Why Can't Blurbs Write Themselves?

 

        Hello, gentle readers! Hope you are all well and staying safe!

So, I’m working on the Cover Art Form that my publisher sent me for The Maverick & Miss Miller. This is what an author fills out for what they’d like to see on the cover of their book (the manuscript is currently with my editor and I’m so excited!).

        Most of the questions are basic. What does your hero look like? What does your heroine look like? How are they dressed? What would I like to see in the background? Easy stuff really because I’ve lived with this story and these characters for a long time. I know what he looks like (tall, dark and handsome, of course), how his smile is a little bit crooked but utterly charming, how he moves, how he thinks.

        I know the same about her (because I wrote her…or rather, I started her but she kinda took over after a bit). I know she prefers split skirts and frilly blouses when working on the ranch. I know she loves to grow roses. I know she loves her nieces and nephews, their spouses, and their children—after all, she raised them. I know she is beautiful, inside (where it counts most) and out. And yes, I know exactly what she looks like.

        So, the form was being filled out fairly quickly because I know this stuff…and then I came to a crashing halt.

        One of the things I need to provide is the blurb that will appear on the back of the book…and I am struggling, which begs the question, how can I write a ninety-seven-thousand-word story, but struggle over a 150-word blurb? I struggle with synopses, too, again, asking myself how in the world can I condense that many words into two or three pages?

        It ain’t easy!

        I’m working through it though (with help, thankfully). Seriously, I couldn’t do this without my fabulous critique partner or generous-with-her-time dear friend who always have ways to make things better.

        In the meantime, one of my beta readers sent back her comments and suggestions for Wife By Surprise so I’m working on that as well. And I’m working on The Marshal & Mrs. Morgan, too. I think I’m a little bit busy (and that doesn’t include the day job, which is crazy at the moment!).

        All that being said, I need to get back to that blurb. As much as I wish it, it won’t write itself.

        Stay well! Stay safe! And remember to spread kindness wherever you go!

Marie