999 Words left to type

999 Words

I type a few down

And then sit around

999 words left to type.

That’s right, folks. I’m down to less than 1000 words left before I can write “The End” on this particular book. It’s working title is “Escapades” and I wrote most of it in the Fall, then took a break from it and have been finishing it up over the last month or so. It’s a fun book and I’ve really enjoyed writing it. For those of you who’ve read my other books, I’ll put this one in perspective by saying, it makes Forbidden Passions look chaste… :c)

So, how is it that I can write a book in a couple of months and then be stuck on the final few words for a month? I’m tres frustrated, to be honest with you. I just want to write a bang up, fireworks igniting, tender-yet-passionate love scene to end the book with. Is that too much to ask? Apparently so. Or at least my brain thinks it is. Or maybe I just think if I take my time writing it, the reader will think the characters are taking their time doing it? Hmmm… sounds like something I could rationalize…

Outside of the fact that I’m ending the book on a love scene, which we all know I have a hard time writing, I do believe there might be one other underlying factor in all of this… Radclyffe… :c)

Two weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of attending Saints and Sinners in New Orleans. It was an amazing experience. We got there late Thursday night and spent Friday playing tourists through the French Quarter. I was in Heaven!!! We went to Jackson Square (my favorite place on Earth, well close anyway… Top 3 for sure) and went into the St. Louis Cathedral. If you’ve read any of my vampire short stories, you know my vampires tend to live in the bell tower of the Cathedral.

We took a carriage ride around the French Quarter and then over to St Louis Cemetary #1, where we saw the tomb of the one and only MARIE LAVEAU!!! OMG!!!! It was a mind blowing experience for me. I worship the woman as many of you know. To be right there where she was buried was a spiritual experience to be sure. Not that her spirit is being particulary helpful in me finishing my book, but maybe I didn’t leave the right offering???

This brings us to Saturday. Saturday I attended a workshop put on by Radclyffe. It was all about Point of View. And during the presentation she pointed out one particular type of POV that you should never use for a romance novel. Well, guess what I immediately recognized as the POV I’m using for Escapades!!?!?!?!? Yep! GULP!

And then we got to the samples of writing each of us sent in for Rad to edit. She read over each one of them aloud and pointed out their shortcomings. Guess who’s sample was COVERED in red ink? Yep, yours truly! The surgeon had sliced and diced my bit to bits!

So, my writing ego is quite bruised. Although it really was a leanring experience. I mean that. I learned a whole heckuvalot from the master. But I find myself second guessing every word I write! I need to take what I’ve learned and apply it as I write rather than doubt as I go.

OK, so I feel better now. We’ve identified the problem and clearly it’s not simpy lack of ability on my part. :c) Rationalizing is such a good thing. I think I’m ready to move past the blockers and get this written now.

Thanks for helping me work through this!