some days the magic works

...and some days it doesn't. But today it did. For the first time since I got back from book tour, which has been . . . how long? six weeks? I really feel good about the work. It's not just that I managed to make my word-count quota and then some (2300 words today, which is terrific)--it's that they are good words. They came out fast and on track, and while they can use some polish, they're keepers, not words that I'll throw away tomorrow. At last, I feel that there's some momentum going here, enough (I hope) to pull me through the rest of the project. So far, I've put only 58 writing days into it. But all the work that was involved with getting Hearts out into the world interrupted this book, which has now been been spread out over five calendar months, a very long time for me. Usually, I try to set aside three calender months for a book. The longer the calendar time, the more draggy the writing process tends to feel. I was interested to see that Karen MacInerney fell into the same sort of situation recently. I guess it happens to everybody.

Speaking of Karen, I've been reading her book, Murder on the Rocks, which is a very good read, especially if you like cozies. This is the first in her Gray Whale Inn series, with another (Dead and Berried--what a great title!) coming next year. Karen has been celebrating: she recently sold her "reluctant werewolf" chick lit mystery to Ballantine. She says that the working title is "Wolf in Chic Clothing," which makes me smile. Check out some of Karen's work. She's good, she's serious, and she's committed. It takes all three to make it in this business. Oh, yes. Takes luck, too. Lots of luck.

Reading Note. "Writers kid themselves--about themselves and other people. Take the talk about writing methods. Writing is just work--there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type or type with your toes--it is just work."--Sinclair Lewis

Comments

[Karen MacInerney]

Thanks so much for the mention, Susan... and for taking the time to read Murder on the Rocks! (The kind words are much appreciated.)

And it's nice to know that even bestselling authors have good days and bad... :) Although I must admit, your daily quota makes mine look positively anemic. I may have to goose it a bit come September, when kidlets are back in school...

Thanks again, Susan. You're an inspiration, as always. :)