Happy Quarantiniversary

Keeping it short this week.

First, happy quarantiniversary. "But JMC," you ask, "how do you know the exact day?" Well, on March 10, I went to the Noah Reid concert in Chicago with my friend Jen. As we stood in line waiting to get in, we debated whether it was a good idea to be there. The conversation continued inside as we were all sitting close together. But we made it through. And the show was great! I'm grateful it was my last "normal" activity.

The next morning, my manager called and said going into the office was optional and hew was encouraging his team to stay home. By mid-morning, our CEO messaged everyone saying the office was open but optional for coming in. And by that evening, our CEO messaged us saying we would be remote for the rest of the month.

And here we are one year later. It's been an educational time, an emotional time. There is so much for which I'm grateful, not least of which is my health and the health of my friends and family. While it's not over yet, things are definitely looking up.

But you're not here for Covid musings. You're here for writing updates!

Baby steps this week. I’ve created a rough outline of Act 1, and I have a big picture image in my mind of the whole book, including how I want people to feel as they read it and when they reach the end. Plus, an idea came to me last night and I spent a little time jotting down 600 words. Will they make it into the final draft? Who knows. But the scened definitely evokes the feeling I'm going for. Here's a little taste:

It was a half-strangled sound, like a gurgling bark, and they collapsed in on themself, bracing their hands on their knees for support against spasms of grief.

It's good progress.

I'm still playing with ideas of where the book should open and what the catalyst is to move our protagonist into Act 2. But that will come together. It’s just such an interesting feeling holding this book in my brain as pieces of it begin to gel. I like it.

I can’t wait to get this second draft down so I can get to a third draft and, ultimately, the draft everyone will get to read. Now I’m getting excited again.

To adventure!

And, as always, make good choices.