Starting anew...

So, it's the third week of school and I've started my second book. Don't I have a lot to do? Sure. Aren't I supposed to make time for myself? Sure. That's what writing is for me. I love it. I'm having fun with my characters. So, I'm having a blast.

It's strange because this time, compared to the first book, I'm writing from the beginning. At least right now. During the first book, I actually wrote the scene/chapter that's more of a third of the way in first. I wrote what came to me and that's what came to me. I had been thinking about that scene for quite awhile before I finally wrote it down. I jumped around and wrote other "major" scenes, loosely connecting them on paper (okay, in the computer and on paper - more on that later) and in my head. But now, perhaps because it feels like I still in the middle of the story, I feel the need to start at the beginning (the continuation of the previous book?). I don't know if I'll continue chronologically like that, but for now, I'm focused on a particular time frame in it.

I liked re-reading my book for editing and making sure everything is smoothed out. I crack myself up sometimes. So, if I’m the only person that’s amused by certain things in it, that’s okay. I made at least one person laugh. I’d read my book and it would be time for me to go to sleep – I do have a day job, after all – but wouldn’t want to put it down because “I wanted to find out what happened next.” Of course, my husband would look at me like I was nuts because I wrote the thing and I did know what happened next. Only, as a reader, I was enjoying the journey. Again, if I’m the only one that enjoys the journey, at least I’m proud of what I did. I never like putting out junk. If my name is on it, I need it to be the best it can. Can the final version be better. Probably. For now, after a couple reads, I know I have to step away and get some perspective on it before editing it again.

I am glad to be back to writing, though. It’s like a euphoria or something. It makes me smile. Could I be getting more sleep (or should I)? Yeah. Heck, I’m teaching a brand new class this year – one that I’ve lobbied for, got students to sign up for and is new to the school, so there’s no book for it – but making time to do write for me, and not just my lessons, is important to me. Happiness for the soul. Sounds corny, I know. But it’s true.