Another Update

Quote of the Day
"Don't let other people tell you what you want."
– Pat Riley

Several friends who are close to me know that I've been suffering from writer's block after reaching 18k in my current novel-in-progress. I think I'm familiar with the process because this is not my first manuscript. I usually take a break for a few days, or a week, then I try to write again. If my characters are still silent, or uncooperative (yes, really), I persist and try and have a talk with my main character. If that fails, too, then something immediate needs to be done. Ninety-percent of the time it means there's something you're overlooking, missing, or that your story is going a way it shouldn't.

So yesterday I realized that the heroine's best friend has a lot to say, and I haven't been listening to her. She has a very interesting story which is going to take a big part of the novel.

That means, hopefully, I should be back to writing again soon. I haven't been in the best of moods, and it's been windy and dusty which is such a weird weather in winter! I also have a cold which is hopefully going to leave me alone soon.

No date of release from the publishing house yet which is actually really upsetting because the book was supposed to be released last month after all.

My uncle (on my mother's side) got back from Germany a couple of days ago. He had a very complex surgery there in his arm which had to do with tendons and nerves. And I called him, of course, when he got back and it was one of those calls that I don't think I'd forget for a very long time to come. It's actually important to know how others view you, especially wise, older relations. And it's even more amazing when you realize that you're viewed as a 'hero' for what you've done, and who you are today. I was touched beyond words.

Thank you, Uncle Mohamed, for your words, insight, and encouragement.