Filling in a Rut.

The last six months have been a pretty big dry spell for me. A sweeping injustice at work really knocked the motivation and confidence out of me, and it has taken me a while to recover. As the year draws to a close, I have been mulling over the other reasons I've avoided making much progress in my WIP. Frankly, I've been in a rut. My voice seems to be a bit ragged and I find myself covering too much of the same old ground I wrote before.

Over a quiet breakfast with Ghost Hunk, I finally had an epiphany. That epiphany launched the two of us on a 90-minute drive to Columbus (because we live in a wasteland and the kids were still in school) for the nearest Barnes & Noble store to get some research. Thankfully, Ghost Hunk is not only an expert in this new foray, but he's completely supportive and ready to help me redesign my project and maybe even my career.

I've not shared this epiphany for fear I would jinx its progress, but I'm only slightly superstitious so I'll offer this little hint. I've decided to take my YA novel to a more visual context. It sounds simple, but there is so much to learn and it is forcing me to rethink more than just the format of my story. The medium requires a very different approach to plot and characterization. I'm both excited and terrified, but I am finally inspired again.

So there will be no New Year's resolutions this year. Just a new road to follow and lots of hope that I will reach one of many shiny new destinations.

Happy New Year!