Writerly Wednesday: Memorable Lines

Writerly Wednesday

"Memorable Lines"

There are some lines from books that live on and are quoted daily. How do these lines get to be immortalized this way? Does the author of these lines slave away to make sure the prose is perfect? Or does it just happen to fall into place?

Some of the favorite things I've written are almost accidental. It seems like when I am really struggling with the words for a character, I end up not liking that scene/that character very much. But when I re-read what I've written, and I laugh, or I cry, it makes me feel really good! (It's probably dorky to cry over my own words but...yeah. I do it.)

I love it when readers tell me their favorite lines from my books, especially when it's one of my favorite parts, too! Here's an example from a recent conversation with a reader.

Her: "I was laughing to myself in my room and was thinking, 'I am such a nerd for laughing over a book!'"
Me: "What part was it?"
Her: "Where Nolan says, 'Walking? Is that what you kids are calling it now?'"
Me: *laughs* "I love that part, too! I'm nerdy with you." :)


So, let authors know that you've read their books and share the parts that you like. It's heartwarming and validating. And we all need validation, right?

Here's the part in THE HIDDEN BLESSING that my reader was talking about. :)

Thad spoke up. “Will is my best friend and I’m telling you this in the strictest confidence. He doesn’t . . . er . . . walk with many girls out in the garden.” Thad raised his eyebrows up at Emma meaningfully.

            Nolan slapped his knee as he laughed. “Walk? Is that what the kids are calling it now?”

            Emma could feel her face turn beet red, and she awkwardly stood up. “Please excuse me, I need to walk back . . . I mean, really walk to the castle now.”

            Thad and Nolan both began to laugh at her embarrassment good-naturedly. “Come, Emma. I’ll escort you back,” Thad said, handing the pole back to his father. “Good luck with your fishing, Father.”