On Friday, I finally finished Always Faithful, the novel I’ve been working on for more than a year now. It felt good, although I admit I’ve got at least two other works that are closer to completion than this one, which is now in the hands of my first reader (my wonderful husband). Still, I finally finished the story of Alicia Galloway and her return to her Marine husband’s hometown after he is killed in action. I know I’ve got the story down, I just need to smooth out a few wrinkles, and I think I have the right iron for the job.

Now I have to refocus. I have another novel, already complete, that needs some light rewriting. Refocusing is a problem after finishing one novel, though, at least for me. It’s almost like starting over. I have to somehow get back into rewriting this novel (tentatively titled Winter Solstice) without calling the heroine “Alicia” all the time. Becky’s a totally different character than either Alicia, who is strong and ambitious, or Josie (a much sweeter character, though still career-oriented), who was my heroine in Secrets of the Lotus. I’ve let Becky be the total romantic female. She’s not weak, but she does want someone to take care of her. She’s artistic and lovable, the type of personality stronger people enjoy nurturing. So, as you can see, it’s essential I not get all these ladies mixed up in my mind.

Anyway, it’s a new day, a new novel, a new direction, hopefully. Let’s get on with it!