I’m happy to report that novel number two is going swimmingly! I’m at the 20,000 word mark—which means I’m about a quarter of the way through the first draft. For me, that’s the point at which I can tell if a book is going to work or not, and this story shows no signs of letting up (neither in my head nor on the page).
That said, the novel has been so all-consuming that I’ve been neglecting this blog; by the time I do my “day job” (magazine journalism) and work on fiction, I don’t have the brain power to regularly put together the type of posts that I had in mind when I first created theWAHMdiaries.
I’m okay with that. My goal has always been to be novelist, not a blogger. A blog is a wonderful creative outlet, but I’ve come to realize that I have a few too many creative outlets—and that I’m most productive when I focus my attention and efforts. With that in mind, I’m rolling theWAHMdiaries into my main website within the next week. (I’ll post when that happens so all thirteen of you who stop by regularly can bookmark the new page 
). There, I’ll continue to post thoughts about writing, parenting, and making the whole mess work—while also sharing news and updates about my novels (like the new cover for The Art of Forgetting‘s paperback release!) and the rest of my writing. I hope you’ll swing by.
—Camille
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Camille – I absolutely love the cover of The Art of Forgiving. I am excited to see what the cover of the paperback looks like although I am not sure how anything could be more lovely. I have to admit I was first drawn to your book because of the cover. But then I read it and the story is as beautiful as the cover. I am so excited to read your next book!
Susan, thank you! That’s so kind of you.
Camille,
Personally, I don’t know how you lasted this long! I’ve been secretly wondering how you juggled all this. Definitely take the time you need and don’t add unnecessary stress. I wish more people would be like you and raise their hands against working like maniacs and making ourselves crazy.
Loving your book (at about chapter 6) and look forward to hearing how the new one is going, but only as YOUR time allows. =)
Lori, you’re funny (and kind – thank you for the nice words about Forgetting). That’s exactly what I’m trying not to do – make myself crazy!
That 20k mark really is lovely, isn’t it? So excited to hear that book 2 is going well…can’t wait to read it one day! I admire you for stepping back to reassess your goals. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything, but every once in a while we need to take a look and make sure that the things we most want to do are included as well
Thanks Natalia! I’m grateful that this didn’t take a lightning bolt – just a real passion for my WIP, which was enough to make me step back and evaluate what I was doing with my time.
Go with the flow, lady! We will still be here when you get back. Until then, write like your hands are on crack, or speed, or whatever young folks are into these days.
Congrats on the 20K mark! It’s going to be amazing, and I can’t wait to read it!!!! (Love the blurry, artsy photo above, too–it sums up how I’m feeling these days with life and motherhood and blogging and everything!) Together in attempting to focus…. xoxo, Sarah
Sarah, thank you! I took that photo myself … on accident. (Of course). I hope you’re right about the novel. I, too, can’t wait for you to read it. xoxo