Okay, this post isn't about Al Gore, although I am very pleased he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental work. It seems he found his calling through sacrifice, i.e. giving up his political ambitions to be President, at least for now (I voted for him and would do so again. Go Hillary!).

This post is about passion, though, and studying a subject that enthralls you.

I am having a wonderful time researching my current WIP. After writing the first forty pages, I’ve halted in order to focus on the plot. I have to get a handle on all six books since this is a linked series, and that means figuring out the overall story arc. Then I have to complete the synopsis for book one. Both the hero and heroine have their own personal journeys to pursue plus the external conflict they face together. Weaving all these threads together takes time.

I am using four books for reference into Norse mythology and still have to read up on runic inscriptions. Ask me about the Edda, or about Odin the chief of the gods, or about Valhalla and the Valkyries, or Hel, the Queen of the Dead. My head is swirling with plot ideas, snatches of dialogue, and character elements. I’m in a happy place, so much so that it’ll be hard to get back to writing. Once I know where the story is going, though, it should take off.

This project seems to be more complex than my other work, and yet CIRCLE OF LIGHT had multiple viewpoints and plot threads. I didn’t create an overall story arc when I wrote that book, which became first in a trilogy, so this WIP is more ambitious. And this is a new genre for me, mixing fantasy into a contemporary setting. I’ll take all the time I need to lay the proper groundwork. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying the ride, and when book one is done, I hope you’ll hop on board with me for another exciting adventure.

Reminder: Enter my contest at freshfiction.com for a chance to win an advanced reading copy of KILLER KNOTS. Join hairstylist Marla Shore and her fiance on a cruise to murder on the high seas! Coming in December just in time for the holidays.