Some people compare writing to a race, a blazing effort from start to end. My process is more erratic — something like bursts of creativity splashed across a canvas that eventually connect to form a complete picture. I start out with a rough draft of what I expect the picture will portray (a.k.a. an outline or synopsis), then start daubing on color. Maybe I focus on one square and get it mostly done; sometimes I work with one color and apply it to various sections that need it. I might realize I need another detail to balance the composition and sketch it in.

Apply enough paint and eventually the amount of blank canvas dwindles; as I persevere, it gets to the point that all that’s left to do is the blending of edges and strokes, and finally even that is done. Hopefully, the end result is a satisfactory painting.

Another metaphor that’s been used for writing is an archaeological or paleontological dig excavating Story. That sounds terribly exotic but the end result is still the discovery of a dead city or an old fossil, which isn’t really something I’d like to associate with erotic romance, so let’s not go there. However, it is relevant in the sense that the writing process is s-l-o-w, at least in my experience.

What does that mean under the present circumstances?

Dreamwalker:

18,700 / 100,000 (18.7%)

Looks good until you consider that took a month and a half to get out. I did say “persevere,” didn’t I?