mulberryshoots

About six weeks ago, I wrote a post called “getting to there“. At the time, I was hoping the opening of the book would be resolved once and for all and that any remaining rewriting would be straightforward. I was wrong.

Chickens come home to roost at times like this. I finally had to stop avoiding those parts of the book that did not “sing” and sort of sat there. I re-wrote the opening paragraph again (much better!) and tightened up the rest of the Prologue. Chapters 1, 2 and 3 were re-integrated, some back story left out, the intention of Chapter 1 better effected. Then, I went through the rest of the manuscript. I watched the royal wedding live.Then, I went through the rest of the manuscript again. Reading every word aloud helps to test the flow of words. It’s almost here.

G. told me about a Women’s Writers Workshop sponsored by the YWCA on behalf of Daybreak, a non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate racism and to help women in need. The sessions on Saturday were helpful in concrete ways, the tone of the meetings supportive, humorous and respectful. Women are great this way, aren’t they?

Today is Mother’s Day and I’m on track. Maybe next week.