I am excited to say that the re-write I was doing on several chapters of Twisted Destiny is done! It's amazing how when one small item is changed it affects everyone else in the story. It is also amazing how the story is starting to flow easily since I made that change. I wrote an entire chapter last night, and I hardly had to think about the words my pen was scratching out - mind you, I haven't read them in the light of day yet, so they may have been better last night, than they will be today. LOL.

I even solved a problem I was having with an event in my story when I was out riding my bike with my dog (yes, she goes with me in a trailer since she has developed arthritic hips). The next chapter I write will put into play my solution - and I think it's a great solution.

On another note, I spent last Thursday afternoon at Hamilton Public Library's Central Branch. Rama Kaba was also there for book signings and and a writing workshop for teens. We had a fabulous time with library employee, Carol, hosting the event. Unfortunately, no teens showed up for the workshop, but the three of us had a long overdue visit along with a patron who sat down with us and grilled us about our books and writing. Altogether a delightful afternoon.

As noted in a previous post, I have altered the actions of one character, and that, in turn, has altered what other characters are doing in the fourth book in the Anandrian Series, Twisted Destiny. As a result, I have been doing a major rewrite. Which means, I have been rereading and editing as I go. There were parts I read that I wondered, "Why did I write that piece of garbage?" Then I would "fix" it up. And after a while, I began to doubt my work - is it good enough? Will people enjoy and follow the story easily?

Well, tonight, I started reading a book that I took out from the library. The blurb on the back intrigued me. I was ready to immerse myself in a great story. Then I started reading...

OMG! The dialogue was stilted and seemed really immature. The actions of the characters were equally bad. The acknowledgments at the beginning of the book told me that the author had an agent representing her, and a publishing team behind the book. How did the book get this far? This was the thought that kept going through my head as I read the story - and I read about 30 pages just in case it got better.

It is closing in on 2:00 am, and I felt compelled to look at my manuscript for Twisted Destiny, and I can say with great relief, that my writing, in my eyes, passes for the story that I want it to be. Sure it needs polishing, but even before that happens, it reads so much better than the book I attempted to read tonight. My doubts have vanished.

So, I have to thank the author of the book I attempted to read tonight. In my isolation, I let insecurities sneak into my consciousness - but now, after comparing what I have written with what I have read tonight, I have no more doubts about the story I am creating. Hopefully, my reading team will also find Twisted Destiny entertaining when I send them the latest updates.

P.S. I've been looking for a twisted wand that Laura, my daughter and artist for the covers of my books, could draw. I picture it as being dark and gnarly - very ugly. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to find a stick that matches this description. I need to get out in the woods. If you find such a nasty looking stick I would love to see a photo of it.