After the events of 2020 we all hoped 2021 would be the road back to normalcy. However, it’s beginning on a low note for me, as I had to make the difficult decision to euthanize my dog. He was fourteen and diagnosed with a large mass (cancer) in his chest after doing poorly for about a month. He was a year old when he entered my life. Not only was he a walking partner and writing companion, but he was also a source of laughter, perspective, and empathy.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, a friend had to euthanize her thirteen-year-old dog and former playmate of my dog (when we boarded our horses at the same stable). This occurred four weeks to the day after I bid farewell to my dog. It was like reopening a wound.
So…2021 isn’t coming off much better than 2020.
Editing my old Quest novel gave me something to focus on. I completed the first run through yesterday. The primary edit was changing it from third person to first person. I rearranged some scenes, added back in commentary by an opinionated chestnut mare, and considered necessary improvement for the next edit.
In working my way through the novel I could see that I’ve learned quite a bit in the interim from conference sessions, books on writing, and magazine articles. This was a pleasant surprise. Structurally it’s on the right path, but needs more work.
Once again, however, I’ve done my usual “this happened and then this happened and then this happened” draft. I eliminated and/or slimmed down scenes, but I also need to dwell a little longer in some scenes to flesh out the characters and develop their relationships. Most importantly, I need to decide whether or not there will be a bit of romance. And if so, how will it wrap up at the end of the novel. Sure, the handsome and dashing lad swoops in at an opportune moment to aid the protagonist, but in the end she’s the hero who saves all.
As for a writing companion, I obviously need someone to get me away from the computer and outside more often. I’m spending way too much time sitting without the quick potty trips between walks through the neighborhood or in the park. I hope to find another Sheltie for a roommate. Not that I haven’t checked area shelter websites on a daily basis. But the predominant breeds/mixes up for adoption aren’t a match for me. Shelties are hard to come by, so we’ll see.
2021 could redeem itself by finding me a new furperson and a scheduling a COVID-19 vaccination.
Mary S. Potter 