You may have noticed that I haven't posted for awhile. Some of that was Thanksgiving prep, but mostly it was that I didn't care for the trajectory of the plot and needed for it to go in another direction. I spent many, many writing periods staring at the screen. Sometimes, I ended the session with no words at all or even a negative word count for the day as I edited away some sections that weren't working.
Finally, I took a break. I was going away for Thanksgiving anyway, so that hiatus gave me space to think. When I returned home, I was prepared for a fresh start. One of the difficulties for OHIO is it's a book about the mounds that are located throughout Ohio and other states. They are ancient earthworks with sacred meaning. I want to convey the meaning of the mounds to children, but what's inside the mounds (or under them) is what's especially important. This is largely unseen. There is nothing you can pick up and discuss. Yes, the artifacts are, but where they come from and the ceremonies and rites associated with the mounds are unseen. Children need to see things to understand them.
When I write, it's very important to me to have the facts correct. So, I want children to gain an understanding of these sacred sites. That's the difficult part.
I knew I had to approach the book from a different angle, so that's what I did. But I was also vividly reminded of something else: I have to "stay in the story." By that, I mean to keep writing something every day, even if I don't know where it's going or if I feel it will eventually be edited out. The reason? The act of writing will lead me to a greater understanding of the story, the plot, and the characters.
In these last few weeks, I've learned a lot about the mounds, about moon rise and set, and the solstice, different kinds of rocks, arrowheads, and even knapping. (And I don't mean a mid-day snooze.)
Whew! This has been quite a new journey. Usually, the characters start talking to me, and I quickly type what they are saying. This time, it's been different. But I'm happy to say that I've learned a lot and feel the track I'm on will help me tell a great story.
Stay tuned...
PS - ALASKA! Danger on the Mushing Trail makes a terrific stocking stuffer!