Just about to go over and work on the mast, but for anyone who might have wondered where I've been the past week, here's the answer.


I got rolling on a new youth novel. Into it 10,000 words, or about one third of the way if my estimate is accurate. The process of writing is trying and, at times, triumphant. I start out telling a story, realize that it isn't very exciting and then stumble on a way to inject conflict that I didn't start out envisioning. I started this one with a beginning and an end. I knew the middle more or less, but not the details. So I started writing, and the muse is apparently nearby, helping me out when I don't have an original thought. I guess that might feel creepy in a different setting, but I'm glad for the assist.


I wanted to end the week where I am, so now I'm free to grind some paint etc. until the work resumes Monday -- or sooner. It's more fun than the Super Bowl when it's going well.