labor in my writing, and at other times it is seemingly inspired. I think of my writing as a journey, with the route being carefully planned. Sometimes there are detours which lead down interesting paths. That's what makes the process of writing so exciting.

In the Dark of Winter, a Rose still blooms

I never thought when I started this writing journey that I would lose my traveling companion. My husband of twenty years, the man of my dreams and my steady rock, passed away in August after a tragic work accident. I've spent these past few months mourning my loss, trying to stay enveloped in the warmth and support of family and friends. Nothing can replace my loss. I know that grief must finish its work in me. I read a quote that says, "In the midst of winter, I have found within me an invincible summer." I don't know who said it, but it is quite profound. It reminds me that in the winter of my grief, God's love is like a little rose pushing up through the snow, giving me hope that healing, like summer, will come.