I am way behind on the coursework for my online class, so yesterday, I spent most of my “writing time” finishing one massive module. I filled ten handwritten pages with notes, responses to questions, plot ideas, sequences, and a few of my own questions that need answers. Then I completed another four pages of “what if” scenarios. It’s a tremendous amount of work, but my characters are coming to life, developing personalities, and the storyline is growing.

I also indulged myself by taking advantage of the pleasant weather and escaped outside with a glass of wine and my current book. I finished that one, and rather than reading one of two other books currently in progress, I opted to begin a different novel. The library emailed to advise me another book I had placed on hold was now available for pickup. So many books, so much homework, and a slew…