Book 3 Comes to a Stop

May 2010 - That was faster turnaround than I expected. I slide Book 3 aside to work on Book 2.

Charlotte’s story is back on my desk with a few suggestions from my new editor. What changes is she asking for? Let’s see less of Muriel and more of the hero.

I can’t say I disagree . . . and it is supposed to be a Romance novel. Perhaps my editor could speak directly to Charlotte’s sister and ask her to move into the background.

Starting Book 3

April 2010 - I reread the chapters, browsed through the notes to reacquaint myself with the characters and the story. Muriel can feel free to take charge of this story. And I’m finding she does, without any urging from me.

Book 2 is Due

My self-imposed deadline: March 15, 2010. Check. Book 2 is on its way to New York. I don’t expect to hear for a few months at least. I just make sure they’ve received it and it doesn’t go into the slush pile.

I’ll take a week or two off before diving back into Book 3. I have to reread, and rethink, what’s there. Is where I’d started it =really= the beginning of the book?

Book 2 - The Sagging Middle

January 2010 -

Charlotte’s suitors are on the run.

Of course Muriel has helped her come up with ideas to reconsider their affection for her, making Charlotte not as perfect as they’d first thought.

By February I’m nearing the finish of the second book.

The end is in sight.

On the Homefront

October 2009 - I’m trying to adjust to the empty nest and I’m taking advantage of the quiet. November is the annual vacation. I’ll be Blogging at the annual Mini Maui Blog for the first two weeks of November.

November 2009 – I’m enjoying myself in the tropical paradise. When I return home Thanksgiving is right around the corner. The kids return and we send them off a few days later.

December 2009 – The kids take their finals right when they get back to school. Then they head back home for their Winter Break and will stay until well past the beginning of next year.

The Name Game

September 2009 - Charlotte’s suitors come and go very quickly. It’s a chore coming up with names, non-repetitive names, names that don’t sound similar—names I haven’t previously used.

I’m glad I spent the time making a list of characters back when working on the first book.

It's Real Now

August 2009 - The contracts arrive in the mail. I sign and send them off. The revisions for Book 1 are minor and the revised manuscript goes in early. I want to get back to work on Charlotte’s book. Oh, the hero is too fun. Again, Muriel’s trying to take over the book.

I’m working really hard to make sure Charlotte stands out but she’s just not a strong character. Kind and sweet but not strong.

Then I realize we see the hero through Muriel’s eyes. And there’s more foreshadowing for Book 3 than I thought might be there.

I’ve got to admit that the hero does not look good when seen through Muriel’s eyes. He likes to tease her. He has to win her approval, it seems that Charlotte can’t help herself but fall for him the instant she meets him.