The traditional wisdom is always to start in on a new story. And I do. But it sort of highlights the pain in a way. Because in the more developed story I know everyone so much better! Now there are all these new people I don't really know yet. Will I like them? Will we get along? Will they tell me their stories in ways that work? And I don't really know where the story is going yet. So again (why every time?) I wonder if it'll actually go anywhere, if it'll make sense, if it will have a point. And all the worrying makes me hesitant to truly dive in. I dip my toes in the water, but it's cold. I'm an incher, moving in a tiny bit at a time. I wish I could learn to be more like my husband and kids who go to a freezing ocean or pool and just dive right in. But that's never been my way. (What do you think, too many metaphors being mixed in this pot today?)

It's not a bad thing to inch in, I tell myself. It gives the story and the characters time to develop. Until suddenly they're not just knocking on the door, they're knocking it down! And then the ride starts and wheee! Here we go again Love that river rapid ride. Right now I have two new worlds competing for my attention. One is a new novel idea that's been tapping at the door for a few months now, waiting patiently for its turn. The other is a short story, which will be part of an e-anthology  by the 2009 Debutantes that's set to come out in October, all about Firsts. More details on that soon.

So while my beloved manuscript simmers and matures, I'll be dipping my toes into two new worlds, shyly saying hello to two new sets of characters, braving the unknown. Wish me luck