Writing Update: In Which I Discuss Sequels, Themes, Pugs, and Regency Books :-)

THE SEQUEL

Well, I promised you all a writing update this Friday -- particularly one about The Sequel to The Fragrance of Geraniums! :-) {Just typing that makes me smile... :-)}

I'm loving returning to these characters - Yes, even though The Sequel is {planned to be} a stand-alone {i.e. you shouldn't have to read The Fragrance of Geraniums before reading this one to understand what is going on in the story}, there are several returning characters whose stories are not quite finished yet. :-) Thus far, Sarah, Grace, Sam, and Paulie are all "making the cut" - These four are the main focus of The Sequel.

The story begins shortly after the funeral described near the end of The Fragrance. Earlier this week, I began writing, intent on packing away a goodly number of words by Friday.

That did not happen. About 1600 words in, I realized that one of two things was going to happen:

1. I would write more slowly and "figure things out" as I went along -- and probably publish this one in the mid-to-late summer or fall.
2. I would stop now and plot/outline deeply and thoroughly -- and probably publish this in late spring/early summer.

I chose the second option. Which means that you won't be seeing that "word count meter" on the sidebar of this blog moving much - if at all - for a week or so as I complete my outlining process. :-)

But I would like to let you in on a key theme for The Sequel. It comes from one of my favorite devotional authors, and I felt that the Lord really pressed it on my heart as I've been praying and thinking about this sequel:

NOW ABOUT THAT "PUG BOOK" ...

I said it would be out in January...

That changed to February...

And now I'm thinking March might be the month of publication for Mr. Portly the Pug Finds His Purpose. 

But I'm not promising anything! ;-) The formatting for this one has been a steeeeep learning curve for me, and it's still not finished. {I thought that I had it "right" a few weeks back - and then I found that, quite simply, it won't work the way I thought it would.} So, I'm persevering and will alert you when the book is ready to go. Everyone who is waiting for this one, thanks for being so patient with me! :-)

AND JEMIMA?

The second book will probably be out this summer. :-) I'm very enthused about getting back into the Sudbury family's home!

Grace and peace,

Alicia