The creative juices are flowing. It’s so nice to be working on a new project. Editing is fine, but to begin something new, stimulates the brain.

Passion’s Promise is taking shape. I’ve completed four chapters & mapped out ten in total. Have an idea where the rest of the story is going, but I’ll take my time building the rest of the skeleton.

I like to see where the characters take the story. PJ & Spencer seem to know where they are headed, so I’ll let them lead the way. It’s more fun that way.

I know, you’re sitting there saying, “But you’re the author, you write what you want.” - but that is not always the case. Other writers will confirm, sometimes the characters have a mind of their own and will take the story in a completely different direction then the writer intended.

I’m eager to find out what surprises they’ll bring to the table today … check back in a few days and I’ll update my progress. I’ll also share some of the twists PJ & Spence add to the whole.   

Until then - bike training first then on to Chapter five! Hugs - Christine.

PJ Madison, the heroine in my new ms, is going to be a Veterinarian - so I called my Vet to ask if he’d mind me interviewing him. We had a wonderful time, and I now have about a dozen full pages of information; including course requirements to get into the School of Veterinary Medicine, GPA minimums, Test Score mimimums & frequently used terms in the clinic.

He shared a few unusual stories that he’s graciously allowed me to use as PJ’s. Of course, PJ’s obsession bagan as a child, so Dr. Brammeier suggested she volunteer at her local Vet Hospital at the age of 15, and each year her duties could increase - helping her gain knowledge prior to college.

This is so exciting … I can’t wait to delve in and get PJ’s story off the ground. Thank you, Dr. Brammeier and Kingsbury Animal Hospital for being a huge part of my research.

Time to get back to work. Until next time, Hugs - Christine

My husband surprised me with a Bose docking station for my office. I love it! My new writing routine now includes picking the music I want to listen to as I work on edits or on my other WIPs … genre, artist, specific album, or simply mood music. I’m putting together a few playlists, too, to capture a mix of my favorite songs.

Because music influences feelings, I choose the music for the day based on the scenes I’ll be working on. The beat has to match the flavor of the characters and the actions they’ll be involved in. I also found that specific songs speak for individual characters within each story. As an example, each song on George Michael’s - Older, helped me define all the characters in PASSION’S PROMISE. PJ, Spenser, Nick, and CJ have their own songs. I listen to them as I delve into their emotional journeys and the story unfolds with ease.

As I finish the edits on PASSION’S RACE, I listen to a mix of Lyle Lovett, Moby, Sting, and Lifehouse. An eclectic mix, I know, but they work for me. Sting started my morning and Lifehouse has taken the afternoon. What artist or genre will end my day?

That remains to be heard, because it all depends on the mood of the last scene I’ll touch tonight. For now, I’ll let the words dance on the screen. Maybe I’ll dance around the room a bit, too. What would the world be without music?? I think of gray, overcast days and turn up the volume to bring out the sun!

Sending hugs your way … Christine

I am thrilled to say my MC revisions fell into place yesterday afternoon. Two new threads popped up at the beginning of the week and they are weaving together nicely. I should have everything tied-up by the end of next week. Yippee!

Once that is finished, I need to wrap my head around the fashion styles and lingo of 17 to 19 year olds … can’t finish PP without delving into their hearts and minds. The journey of writers as we live vicariously through our characters, oh what FUN. Thanks Lisa N for suggesting the CW network for my research!

Until next time, do what makes you happy! Hugs, Christine. 

Woohoo, I’m off to the beach. Taking care of business — and then long runs on the hard packed sand, quality writing time while gazing at the ocean, and catching up on Ghost Whisper. Taking a few good books to read if I feel like soaking up the sun, may swim some laps in the pool, either way, I plan to enjoy the Florida heat!

Though the weather here in St. Louis has been beautiful the last few days. Went for a long walk today, capped that off with a mango lassy smoothie. Yummy.  Now I’ll work that off by dusting, vacuuming, moping floors … oh, don’t you just love to clean?

Enjoy your weekend — I’m planning to. Hugs — Christine

It has been gray and wet and cold for days now and it’s bumming me out. My creative side has disappeared with the sun, leaving behind a dull ache of emptiness. Tequilla is crying out (it seems constantly) — can he be missing Taco that much? I know I do! I find myself looking for him everywhere, waiting for his little black body to come bounding up the steps or into my office. Just yesterday, his friend the squirrel came up to the window and gently tapped against the glass. It was the funniest thing, but I’m guessing he was looking for Taco so they could chat. The world is so sad without our little buddy!!

Well, I better get back to my WIP - it certainly won’t write itself. Until next time, Hugs — Christine.