Writing, Editing, and the Surprises In-Between
Navigating the post-launch phase for Escape while diving deep into edits for Book 2 has me feeling a bit like I’m being pulled in two directions. Each phase demands intense focus and time. Switching between them is a skill I’m learning to refine. It’s a balancing act I’ll be mastering over five more books in the Haven Series.
Off Track?
Meanwhile, I have an itch to adapt the two romance scripts I’ve written into novels. Each story has its own unique twists—one of which delves into paranormal elements. When I first wrote that script, I wasn’t even familiar with the “paranormal romance” genre. Characters with a sixth sense have always fascinated me, and exploring one with an unexplainable ability felt like stepping into uncharted territory. Yet, with Book 2’s edits still ongoing, I’m doing my best to stay the course with my Haven characters rather than being lured off-track.
Plot Twist!
Editing days come with their surprises. A meeting with my editor took an unexpected turn: I’m writing a new scene—a sex scene—that wasn’t part of the original storyline. I admit, the idea of writing this kind of scene is a bit intimidating. I’ve always loved reading such moments when they carry weight and emotional depth, but writing one that feels authentic is an art all its own.
My response to the difficulty was, as always, a long walk. The questions were relentless. How would my characters approach this moment? What’s shaped their perspectives on intimacy? What feelings should permeate the space?
Where to go from here?
Somewhere between those questions and the quiet moments, a structure emerged. I mapped the scene’s emotional arc, prioritizing character truth and impact. Now I’m hoping that, once I’m done, my editor will agree that I captured it well—or, as I might put it, nailed it in more ways than one!
Now, with this unexpected scene in play, I’m reminded of one of the most thrilling (and sometimes frustrating) parts of writing: my characters have their own sense of where the story should go, whether or not I agree. They take the reins, steering the plot and surprising me as much as they will my readers. And while I may feel like I’m balancing on a tightrope, that unpredictability keeps me coming back to the page, ready to follow wherever they lead next.