Chapter One
See above for rewrite of first chapter.
Left this in order to keep comments.
Thanks very much!!
posted by Sandy Cathcart @ 10:37 PM
33 comments
Wild Woman . . . A Real Walk in the Woods
A Modern Journey of the American West
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Left this in order to keep comments.
Thanks very much!!
About Me
- Name: Sandy Cathcart
- Location: Prospect, Oregon
Sandy Cathcart is a freelance writer, photographer and artist. She has published several hundred articles and photos in national and regional magazines. Sandy and her husband, Cat, work as cook and guide for 4E Guide and Supply, a wilderness outfitter. She writes about The Creator and everything wild.
Previous Posts
33 Comments:
Well gosh! How excitingly wonderful to read--and wondrous how you wove stories within the story! Me, the city girl loved it! Only lightning display I ever watched was from the side of a road because it was too awesome and I was too chicken to continue driving. I understand the roller coaster fab fear--ooooh fun--but woods 'n lions 'n tigers 'n bears--oh my! Oh no--is more like it. I'm so thankful to know you, and other wild women (note I honored you by spelling wymin right) who can express your hearts and experiences so beautifully. This is great! Oprah would luuuuuvvv you gals! But I read once in that same mag of hers that she'd only have on authors who have a published book. Well, this will be, for sure, one of these days. No doubt about that! Love you--Patti
Thanks Patti,
When I wrote this the first time around, I had outdoor women in mind. This time I have your kind of wymin in mind. So glad you can relate. The rest of the book keeps the same pace and rhythm.
Thanks for your comments!
ooh! I love lightening and thunder. I could feel it. Great work. Elle Bea
Thanks very much Elle Bea! So glad you could feel it.
Wow, Sandy, This is so good! You had me wanting more. D.Huffman
D.
Glad you liked it! I'm hoping to be finished with the book by May, 2006.
Wonderful writing Sandy. I felt like I was there with you and Tresa experiencing all the elements. I LOVE thunder and lightning, watched a beautiful light show just outside Salt Lake City one night. It looked as if there was a cavern between two large cloud banks and in that cavern a war had broken out as the lightning crashed one against another. It reminded me that there is indeed a war going on out there in the heavenlys for the souls of those on earth. May God continue to send His mighty warriors to fight the spiritual battle for us. Can't wait to read the rest of the book.
Love ya
Anne
Anne,
thank you very much! Speaking of the rest of the book . . . I would love your prayers for me as I fight the battle to finish it. Of course, it's not in my strength, but that I would remember that it's God's strength at all times!
Praise God for those warriors!
Great stuff, Sandy. What a wild woman you are. :-) Pat
Wow, can you write! Metaphors that are so accurate, you draw us into your emotions seamlessly. And your scenery! You take my breath away with the vividness, the poetry and rhythm of your sentences. "until all light falls from the heavens..." just beautiful. And finally, the spiritual application...powerful, unexpected. Appropriate. You're an amazing writer -- I look forward to seeing this published! (and you on Oprah!) *VBG*
I really like the picture. :) The first chapter is amazing, the way you described the situation and turmoil made me think of some of my, I guess "Wild" moments. I love books that not only leave you wanting more, but bring back memories. It is almost as if you can relate to what is going on. Great Job! I will keep you in prayers as you continue this battle.
Garret
Pat,
Thanks so much for reading this! And for your comments. That means a lot to me.
Susan,
Wow! What a way with words you have. I'll be keeping this post for those days when I'm really needing encouragement.
Garret,
Hey! Brother! I love that photo too! I just like to stare and stare at it. It is so utterly perfect. Takes me right back out to the wilderness . . . since I can't get in there right now because of too much snow. Thanks much for the prayers. I really am needing them.
Thanks to all of you. I feel jazzed and ready to move forward.
Sandy, you had me totally engaged from first word to last and left me wanting more. And more there will be, come May, eh? I loved the stories within a story--the way they flowed effortlessly within the whole. It gave me a glimpse of what made you the vibrant soul you are today.It seems like there is a deep, echoing well of wild women experiences to your credit. Makes me feel a little sheltered. What a great ride. Keep on truckin, Sandy.
And I'll be praying for you as you near that finish line.
Missy
Missy,
Thanks! I needed that! May? I certainly hope so...with prayer and through God's strength is the only way. Oherwise, there are so many thing to waylay me. Thanks very much for the prayers!
Hi Sandy,
There's been some discussion on the writers loops I'm on (AFCW and FCW) about copyright and "publishing" non-published works on blogs. It's been said that once your work is on a blog, you can no longer sell first time rights, because you've already used them. This concerned me for you and others who post portions of not-yet-published material. Don't know if I'm right or wrong here, but just FYI.
Happy writing!
Karri
KC
Thanks for stopping by! And the helpful comment.
What you say is true for articles, but posting a chapter or two of a book should not affect the copyright.
My agent gave me the okay and the publishers interested in Skookum are delighted that it's posted. You might also find it interesting that "Skookum" ran for 21 sequels in Cascade Horseman. It was a much shorter version (45,000 words) and is now nearly 100,000 words, so it is being sold as first rights as well. The publishers are also delighted that it ran in a magazine.
Thought you might like to know that. I do appreciate you giving me the info, though, because if I didn't already know that, I would want to know. Ha!
hey sandy,
gosh, i love the first chapter. i know that when i read it i am hearing your voice, which also makes it a lot of fun. makes me wish i could have been there. it is my prayer that God gives you the joy and energy to finish the task that he has set before you. i think it's going to turn out awesome. blessings, jeffrey
Hey Jeff Man!
That means a lot coming from you! And thanks much for the prayer. I really need it. I have to dig deep in pulling this book out. Sometimes it's extremely painful, but I'm starting to really see how needful it is.
Blessings back to ya!
Wowzers. If I can't tag along with you on your next adventure, I'll just return here and read this again and again. Wish I could have stood there beside you two -- knowing you both would keep me safe in a world I really know very little about, but yet knowing you two would totally understand the pure intense wonder overwhelming me ...
Awesome stuff, Sandy. What an awesome God we serve.
Can't wait to read the rest.
love ya, : )
donna fleisher
What a wonderful gift God has given you. Thank you so much for taking the time to put your adventure into words. What a joy it is to read and experience with you through your pen. KE
Donna and KE,
Doesn't have to only be through the pen. Either or both of you are welcome to join me on my next Wild Women adventure! ...although it will have to wait a bit until I heal from my fall on this last WW adventure! Sigh.
Thanks for the comments!
Ooooooo ... I'd love to be a Wild Woman for real. Not just a recliner-sitting wannabe. But there's no doubt in my mind I wouldn't be able to keep up with you -- even with your bum knee. : ) BTW, hope it's healing quickly, and I'm still awed by how God is healing all those in the accident. Your prayers are powerful -- ours are just icing on the cake.
Ahh ... in heaven with our glorified bodies and with bazillions of expanses of frontier to explore ... that's when I'll truly be able to keep up with you as a bonifide Wild Woman. Thank You, Lord. Can't wait!! Until then, lead on with the pen, girl. And let's plan on a Wild Woman in Training trip one of these days.
: )
donna
Sandy this is marvellous!! I'm a far cry from the wilderness gal that you are but the way you wove personal memories and Biblical accounts into the larger landscape made it all the more real. Fantastic!
In my mind I was there right beside you Sandy; totally wishing I was with you in person. I love that I have been to that place. And, in trying to read it from an outsiders perspective; I am 100% sure they could see that beautiful place you described with such finesse. I too cannot wait to read the following chapters. Oprah will love it. You truly have a gift ;)
Powerful description of a thrilling adventure. Thanks for letting me "romp in the wilderness" with you from the comfort of my home. You've whet my appetite to hope that one day I too will have more magnificent journeys in His creation. Blessings on you.
JS
Donna,
Wild Women in Training Trip . . . I like that . . . definitely something to plan for a future trip. And isn't that what we all are really?
Jen,
I recognize you in that crack about Oprah loving it. The group of us would make her show sing, wouldn't we?
And for the rest of you arm chair wild women . . . I know you have more in you . . . that wildness that wants to soar . . . but that's one of the reasons I'm writing this story, to give you the okay to be wild in your own way and to experience the wilderness like you never have before . . . I hope it invades your dreams in such a way that you're thrustinto the open arms of the One who created it all, and like Tresa and me, you'll find safety in the middle of the storm, living out the dreams that make sense of our existence.
Wild is more than a physical untamed place . . . it's an unrestrained soul soaring on the wings of the wind.
Alright Sandy. I am wet with envy, excited beyond control, full of frightful anxiety that makes my tummy rumble and I loved the crispy critters! LOL Wow, how I can relate.
I want to be there with you, but I guess the next best thing is to embark on these adventures with you!
Can't wait to read more!
Praying for the success of your book for God's glory!
Denise WWJD <><
Hahaha!
I just started reading and I came across this line:
I broke into a big smile. “More than okay.”
The image struck me instantly and I thought, "When is Sandy ever NOT struck in a big smile?"
Very descriptive writing. Great job. Draws the reader in.
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer
Holy Cow..I felt the hail,the rifle strapped to my shoulder, wind blowing my hat off only to be held my by stampede string. Let me know the moment more is written. I look forward to it. Thanks so much. Simply awesome. :D sharon aka Womengunowners
There is some powerful and gripping about your writing, Sandy. Funny, but I've never considered myself a wild, outdoorsy woman...but your writing reels me in. Something deeper is going on with this prose, and I'm eager to keep reading.♥
you do have a gift for writing. Very descriptive, feels very true to the outdoors I barely know. Makes me want to delve deeper. One thing about the end of the last chapter posted. Almost feels like the end of the story. No need to read on. You don't want your readers to have a excuse to put your book down. They might not pick it up again. Make it so they absolutely HAVE to turn the page.
Kathleen, Sharon, Vicki,
I soooo appreciate your comments. At least I know there may be some readers out there. Gives me the encouragement to complete this project.
Stanice,
Thanks so much!!! That means a lot to me. Okay, working on ending. Enough of you said it was weak.
Thanks to all. You are all a treasure to me!
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