Back on February19th I reported in

3/10/07 -- Back on February19th I reported in this journal a major shift in the plot of STORM MOUNTAIN. I didn't reveal it then (got to keep the reader guessing!), but it involved the death of one of the main characters. (Heavy stuff.) Since then I've been working under that assumption . . . until yesterday, when I realized that the shift didn't work and I needed to go back to the original ending. (More upbeat, for those of you who prefer happier endings.  And, more importantly, more logical. It just doesn't make sense to kill her.)

Thankfully, I learned a long time ago not to write over my work, but make a copy of the document and change it, not the original. Then if I want to return to the original version, no problem. Whew! Once again I'm very glad I take that precaution.

And glad that I force myself to stay open to creative impulses, and the constant examination of what will work best for the story. Writing, it's a right brained AND a left brained thing.

I'm working today (Saturday), and probably a bit tomorrow, too, in order to get as far into this new draft as possible before I take off for Lansing, Michigan, where I will be speaking in schools.

Speaking of which, if you are interested in having me speak in your school, or at your library, or conference during the 2007-2008 school year, click on AUTHOR VISITS for information, or feel free to email me at birdseye@proaxis.com, or call me at 541-752-9837.