I'm so blocked I can't even blog

[Marta Stephens]

Nothing like getting stuck on the third chapter with 43 more to go. There's no time for my usual strategy either. Can't walk away from a first draft that's peppered with holes while a six-month deadline looms over my head.

Okay, here's the deal. A third body just washed to shore, I'm in the morgue, and the medical examiner swears he's found some evidence. I can't see it--I've tried but it's not there. Not yet anyway.

I'm too restless--distracted easily by the dumbest things. I guess I'm avoiding the obvious--writing something believable. I hate it. But ironically, it's the hard ones that eventually shine the brightest. Great ... I'll keep at it, but for now, it's driving me crazy.

Tomorrow. I'll try it again tomorrow.

[Marta Stephens]

Good idea, Kathryn. I do a ton of reserach for my books. The first draft of this book is completely done. I'm now going through and doing the editing. I stepped away from it for five months while I promoted "Silenced Cry" and the things that need to be added or cut are jumping out at me.

I think the "problem" with this book is that it has a more complicated plot than my first book. It gets tricky at times. So I find myself asking the same question, "how to make this one work."

Don't get me wrong, I like the editing. Some of my best writing has come along at this stage of the game. I've just had too many other things on my plate lately and haven't had the long stretches of time I've needed to concentrate. Fortuantely, in the past 2-3 days, I've managed to plow through a few more chapters. They're coming along and I'm encouraged. :)

[Kathryn Lilley]

I totally identify with this. My "stuck" moment inevitably hits at page 148. Swear to God, it's always page 148! Last time, I resolved it by having a brand-new character drop (literally) from the skies. This time, I suddenly am writing that my detective comes under suspicion for an arson fire. One strategy you might try is researching the type of scene that you are writing, and using the info you encounter as jumping-off points for plot development.

[Marta Stephens]

Okay, I'm okay ... just a little stress, but I'm back on track. Got chapter 3 done. AH!! On to four.