I’ve been reading way too many news stories lately about people who have learned a new language or how to play a musical instrument during quarantine. Those stories should be inspiring but instead they left me feeling like a loser because all I’ve managed to accomplish during the pandemic is to grow my hair out. (And even that’s incomplete–the last layer won’t reach chin length until probably Mother’s Day.)
Except for a brief stint back in March, when I freaked out and didn’t get much done besides obsessively reading about the virus, I’ve been reasonably focused but I don’t have much to show for it except failed or incomplete projects.
One of the failed projects was the original version of The Demon Wore Stilettos. In its original incarnation, the book revolved around an author who sold her soul to the devil to make the New York Times bestseller list. The story became ridiculously complicated (three couples, three romance arcs, six character arcs and way the heck too many plot lines). In July I gave up on that premise and started over. I took one of the subplots, a second chance at love story featuring demons Samael and Lilith, and created a separate story. That book is now about 75% of the way to a first draft. I would be finishing it up very soon except…
Last Monday I found myself thinking about my Faustian author again. In a flash of inspiration, all the problems I had with the original book disappeared. With Sam and Lilith’s story stripped away, I could see the bones of the original book very clearly. Since then I’ve been writing like a madwoman (except for Christmas Eve, which I spent handing gifts to shivering grandchildren on my back porch), typing until my back and shoulders burn so much I have to quit for the day.
I may still run into some kind of showstopper issue, but I’m feeling pretty good about the book’s chances. With a few more months of quarantine-level focus, I expect to finish both demon stories before spring.
With any luck, I’ll release three books in 2021–two demon stories (tentatively titled The Demon Wore Stilettos and The Demon’s Secret Baby) and Girl’s Best Friend, the first book in a new Contemporary romance series set in Russet Springs, a small town in Ohio.
So take that, all you newly minted guitar players.
Eight Ladies Writing 
That’s better than nothing. I have also been working on my first novel which I hope to publish next year. I procrastinate a lot and sometimes I even get tired of it, lol!
Perfectly normal (at least it is for me). Keep at it! And please be sure to let us know when you complete your first draft!
What an excellent way to spend the holidays! I always thought that Faustian author might resurrect herself at some point. Look forward to hearing more 🙂 Good luck with the writing frenzy, and here’s to a three-book year in 2021!
Thanks! I’m pretty stoked.
Brilliant work! Ive just started reading The Demon’s in the Detail – and loving it. I wondered if Lilith was going to make a re-appearance and look forward to that as well as the author piece – what a wonderful premise!
I’ve got one book to release next year and am about half way through book 3 of the English Garden Series, so when I release that, I’m naked, (so to speak) and have no books ‘on the stocks’.
Which means MY holiday has been puzzling about how to juggle my current day job with reading, writing and the normal stuff that life has to offer. So for me, here’s to a MUCH more organised 2021, and wishing you all good things for the year ahead – including three new books!
Although retirement hasn’t freed up nearly as much time as I thought it would, it’s definitely a lot easier to carve out writing time than when I had a day job. On the other hand, it’s also much easier to convince yourself to skip a session because there’s plenty of time.
You’ll figure it out. I have faith in you (and want to read many more garden books).
After this comment, I’m off to complete chapter 18….. 🙂
(Runs hands together) Ha! My plan worked!
Congratulations on your productivity, Jeanne! Three books out next year is awesome. Who wants to learn how to play the guitar, anyway?
I’ve tried that in a past life with zero results. At least when I spend a year writing I wind up with something.
You’re doing fantastic! Since that second book gave inspiration, makes sense to “write while the iron’s hot” to mix metaphors. I guess in my “covid vacation” which I didn’t have (since no days off), but did gain 1 hour of no commute time, I’ve done a better job averaging 7-8 hours sleep/night instead of 6-7. Courtesy of adding bird feeders, I’ve gotten closeups; and was home to see the wrens fledge from the nest box. I guess I made a good habitat, because I’ve been seeing two wrens lately enjoying the feeders!
I love your bird photos. Your feeders let you capture wonderful close ups.