The Third Baby

I took off three weeks in October to start my third novel. That was very exciting for me because I could afford to do it. I'd been working like mad since spring on several projects, including the resource guide for the new edition of The Courage to Heal. Ellen Bass and Laura Davis were a dream to work with, and I interview Ellen for the upcoming show I'm doing on PNN. More about that soon.

Each birth is different. It took me ten years to write Brigid's Charge and seven to write my second novel. I'm hoping to write this one within a year or two, and I was encouraged by how much I got done during those three weeks. My semi-secret prayer is to find these chunks of time throughout the coming year and write, which I truly love doing.

I think it's amazing that I sit down and the work flows out. I do a lot of editing, but I let the first draft write itself. I never use an outline except while editing -- to help me keep track of what happens. I know a lot of writers love to use outlines, but for me it takes away from the experience. I relish being in the same place as the reader, having only an inkling of what is coming next.