I’m continuing to work on my first draft of Circus Galacticus and I’m having a lot of fun with it. It’s kind of neat to be able to work with modern-day metaphors for the first time in a long while. I can say “okay” now. And use expressions like “stopped in her tracks” and “she smiled mechanically” (not that I necessarily have, but it’s nice not to have to worry about NOT using them). On the other hand, my new main character doesn’t have the most highbrow vocabulary so I have to keep reminding myself not to use words like “coruscate” unless someone else is saying them.

I’m at just over 8000 words now: the end of the second chapter. The main character has met the Ringmaster and decided to run away and join the intergalactic circus, despite getting into a tussle with one of the acrobats. I’ve had several of those fun moments where plot points and little things just sort of pop out unexpectedly and fall into place. This is the magic of writing, for me.

I also just got a hefty package in the mail: my second round of edits on Mirable Chalice. The first round was a letter, since the changes were more large-scale. This time I’ve got a lovely marked-up manuscript. I continue to feel very fortunate to be working with my editor, and not just because she calls me out on my authorial tics (like the abundance of raised brows, crossed arms, and gritted teeth). I am looking forward to diving back into MC again!