I've forged ahead and edited Chapters 8 and 9 for my critique group. I'm surprised at what I've crafted, so many months ago. It's good to look at it fresh. I think I'm ready to keep editing forward and complete the first draft. That's a good feeling. I'm relieved, and also know I need to ground the when of writing more.

Right now, I will declare that I will complete the book soon. I will put my attention on it more often. I will. You'll see.

Editing for the next writer's group. That's what this jumble of organic tomatoes is about. A pic I took at one of the San Francisco Ferry Building's little boutique markets. See, the words are like colorful, precious fruits looking for a good home in a proper meal. That's my job -- the writer's job -- to find the right meal for all these beautiful: words. And to know when the luscious words are right for this novel/meal.

I'm excited, and nervous. Excited because I feel I've learned a lot since I wrote the first book, and here I am working on my second in the series. Nervous because I just queried the first book, Henrietta, The Dragon Slayer, yesterday. And immediately received the request for the full manuscript. And I mean IMMEDIATELY. Whew! I hustled to input edits from my crit group and send it off.

Now diving in to Book II.

Maybe I shouldn't be so transparent. But I'm writing teacher/instructor. The creative process is important for me to understand, love and relate.

Enough said. To work!

[whisper] Nervous/excited!