Regarding Snowstorms and Writing

Congratulations! We’ve made it through another winter … almost. I took the above photo in our family room during one of our many snow events this winter.

Although most people are ready for spring, here in the Northeast, we’ve had snowstorms in April. It’s uncommon to have snow that late in the season, but it has happened.

Whatever takes place at this point, it feels good knowing that spring is nearly here.

In writing news, I’ve begun the next book in my current series. Tentatively titled Elthea’s Nemesis, this will be the fourth book in the Story of Elthea’s Realm series. I’m taking a different approach to the plot for this book. No spoilers, at least not yet. I’ll let you know how it develops.

Beginning a new novel is both an exciting and terrifying time for me. Exciting because I can develop a fresh adventure with all the emotional highs and lows in the plot. Terrifying because I’m starting with zero words on a page, knowing that I need to write around 90,000 words to complete the novel. That can be intimidating if I think about it too much.

I believe Stephen King once responded to a question about how he was able to pound out so many novels. He answered, “By writing one word at a time.”

Sage advice from a master of the craft.

When I write, I think of myself as a reader as much as an author. I write the kinds of stories I want to read: tales of adventure and discovery with joys and triumphs as well as hardships and suffering. When I read a great novel, I feel a character’s emotions. I cheer when things go well and fret when they don’t. In short, I’m invested in the novel.

That’s the way I want you to feel when you read one of my books.