35,000 and Counting

I've been working hard on my new book, SEARCHING,  for the last few weeks.  It's due in October, which means I have about a month to go before I turn it in. Which means, of course, that I won't be taking a day off until it's finished.

I know some writers who can sit in a chair for eight hours and write. Or they can write late at night, after everyone else goes to sleep. That's not me. I write a little, then go do something else. Then write a little more.

Over the years, I've developed a little routine. I write ten pages a day. Eleven is better, twelve is great. I write on a sheet of paper the next ten page numbers, and as I complete each one, I cross it off. Lately I've become a fan of my red Sharpie marker for this. Those red X's look very official! When I get around half-way through a book, I start looking at word count-which is where that 35,000 comes from. My minimum word count for a book is 60,000-so hitting 30K always makes me happy.

Yesterday, I wrote eight of the pages down in my basement office, went on an apple hunt, then came home and wrote the rest of the pages outside on our back deck. We have hummingbirds right now, so of course, I found myself watching the birds instead of typing, but that's okay. I finished around five o'clock with eleven pages for the day and 35,000 words for the book. Yay!

This weekend when my daughter comes home, I'll write a little, and then hang out with her. And then I'll write a little more. Believe me, she's used to my laptop and she's used to my silly red X's!

 My book is coming together so well, I don't mind spending a little time each day with my cast of characters in Crittenden County. I think y'all are going to love this series set in western Kentucky where everyone has a secret.

I hope y'all have a great weekend, too!

Shelley