And knowing is half the battle, right?

Months ago I started my first novel.  Halfway into it, I stalled.  Or it stalled.  Or both.  I’m not totally sure.  I left one of the pivotal characters mid-stroke with his ass in the air.  Months later, I come back to find him still there.  Amazing stamina, that one.

But since “Finishing My Novel” was swimming around in there somewhere with my vague new years resolution, I’ve been mulling over what’s wrong with it.  It was so easy in the beginning, but then it seemed to have just stopped writing itself.

A lot has changed since I first began this writing adventure.  I’ve learned more about why I can write some things and why I cannot or will not write others.  That changes the direction of one sub-plot and replaces another one all together.   I’ve actually met one of my fictional characters now, too.  That changes a little bit.  And also, I’ve decided that all names must change.  They’re too freakin’ cumbersome.

In short, it’s a re-write.  But it should be an easy one, because I’ve got a great piece to use as a shell and fill in the pieces that need filled in.

I’m excited and invigorated.  I’m creating again.  I get to back up and take another running go at this thing and do it right.  I suspect a certain someone who must be in muscle failure right about now will also be glad to hear it.

And completely off topic, but before I forget – you absolutely have to know that Atomic Fire Balls, yes, those little individually wrapped hell pellets we used to buy for 25cents at the skating rink in 1982 now come in – are you ready for this?  Chewy!  Ferrara Pan produces them.  Look for them wherever fine candies and implements of oral torture are sold!