The joy of writing

There are times, as an author, when I feel stuck in a rut. Some folks might call that writer's block, but me? I don't believe in writer's block. For me, it's more like mood of the day. Hey, sometimes I wake up ready to take on the world, and other days I feel like the world is dragging me down. Writing isn't much different. You push forward, because that's really your only option.

By now, you'll know that the next Hillendale book went on sale early (Woo-hoo! Did you get your copy of THE HIDDEN GRIMOIRE?). I have had a great deal of fun writing those books, but after three in a row, it's a little like hanging out with the same person every day for a year-- and we all know what that feels like right about now! I love Brynn and Nora, but I need a little vacation from them, so I started off on something different for my next book, and just like being on vacation, I'm having a ball "visiting" the Cascade Mountains in Washington State!

I've written a novella that is a stand-alone romance and is inspired to a certain degree by recent events. The characters spoke to me and insisted I tell their stories, but as I was writing, the story began practically writing itself, which is energizing. I hit a point where I stopped to wonder if people would think I was writing about myself. My main character is an author and she writes books "on the fringe" of supernatural. So as to clear up any doubts - IT IS NOT ABOUT ME. There's always someone who thinks my books are autobiographical, no matter what occupation my heroine is assigned. Imagine living all those lives - but that's the point. Imagine living all those lives!

So what about Hillendale? Are Brynn's adventures over? I don't think so. She and I have become BFFs, and judging by reader feedback and sales, there need to be more stories there. Now. With that being said, I can hear you wondering if I'm bored with Hillendale, which would most certainly reflect in my writing. The quick and easy answer to that is no. More ideas for Brynn and friends are crawling around in my head, and taking a break from them provides me the time I need to approach the next story with fresh enthusiasm. I have forward-thinking threads yet to be addressed that you will see after reading THE HIDDEN GRIMOIRE. So will there be a Hillendale 4? Yes, I can confidently say so. How long will you have to wait? Judging by the extra time I've had to write over this past year and by the ideas pouring out of my fingertips, there's better than half a chance it could be by the end of the year.

For now, I'm still on vacation with these new characters and rediscovering the joy of a fresh story. Have I mentioned how much fun I'm having? Just wait til you read what I've come up with!