I did get some writing done on my new chapter two. However, I have found that this story has changed so much that I need to take several steps back and refine my outline. The original outline worked for the main character I had when I first started this novel. I'm finding, however, that it does not work with this new main character and world history.

This time around I don't want to focus on "getting published" as much as I did when I first started writing (high school, college, etc.). This time I want to write because I enjoy it. If I can get published, fine. When I was more concerned about getting published I rushed my writing. I don't want to do that this time. So, for now, I will go back and work on the outline.

I've also discovered I need structure when writing and an outline will help with that. I know that some can start with the blank page and write until the end with little or no outline. However, I find myself struggling to write the sections of this novel where I do not have a solid outline of story events.

Hopefully this method will work for me. If not, I will try a different option until I get this novel finished. I know I can do it because I have finished it once already. I also feel that this new version of the story is better than what I wrote ten years ago. Only time will tell if this version ends up being publishable.

On the upside, I did at least write. I took a few scenes from Book One, surrounding a single event and reworked them into a flash. So far, those who have read it like it. I'm just amazed that it worked. I have so much trouble writing at the shorter lengths. This makes me feel good. So, I've been playing with another, longer excerpt to see what I can do with that.

I'm also trying to start thinking about a synopsis and query letter for Book One. I'm going to have to send it out someday, after all.

If I didn't exactly reach my goals, I'm not disappointed.

Goals for this Week:

1) Get the short stories from my contest critiqued.

2) Get the first couple of chapters of Sheena's novel read enough for the opinion she requested.

3) Get any return WotF critiques that are owed done.

4) Write at least 2 new pages a day (on CoE AND PotD)

and 5) Edit 2 - 5 pages on APTW.

Not to mention Deb's sketches and hopefully a map or two for Kevin J. Anderson.

It's quite a load, but I figure if I got the time, use it.

It's Easter weekend so I won't get any writing in today or tomorrow. Which is fine. I think I need a break. Maybe I'll draw a map or something.

Goal for next week? I think I'll push myself and say I want to write 6,000 words by Friday, April 17, bringing up total up to 25,000 words.

For example, one of my main characters is now a god.

Who knew?

I said this before, but, this writing thing sure is fun.

Goals for this week, try to get back into CTD. That's the story I'm supposed to be playing with right now.

Happy writing!

Oh and Woot to Rich on the new jobs, the movies, the awards, the total awesomeness in one person.

Sheena--which character is a god?

As for me--I'm still on hiatus from writing, and missing it more and more. On the positive side, my house is starting to look like an adult lives here again, and my kids are eating food that didn't come straight from the grocery's freezer aisle, and for a change I remembered to pay my oil bill before I got a late fee.

My goals: Continue to get my life back in order. I might start trying to outline book 3, but it'll mostly be mind work right now.

**quick pause to go see why my front yard is on fire**

Actually two of my characters are now gods, one I'm sure you'll get. His name is Gabriel, Surprise. But the other is Connor. Seriously. How weird is that, right?