On Writing a Novel: Sometimes I Have Good Days, Sometimes I Don’t….

Late Morning, Thursday, June 27, 2024, Madison, New Hampshire

Madison Summer Almanac

Hi, everyone. It’s a warm early summer day here in northern New England. The current temperature is 75°F (24°C) under mostly sunny skies. With humidity at 58% and the wind blowing from the west-northwest at 6 MPH (10 Km/H), it feels like 84°F (29°C). Today’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a high of 79°F (26°C). Tonight, we can expect clear skies. The low will be 46°F (8°C).

On Writing & Storytelling: Another Lull on the Writing Front

Reunion: Coda went well for two days, but my creativity hit a wall yesterday. I don’t know why; I took my break at a reasonable hour. I ate a good lunch. I felt rested. I even had a few ideas about what Scene Three would be about.

But as I returned to my desk to continue working on the novel, my mind was empty. I had a vague idea of what I wanted to happen in the new scene for Chapter 18, but I couldn’t write a basic outline, let alone start writing the actual scene.

I wasted three and a half hours, hoping Calliope, the Muse of Epic Poetry, would bless me with a tiny spark of creativity. But my Muse was mute, so today I’m stuck in the same spot as Tuesday: with 17 chapters done, one chapter in progress, 399 pages of manuscript, and 100,345 words.

But even with the challenges, I still have a sense of pride. I have kept working on Reunion: Coda for over a year without quitting. And although I don’t know how many chapters there will be, I feel like I’m getting close to the end.

And that’s the story of my writing day yesterday. It wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t the worst either. I’m keeping an open mind about what the rest of the day will bring, but I’m optimistic that a tasty lunch and some downtime will give me the boost I need to conquer Scene Three. Maybe my Muse will grace me with her presence and guidance. Or maybe I’ll just have to depend on my grit and love. Either way, I’m resolved to move forward and have fun. I appreciate your attention and support on my adventure as a writer. I wish you an awesome Thursday!