News Update

The book is done, done, DONE.

I didn't come up with an idea to fix the second half of the book for one reason: the second half of the book is going to be its own book. When I had my critique partners read it oh, about three months ago, they said that my book naturally ended at the conclusion of part one and that the second part felt "tacked on." Well, me, being the stubborn Italian that I am, thought that they were wrong and the second half needed to be included.

But I took a long, hard look at it and I realized that they were right. But my characters' story isn't finished yet - and that is why there will be a sequel.

I don't know why I was so resistant to this idea before. I think it's because I dearly loved the second part of the book and didn't want to let it go. But you know what they say - "murder your darlings."

So I gave the manuscript one more read-through and I can honestly say that I love this story. I feel it's strong, heartwarming, and well, good. I'm excited to see what the agent thinks. And best of all? I have a sequel in the works that is going to be so much fun to write. It's going to require more research into postwar Berlin, but hey - that's not a problem for a historian!

Other News...

It's been a crazy, busy week. I found another job and I'm very excited. I'll be working as a copyeditor now in a place only five minutes from my house. The people are great and so is the company. It was rather sad to give my notice at my old job - I'd been there for two and a half years. But it was time to go.

But I am in need of a vacation before I start the new job, so I'm off to western Nebraska over Labor Day weekend. I plan on staying for a week, visiting all of my family and maybe sneaking up to Fort Robinson (where my novel takes place) and making sure I got all the details right. :-)

Hubby's doing fine in his walking cast - thank goodness he doesn't need to worry about crutches. I'm hopeful that his job interview on Monday goes well.

I'd like to say I want to take a break now that the novel is done, but here's the thing - I don't want to! There are too many wonderful ideas floating around in my head. I plan on starting my Italian Duet novel and working on the outline for the sequel to the novel I just finished. I'm much happier when I'm writing, so why deny myself? ;-)

Have a great weekend!