I haven’t posted in while, but I’m back! I’ve had a busy couple of weeks, and I’ve actually written several blogs that I didn’t post because I couldn’t get the words just right. I’ll give you the short, sweet version of those, then I’ll move on to the topic that got me on here rearing to blog!

This month I went to Disney World, turned a year older, partied with Vampire Weekend (in case you were wondering, yes they can and do recreate their signature sound live, and it was awesome!) and have had lots of fun with friends. Those are all the good things; of course, bad things happen, too. I have a tendency to have my feelings hurt too easily, but that’s a topic for another day.

I am worried about my writing. I am loving my characters, and they certainly have minds of their own. I am a solid six chapters into this book, but I’ve had to take too many breaks from writing with all the busyness going on. But worse than falling short of my self-imposed deadlines, I’ve been worried about plotting.

Yesterday, while searching for the next book I want to read, I came across the blog of Kristen Cashore. If you haven’t read Graceling and Fire, you should. Her next book isn’t due out any time soon, but I’m so glad that I stumbled upon her site. Why? Because not only does she write amazing, complex characters with beautiful prose, she is a master of plotting and pacing. Reading her blog and website gave me hope, because her process is very similar to mine. She’s a “pantser,” too! (That’s a writer’s term that means writing by the seat of your pants, rather than complex plotting before hand.)

Knowing how brilliantly it worked out for Ms. Cashore, now I at least know that it’s possible for a plot to work it’s way out. Taking some of the anxiety away makes me excited about writing again, and that is exactly what I needed.

Music I’m rocking this week: LCD Soundsystem