There are two basic modes of thought on this. One is called plotting, and that is where—before you ever write a sentence of the book—you plot out the entire novel, beat by beat, chapter by chapter, scene by scene. This takes a lot of time, as I'm sure you can imagine, but it can be really helpful. For example, if you're planning a trip, it can be a good thing to have your route planned out ahead of time . . . Otherwise, who knows where you might end up? I used a modified version of this for my new release, Feathers in the Sand (Seahaven Sunrise Series #1). I had about 3/4 of the book planned out, and I also knew the final scene, but I allowed the last few chapters to reveal themselves to me as the story went on.

The other way is called pantsing, as in flying by the seat of your pants. This is where you have a general idea in mind and then you sit down and start writing without knowing where the story might take you. Your imagination is Queen in this scenario, and you just keep writing and let things happen as they will. This also has its advantages in that you have more leeway to be surprised and to allow the characters more freedom in their actions. I wrote my first women's novel, Dragonflies at Night: More Than a Love Story this way, and it was way more fun . . . until I got about halfway through and didn't know what to do next! Then, because I didn't know where the story was going, I stalled and it took me a while to pick it back up again. But I did, and the result is a pretty wonder-full novel!

Right now I'm just at the very beginning of the second novel in the Seahaven Sunrise Series. It's called Sea Glass Memories, and for this one, I'm using what for me is a healthier combination of plotting and pantsing. I call it plantsing! For this story, I have a good idea of the various plot points for both Aunt Kit's and Elana's stories, and I'm still allowing a comfortable amount of space for the story to lead me instead of me leading the story.

Thank you to Rhonda in Texas for asking this!

I had to smile when I first saw this question, because patience has never been one of my virtues. The image shown here is my SoulCollage® card for the part of me who is impatient. As you can see, it's a gritty, ornery little imp who has the tendency to get in my way.

Bottom line? There is MUCH patience required when writing a novel! It is a process that involves much time, and that includes time beyond the actual writing. There is revising, and editing, and revising again and again until it feels just right. Then there is waiting for your cover designer, your interior book designer, your copy editor . . . etc.

Because I know that I have this Impatient part of me, I am more easily aware when it is activated. I can usually calm this part down by slowing down and breathing more consciously, journaling, EFT Tapping, or just taking myself for a walk and getting away from the project for a while.

Thank you to April from New Mexico for this potent question!

My latest novel, Feathers in the Sand, includes several references to the volunteer online organization, Soldiers' Angels. Their mission is to provide aid, comfort, and resources to the military, veterans, and their families. I joined in 2020 and since thn have been writing weekly letters and sending care packages to deployed soldiers (both male and female).

Last week I had the pleasure of being the guest speaker at a Soldiers' Angels Caregivers Meeting. All the women in the group had read the book and were eager to discuss it and ask me questions. I had a delightful time and am happy to share this valuable organization with my readers. If you like writing letters and feeling like you're making a difference, consider joining their letter writing team.

 🏆 September Give-Away Winners 🏆

a paperback copy of Twelve Times Blessed by Jacquelyn Mitchard:

Shane from Oklahoma

Robin B from Florida

This month I'm giving away TWO paperback copies of The Bookshop at Water's End, by Patti Callahan Henry.

Now, in her early fifties, Bonny is desperate to clear her head after a tragic mistake threatens her career, and her marriage crumbles around her. With her troubled teen in tow, she goes back to her beloved river house, where she is soon joined by old friend Lainey and her two young children. During lazy summer days and magical nights, they reunite with bookshop owner Mimi, who is tangled with the past and its mysteries. As the three women cling to a fragile peace, buried secrets and long ago loves return like the tide.

If you want to enter, just fill out the short form here and I'll do a random drawing THIS SUNDAY OCTOBER 16. I'll send you an email notice that you've won on Monday, and I'll ask for your snail mail address after that!

(NOTE: I use the random generator at random.org to choose the winners

Here's another awesome book give-away!

50+ authors have gathered together to give away their best books that will inspire, cheer, motivate and fill you with confidence and gratitude.

You don't need all of them; just choose to download whichever ones intrigue you. There's something there for everyone!

My book of essays, Through the Eyes of SoulCollage®, is one of the give-aways. I hope that you enjoy it!

Visit this page to see all the gifted books,

In between newsletters, I'll be posting more often on Instagram, my blog, and/or my Facebook Author page, so I hope you'll visit me there too.