The Joy of Third Drafts

Ah, Topsail Island. We just went out to dinner (shrimp and grits for John, shrimp scampi for me) and had a look at the sound on the way home. The sun and sky were such an intriguing color. It was lovely. So good to be at our home away from home.

Here at the beach, I’m working on my favorite part of writing a book. I tend to forget how much I love this part: the third draft. This is where I have the story written and “merely” need to fix it up, work on the voices, add the plants, and generally make sure everything flows nicely. This is also when I begin to realize I’ve written a good book. Up until draft three, I feel unsure of myself. Every Single Time. The only negative thing is that it takes a looooong time do this and I don’t have a looooong time. I have to pick up my speed. No more leisurely wandering around the sound after dinner!

Tomorrow, I’ll work all day except for a break to have lunch with Lori Fisher, owner of one of my favorite independent bookstores, Quarter Moon Books in Topsail Beach. I’m only a few miles from the bookstore right now (and yes, that was a big selling point when I bought this place!) and I’m looking forward to seeing Lori. I’ll do a signing in mid-June at QMB too.

Friday, I’m going to Wilmington to do some research so I can flesh out the details of the setting in The Midwife’s Confession. My Wilmington publicists are going to give me a tour of my characters’ neighborhoods. My publicists go well beyond the call of duty! I can’t wait to “find” my characters’ houses.

I’m heading back to my third draft right now. More later. . .