My Next Novel is Progressing

I attended my favorite writers' retreat last weekend. While I have a myriad of projects I need to be finishing, I decided to give my paranormal romantic suspense priority. I've been working on this book for three years, and several of my readers have been waiting patiently.

When I arrived at the retreat Thursday afternoon, my book was a mess. I had random chapters and scenes that weren't in their happy homes yet. I was also struggling with making my protagonist's love interest three-dimensional. Up to that point, he was more of a supporting character.

My main problem is I have a plethora of ideas and only so much room. This book is the sequel to my novel, Sally's Secret Legacy, and focuses on Christy, who was introduced in the first book. Poor Christy has had a rough life, but she has always done her best for her family and friends. She has suffered in silence for years and finally comes into her own power in this new book.

I spent so much time concentrating on Christy's journey and growth that my other characters were barely touched upon. I've fixed a lot of that and have a loose plan on how to address the rest. Christy is definitely the main character. There is no doubt this is her book.

I'm not someone who plots my stories. I know many writers who clutch their pearls at the very thought of writing without an outline, but I'm too chaotic for that. I am what's called a pantser. That means I write by the seat of my pants.

There are advantages and disadvantages to such a writing style. A plotter knows exactly what's going to happen in the book. A pantser, like me, writes organically and lets the story go where it may. My characters take over the story, and it develops as it goes.

I've been working on this book for so long that I'm afraid I became disenchanted with it for a while. I set it aside for a few months and then came back to it last weekend. I'm so glad I did. I looked at it with fresh eyes and a new perspective. When I got stuck on a scene, I took a break and worked on some diamond art.

Diamond art is my new go-to stress reducer and creativity generator. If I can clear my mind and focus on the art project for a few hours, I can usually get my creative juices flowing again. I recently discovered diamond art, and I think I would be perfectly happy sitting in a room by myself with a stack of diamond projects for an entire weekend. It is the perfect complement to my writing.

I feel so confident about the state of Christy's book that I contacted some beta readers to see if they had time to read the book for me and point out any mistakes, plot holes, or missed opportunities. I should have the book in their hands by the end of the month. After I fix everything they find, the book will be ready for the editor.

I don't have any idea about a publication date yet. I haven't even spoken with the cover designer at this point. Editors, cover designers, and publishers are worries for a different day. Today, I concentrate on finishing this story I started so long ago.

Christy's book will be the second book the Ozarks Legacy series. This will be a trilogy. After that, I plan to pivot and focus on cozy mysteries. I've fallen in love with that genre, and I have a couple cozy mystery novels on the back burner right now.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention a fun event coming to the Joplin Public Library next month. The 2026 Writers' Faire is being held at the library on October 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. I was notified Friday that I have been granted an author's table at the event. I'm very excited to participate this year. I wasn't able to attend last year due to a scheduling conflict. I look forward to seeing some of you there!

I hope whatever brings you joy continues to do so and wish you all a fabulous week!

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Thank you for reading Ozarks Maven! If you’ve enjoyed my little seeds of wisdom and joy, please join me again next week for more Ozarks Maven.