After months of delving into Eleanor’s early life, I am closing in on the first draft of TO BE QUEEN. I find myself moving into high gear, as I always do this close to the end of a novel. Of course, once I have the draft completed, re-writes begin. Re-writes are an adventure, too, but a …
Even though I outline my novels before I sit down to write them, sometimes I can not see exactly how my book will take me from one plot point to the next. I know the facts of the novel, the events of what will be taking place between the covers of my book, but while writing the first …
As I work on my latest novel about Eleanor of Aquitaine, I find myself thinking about the tough chapters. The chapters that neither I nor my character want to write. Now some will say every chapter in a novel is a tough chapter, and that is true. Sometimes the blank page stares back at us, and …
Yesterday was an incredible day. I had lunch with my agent, Margaret, and my editor, Claire. We sat at a table for four, so I liked to think that my character, Eleanor of Aquitaine, sat in the fourth chair, at least in spirit. (Writers have crazy ideas like this…those of you who follow the lure of storytelling …
I had the most amazing experience today. Last night, after working into the evening on my latest draft of THE QUEEN’S PAWN, I turned my computer off, my task completed. I sent the book back to Claire via email, thinking that it still might need another pass. I have learned throughout this process that when Claire asks a question, she …
Finally, I have implemented all the notes my editor gave me. Finally, I have completed the newest draft. I have no doubt that once my editor goes over it, The Queen’s Pawn will need a few more changes. I am meticulous, but out of a 510 page novel, I may have missed something. Also, I …