~Puzzle Pieces ~

                            "If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it."
                                                                 -Elmore Leonard

What's been going on around here?
 I've been putting everything together, my friend. 

I'm on the very last leg of the 'writing' journey, with 'The Bootlegger's Wife'.
(sound the trumpets here)

Puzzle pieces that were once scattered about on the table top
have now been put into place.

Each random puzzle piece
represents a character, a piece of the story, research,that relates to the next piece.

My editor, Scott Southard, has been pouring over my manuscript and offering sound advice. 

A fresh pair of eyes, especially eyes that know what they're looking for
 is just what my manuscript needs at this point. 

It's time to make sure all the puzzle pieces fit neatly into place. 

It's his job to find where I might have been shoving the wrong piece into the hole
 trying to make it fit. 

A good editor 

shines a light for you to find your way.
They don't do it for you. 

After all my hard work I don't want to be left with a gaping hole.

But if all the pieces come together properly

You'll never see the seams.

Fingers Crossed

~ Are we there yet? ~

                          One day I'll find the right words
                                    and they will be simple.
                                                                   -Jack Kerouac

"Are we there yet?" 

comes the familiar refrain from the back seat. 

After a long, hot, and sweaty ride in the back of the family station wagon...I would eagerly look out the windows, anxious for any sign that I was nearing our destination. 

National Lampoons Vacation

"NOT YET." 

Was the usual reply. 

Sigh. 

Not yet. 

For months now I've been writing, re-writing, editing, re-writing. Repeat. 

Just when I might be able to convince myself the story is ready...it's not.

Now my editor will take a look. She better hold on tight because I'm pretty sure 

this is what she'll see:

Thanks Ellen Harger for  sharing this pic


"Am I there yet?" 

"Not yet. But almost."