A multi writing approach

I've discovered that writing three different books at the same time has helped me avoid getting bogged down due to my resistance in performing some writing tasks. I can't seem to edit pieces for very long before I get bored. One project, my memoir about my grief journey, at times overwhelms me and I can't seem to write. Research for my historical novel can become tedious. So having three writing projects keeps me moving along.

See new post on Novel Ideas page.

Opening scene draft

Just returned from a visit with my sisters. We talked about our experiences during the 1960's & 1970's. Thinking about where to begin I decided to write a working draft for scene one of the novel.

"It's strange, even bizarre when I ponder it all now." Rosemary grinned stiffly, her round eyes opened wide. In her peripheral vision she caught a glimpse of Molly frantically scribbling on a yellow notepad. She had refused Molly's repeated requests to record their meetings.
Everything had begun a lifetime ago yet sweat sprang from Rosemary's pours. Her rigid body shuddered. Voice low, barely a throaty whisper she said, "You never forget the sound of a bullet passing inches above your head..."

New post on Dubious Grief page.

A road map approach

This piece (story about social movements and change) is the first time I will use a 'road map' (historical events) to develop a novel. Most of the research about events from the 1960-70's is completed. The question I now address is: Where is my protagonist and what situations during this timeframe provide the greatest opportunity for her to change? Thinking about these critical moments I am sketching out possible scenes, encounters where the protagonist moves from one perspective and into a different way of viewing her world. What is she looking for and how does she get or not get what she wants. I will write, write, write these scenes and see what happens.