Starting to Write a Novel

I've decided to write a romance novel. It's not something I'd ever aspired to. But I went back to school for a couple of years, had a long commute and a couple of very boring classes, and then one day, I realized I had an entire book in my mind.

This actually happened once before, a year ago, and I never did anything about it, and then I forgot the story line. So this time, I decided to see what would happen if I wrote some of it down.

What happened is that I had a wonderful time. What came out on paper was very much like what I had in my head. And then I discovered that I would rather write my schlocky romance novel than finish my school projects. So I set the novel aside for a few months to finish school. But I graduated on Saturday. And now it's time to pick up the book again.

Of course, I lost track of where I was, and the characters aren't so lively in my mind as they once were. I'm hoping it will come back to me once I pick up writing again.

And I have a plan. I went to a conference put on by the Wisconsin chapter of Romance Writers of America. Great conference. And someone told me about a club called the 100 x 100 club. Members commit to writing at least 100 words a day, for 100 days. If you miss a day, you have to start your day count over. Of course, I would rather write several thousand words a day, and I imagine I will. But I can see now the value in not ever missing a day. So here I go.

Day Count: 0

Religious Candid Camera

On the way home from a family party the other day, my daughter was asking me about Jesus. She started out easily enough, asking, "Are there 2 gods? Jesus, and then God the father too?" And I said, "Yes. That's what we believe."

And then she asked, "And Jesus died, but he's supposed to come back again, right?" And I said, yes to that too.

Then she asked, "Wouldn't it be cool if he came back soon?" And so I said, "Yes, that would be really cool."

And then she asked, "If he comes back, can he stay with us?" What could I say? So, of course I said, "Yes." Because really, if Jesus needs a place to crash, we'd be happy to put him up.

Then she asked, "Shouldn't we get a room ready for him?" It started to feel like being on an episode of religious Candid Camera. What was I supposed to say? I remember sermons and bible verses that say we should always be ready for Jesus to show up. I don't want to be quoted as saying no to being ready for Jesus. But on the other hand, I really don't want to give up a room to the possibility. Nor do I want to be quoted as saying that if he would actually show up, he could sleep on the couch.

Instead, in a moment of insight, I said, "I suppose we could. Maybe we can turn your play room into a guest room for Jesus." And that was pretty much the end of that religious discussion.

Just for the record, if Jesus comes to the door, my husband and I would probably let him have our room. I'd even change the sheets.

Tombstone Purchase

In the locker room this morning, I overheard a woman telling a friend that her husband just purchased a tombstone. She was upset, in part, because he didn't consult her about it at all. But it's easy to imagine being upset for all sorts of reasons. Why would he think, after a lifetime together, that he should do it without any input from her? I suppose it also involves considering what will become of his, and her, remains after they die, something they maybe should talk over. And what would prompt a husband to decide, suddenly, that purchasing a tombstone is urgent? And how do you even choose a tombstone - what are the criteria? And how do you know if you got a good one?

Ick.