Magical Breakthrough

About a year ago, I began writing a new middle-grade novel. The last book in my Zahra of the Uwharries series will be published this summer. I needed a new project, which led me on a hunt through my notes to dig out an idea. Once I settled on which idea to pursue, I wrote a couple of chapters.

The chapters were difficult to write. First, the opening was too dark and depressing. Then it was too confusing. Then I paused and worked on a few picture book manuscripts that had been nagging at my brain.

I wanted to come back to the middle-grade novel, but I couldn't. Something wasn't right. When I was writing Society of the Sentinelia, Blind Fairy, Omega Crag, Kimimila Returns, and CRIMSON EAGLE, I was passionate about the stories. I enjoyed writing the characters and storylines. I loved editing and polishing each of those novels. It was magical.

I wanted to feel that same magic with my new middle-grade project. But I didn't.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I woke up at 3 a.m. as I often do when my muse visits. A scene swirled in my head. I picked up my phone, opened my Keep app, typed the idea and some plot notes, and went back to sleep.

The next day, I knew something magical had transpired. I thought the notes were for a brand new book. I copied the idea and plot notes into a document and started working on the plot arc.

I hit another wall. Something wasn't quite right.

About a week later, it hit me. My magical new idea wasn't brand new. It was a new way of seeing the idea I began working on a year ago. The characteristics of the original idea were still there, but the premise had changed. As a result, the plot needed lots more work.

After another plotting session that left me with no climax, falling action, or resolution, I put my notes aside and let the idea bake.

Today, I came back to my notes. I reread the opening lines from my magical middle-of-the-night epiphany. I wrote down questions for my main character and the story. Then I answered the questions.

More magic. The plot unfolded like spring flower petals. I updated my Scrivener software, which I'd been putting off until I was between projects, and set up the novel. I created a character sheet for my main character and then copied and pasted my original notes, including the entire plot arc, into the notes section.

Then I started writing chapter one. Chill bumps erupted on my arms. The thrill of connecting with my new novel was palpable. The magic was undeniable.

My new book will be a low-fantasy middle-grade novel set in rural Seagrove, NC. You can expect my signature nature and conservation themes woven into a plot filled with challenges and twists. Considering Seagrove is the pottery capital of the US, pottery will also be involved. But that's all I'm going to say for now!