I’m in a weird place with this new work-in-progress. I like the story, I like the characters, but somehow I’m having a problem getting them to move along. I have more notes about this story, this new series, than I did starting out the Four Irish Brothers Winery series, mostly because I’m coming off those stories with this series, so character lists, place descriptions, etc. are already created, I’m just adding to them. But I also have more word notes, more conversation notes, more scene notes than any book I’ve ever written. It’s almost as if I’m writing the book in my notes, but when I get to the computer, the words are coming hard.

Funny thing is, I know this story. I know these characters. I’ve got goal, motivation, and conflict–it’s all there. Ryker and Kitt have a story together. I’m wondering if I’m just in mid-book slump where when we tell someone what the story is about, we get through set-up with enthusiasm, then we flounder with “and then some stuff happens… and they live happily-ever-after.”

I’m in the “…and then some stuff happens…” phase. Beginning tomorrow, I’m going to have to get serious about my old routine of getting up at the butt crack of dawn and writing for a couple of hours each day, plus do some sprints with my fellow Tule writers during the day in between editing gigs. I simply need to get a first draft done, stop tweaking along the way, and write the damn book. My editor and I can work out the rough edges when the story is finally written.

So there’s my vow–starting on Tuesday, September 8, which happens to be my brother’s birthday, I will be up at 6:00 each day, and write until 8:00. I’ll report in here every Monday morning with progress. I’ve already put reminder stickies on my desktop.

Meanwhile, gratitude is always a good thing so here are my five things today: Husband, who graciously ran the vacuum cleaner yesterday (thanks, Husband!); Son, DIL, and Grandboy, who always bring me joy; Bestie Liz, who keeps me grounded, in so many areas, but especially in my writing; lovely early fall weather that is comfortable; and my home, which still feels new to me.

Stay safe, stay well, and stay grateful, mes amies!

~Nan~