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).

When I’m writing, I don’t discuss my works in progress with anyone. I believe that telling the story before it’s written, kills it because in explaining the overarching plot I don’t have to discover the twists and turns and nuances. That story’s been told, move on.

But, as I work through each project, I sort of have someone in mind. I dedicated Love Overboard to my Dad. The novel really pushed me to buckle down and work hard, exactly what he’s taught me my entire life. I have another book for my darling husband. That project is “his” because it has morphed a few times and with his encouragement, I keep working until the story really started to shine.

My next novel, Holidays, Inc., is dedicated to my Mom. Growing up, Mom stoked my love of old movie musicals. This book is a story that lurked in the idea stage in a folder in my desk for years. Over the years, Mom and I have had so many shared experiences that impacted the creation of the story. I’m so excited to share the book!

I have to admit, I’m not one for made-up holidays. I groan at the heavy push from retailers to transform every day off work into a gift-giving event. (How much longer until we exchange presents on St. Patrick’s day?!) I also hate rushing through each season. (I’m ignoring all the back-to-school supplies) or feeling PRESSURE to buy buy buy during sale days.

BUT…I make an exception.

Because of my love of Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas. If you tune into Hallmark Channel, you can watch some of the very best of the past ten years’ movies this week.

These feel-good stories resonate with me. As a kid, I watched our VHS taped Christmas specials year-round. On sick days, nothing could cheer me up like “Glo-Worm Christmas” or “Muppet Family Christmas.” As an adult, I still turn to heartwarming stories (and the absolute MAGIC of Christmas).

Looking for a perfect treat to enjoy during Christmas in July? Click this link for Ina Garten’s yummy frozen hot chocolate.

I’ll be tuning in and getting in the spirit of the season as I continue to work on Holidays, Inc.