Hello again, dreamers.

It’s been quite a week, and I’m pleased to say I accomplished everything I set out to. It’s been busy, but I feel I function best when I have a lot to do. Much remains to be done, of course: the month ahead will be filled with revisions, editing, followed by conversion to manuscript and writing a query letter and synopsis. Having been through this before, I know all too well how much work that is. On top of that, I still intend to begin writing The Pioneers as early as the coming week. Lots to do, but I’ve at least made a dent. That said, here’s what I accomplished this week:

The Pioneer

I did it. Having finished the last of two (potential) replacement scenes, as of tonight principal writing of The Pioneer is finally complete.

There’s still a lot to do: both scenes must be revised, and once that’s done I have a decision to make. While one scene is certainly going to make it into the novel, the other I’m still on the fence about. That one would require extensive re-writing of the final chapters, and while I’m not very happy with the subplot I’d be removing, I am loath at this juncture to make such dramatic changes. But I want to make this novel the best possible version of itself. Thus, at the moment I’m leaning towards putting both scenes in (after revision, of course).

Regardless of what comes of this, I feel a sense of accomplishment. While the two scenes combine total only about 2,700 words, they represent the single longest stretch of actual writing I’ve done in months. I know I’ve been saying “I’m back” a lot, but now I really feel it. I’m back to writing. And it feels good.

I feel moved to give another shoutout to my ever-diligent CP, Jania Johnson. Before she got a hold of The Pioneer I’d had serious reservations about it. Now, with her feedback, I’m more confident than ever. I believe in this story, and I think that will be enough.

The Pioneers

While The Pioneer certainly occupied most of my attention this week, I still managed to spend some time working on the plot for the novel’s sequel.

There are many unanswered questions, but things are getting clearer. I’m getting a better idea of how the story will unfold. Thus far, I know the story will take place in four phases (as with The Pioneer), rather than three parts. I also know a character believed dead at the end of The Pioneer will return (not saying who). I also know that this story will move around a lot: the major characters will remain separated for most of the story, the action taking place on different worlds.

The next step, of course, is research, and I’m already hard at it. I’ll spare the details for now, but much of my recent research has focused on Native American traditions, the American Revolution, and early hominid development.

There’s lots to do, but I’m ready to do it. I’m back, dreamers, so read on. And dare to dream. – MK