Man…I was very, very sleepy today. I thought maybe I was coming down with something, but I don’t think that’s what it was. No, I think this was a good old bout of depression, and I know what the depression stems from: work.
I have not found my groove yet with this second book, guys. It’s been a slog from the day I began back in mid-June. And I guess when I put in that kind of perspective, it hasn’t really been long enough yet to actually find a groove. But it still sucks.
I thiiiiiink I finally had a breakthrough today, though, so that’s good. I found the “fun” I think in the first opening couple scenes. Unearthed a scenario that I think will finally, FINALLY be fun to write. Another author I’ve read who talks about the writing process calls that fun “magical cookies.” Every scene has to have one, otherwise why is it in the book?
I wrote almost 2,000 words today…and I know that they’re 2,000 words that I’m probably going to throw away. Almost positive I’m going to throw them away. But, whatever. I made a decision on a character and how they’re handling something emotionally that I know is going to be much, much more fun, and much, much more positive than what had been tumbling around in my brain. Hopefully, it’s the kind of character reaction that surprises you and makes you love that character so much more.
We went out to Culver tonight and attended a book reading and signing at the Ripped Bodice, which is a romance-centric bookstore. It was really, really fun. Liz knew the author and had read her first book, and so we showed up to get its sequel and get it signed. They have a resident dog there named Fitzwilliams Waffles DDS Esquire and he was SO SWEET. He really liked butt scratches and chest scratches.
Anywho…an up and down day, but I’m ending it on an up. I just have to find my rhythm again with this book. It’s been tough, but I know I can find it. Makes me want to go back and read my early blogs from a couple years ago when I was first writing Starstuff. See how long it took me to feel like things were cooking with gas.
Oh…and despite the depression times early…I still got my writing exercises in AND my reading in addition to getting in a solid hour of writing. Not bad. Now, if only I could start actually LIKING what I was writing…baby steps.
Good night!
Artwork tonight is from Paul Lehr.