I’ve mentioned before that I struggled with getting into a creative groove during the start of staying at home and e-learning. Luckily, I had several projects under contract. When I couldn’t find *new* words, I could shine and polish others.

But I needed more. I love writing. Creating stories is part of who I am. I’ve always believed in making time for what’s important. Because the “perfect moment” for anything is never going to arrive. Waiting around to make your dreams come true wastes time.

I started taking notes and dreaming and thinking (because…writers write. Doesn’t have to be some epic great piece of prose, even journaling can jumpstart my creativity). And thus launched the summer of sequels.

While writing my upcoming projects from both The Wild Rose Press and Anaiah Press, I knew the stories weren’t done with the first books. I’m excited to return to these fictional small-towns and continue the stories of other characters.

In May–as we finished home schooling for the year–I started the first-draft for the sequel to Her Hometown Dream. As often happens, writing begets more writing. While thinking about the characters, I had a spark of an idea that might be incorporated into a third book. I’m writing a journal from a character with ties to the series over a century earlier.  I’m excited to expand my craft and stretch my storytelling in a new way.

For a while, I’ve been circling ideas for a third book in the Finding New Hope series. I’m a big fan of the Hallmark Channel original series When Calls the Heart. (It’s set in the pioneer days in Canada–stay with me in how this ties to a contemporary romance series). One of the storylines I most enjoyed was how they took a character who began as a love rival and really redeemed her.

I love a good story of redemption. I have two characters vying for that spot, but who would get top billing? After I brainstormed a title, a very unusual jumping off point for me, I outlined and plotted a romance novel that completes the series (so far–never say never!).

So far I’ve written a lot of words in three projects. I’m heading back into edit mode, but this has been such a good use of these months. I’m grateful for my blessings every day. Living through a time of struggle, I focus on how much we do have. Projects help me establish deadlines and goals (something I need).