I’ve done many things this year but except…

…post twice on my blog–OH WAIT!

I feel like I’m in this weird transition period. Specifically, one that I’ve been in for the past ten (twenty?) years. When do we start feeling like grown-ups? Or maybe my question should be, “Do we have to feel like a grown-up?” In the story project I’m working on the main character is having that discussion with her judgmental mother. Just because we’re working, doesn’t mean we have to be miserable. Just because we’re a grown-up, doesn’t mean we have to…have creaky knees and talk about mortgages all day… Right?

Speaking of which, this project seems to be moving along well. I am nearing that point though. The 10k mark. For some reason, this is the part of the story where I normally stop writing. I will find some sort of excuse to not push forward in that project. Sometimes it’s because the storyline starts getting muddled. Other times it’s because I just can’t work with the characters anymore. Like, I’ve pushed myself as far as I can with characters I dislike or can’t connect with. If I can’t connect with them, why do I expect readers to?

Per my word count goal, I should be crossing the 10k mark today. I have high hopes though. I love my characters so far. I love the conflict and the concept. This project is a complete rewrite of the first (NaNoWriMo) version I worked on a couple of years ago. It went off the rails then–not in a good way–but I love the story and characters so much, I’ve decided to go at it again.

Premise: A cult tries to find a new cult leader using a new app: Plenty of Fishmen. Can they find their soulmate? Will their feelings be reciprocated? Will their choice know what she’s getting into? Will they be able to find a leader in time for Occult Fest 2026? Or will The Council find out they’re leaderless and disband the group, leaving everyone homeless, directionless, and alone in a vast unforgiving world?

I told a friend about it last night. He immediately responded with “You should call it Meet Cult” which I think is ADORABLE and I love it.

Well, I should go back to my cultists. They are about to start wooing their possible leader. You’d respond well to a big box full of fish heads with a note reading, “You’re the gill of our dreams,” right? Right? Or maybe a gigantic taxidermized bear with a note reading, “Our partnership would mean grizzly deaths for our enemies.” That’s good, right? What if they add a pull string in the back so it can say a bunch of different bear puns? Tell me you wouldn’t completely fall for that. 😀

Okay, back to the word mines! Love you all!

J