MelissaCook

As a quilter in remote Alaska, I always had four projects going at once—one quilt on the cutting table, one being pieced at the sewing machine, another loaded onto the long-arm quilter, and yet another being bound. And when I was bored, I played with my fabric and looked for new patterns. 🧵✨

As I ramp up my fiction writing career, I see a new pattern emerging. I have one book in the hands of beta readers with an editor deadline looming, a second book completely outlined and being written with a September editor deadline, a third book nearly outlined, and a fourth book still in the brainstorming stage. And now, when I'm bored, I work on plans to research the location for my next Alaska romance suspense series, which will include a week-long visit on location this summer. 📚✍️🏔️

Yep, I see the light. 😊

Thank you, Craig, for setting up the May Writing Challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved how it pushed me to meet my goal—especially since it was a lofty one given my day-job schedule.

Onward to the next challenge! 🚀

Okay, now... I did it! HAHA - I needed 437, but those darn characters couldn't slow down until 796! I'm having too much fun.

I did it! I met my 20,000-word goal for May, with a few extra to spare. WAIT... I noticed my running total and monthly total are not the same. I started in April and need 437 more words. Dang it! Hang on. I'll be back with at least 437 more words in a bit. HAHA. I will!

I have to say, Craig, I followed my characters into their story as you said, and they had my voice cracking during dictation. I had to breathe deeply to speak. Dictating brings out far more emotion in my text than typing ever did. Maybe that's because I speak for a living right now.

My next book is now one-quarter finished. I need 632 words per day between now and September 1 to meet my next beta reader deadline to make my September 15 editor deadline. I already have the outline for the book after this one, nearly complete. As long as I know where I'm going, I can dictate while I drive. I drive a lot for work, so bring on the words!

Thank you to everyone who offered me encouragement and support. As a newbie, I was surprised by how much your words meant to me throughout the month.

Cruising right along on the next book while the beta readers work on my last one. Whew! So close to my monthly goal and one more day to make it.I can do 2,000 words tomorrow.

Beta reader edits. Two beta readers turned in their questionnaires within a day, saying they read the book twice and were ready for the next book. Woohoo!

I have to write 858 words per day from now until Labor Day to meet my next deadline. Whew! That's scary, especially since my word count is zero today. Beta readers received my book late last night, and I already have reviews back. Outstanding feedback. LOVE beta readers. HAHA - My beta reader wrote, "Reid can rescue me during a snow storm any day!" - HAHA! Love it. So my word count is nothing today because I'm editing again. I'm having so much fun!

Does it say something about my story when tears fill my eyes as I read it? I didn't realize the pull my secondary characters (next book) had on me. Maybe because I already know their story. A second-chance romance is coming up next. - Finished the edits. Ready to send the book to beta readers. Wrote the blurb. Wrote the beta reader questions. Whew!

oops

FINISHED the edits until the beta readers return their forms. WOOHOO!!

FINISHED the edits until the beta readers return their forms. WOOHOO!!

This is what my editing days was like today! Haha

🔥 UHHH… so my main characters officially stopped listening to me. 😂💋

One minute I’m trying to keep the plot moving… the next minute Reid and Nina are over here setting the cabin on fire with tension and absolutely zero self-control. 😮‍💨🔥

And honestly? I was laughing out loud while writing it because WOW. These two are DONE pretending they don’t want each other. 👀💞

✨ Sneak Peek ✨ 👇🔥 SPICE Alert

“The quilt dropped to the mattress. His arms closed around her as his mouth hovered over hers for one aching second before the last restraint between them snapped.”

EXCUSE ME, SIR. 😳💥

I swear these characters hijack my keyboard every single time. And I’m not even mad about it. 😂📚🔥

Hardest 382 words ever! Whew! A full day of editing. Posted the call for beta readers. The race is on. I have to, HAVE TO, finish this round of editing to put the book in the hands of beta readers on Monday. I expect one more full day tomorrow. I'm tired!

Fun short story about working overtime on my 59th birthday, sitting in my jail cell office, counting down the days until I can write full-time again while being distracted by my writing laptop sitting at my feet. Haha - I do love my job, but my days are numbered there as I plan my escape to my empire.

Fun short story about working overtime on my 59th birthday, sitting in my jail cell office, counting down the days until I can write full-time again while being distracted by my writing laptop sitting at my feet. Haha - I do love my job, but my days are numbered there as I plan my escape to my empire.

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Dictation is sweet! I work full-time and have more than my share of windshield time through rural Wyoming, so today I dictated. Okay, so the words weren't as polished as my typing, but maybe that will come with practice. I'll try again tomorrow.

My total count is really -72 with my editing. Beta readers will receive my reader magnet in a matter of days (22K) in preparation for the content editor due date of June 7th. I'm cruising along, even if my word count doesn't show it.

Between being sick for two weeks, traveling for a week, editing, and now creating a master template for my romance suspense series based on Saving the Cat, Romancing the Beats, and Writing Compelling Fiction by Craig Martelle, I have had little time to knock out the words. That is about to change.

New words in editing

Editing new word total.