As of March, 2019, The Doubloon became the working title of my historical novel in progress. Set in the Carolinas in the 1760s, it is the story of a widow who is accused of killing her husband. She simultaneously works to prove her innocence, looks for a new husband, and struggles with inheriting a slave after being against slavery all her life.

I finished the first rough draft on May 1, 2019. Over the next two years, I tweaked the manuscript. When I thought I had it written as well as I could, I began to seek the services of an editor.

In July 2021, I hired editor C.S. Lakin to critique the first 50 pages of my 303-page manuscript. It was the first professional critique I received. Ms. Lakin made numerous comments and recommendations. She pointed out many things I was doing wrong or not doing at all.

I have much more to learn about the art of writing fiction. It was no fun reading her comments, but I needed to hear them. Otherwise, I will not grow and improve as a writer.

A writer’s journey to publication is almost always long, and there are many potholes and disappointments along the way. Constructive criticism isn’t easy for me to take, but I’m trying each day to see the value in it.

There are some online courses I need to take that should go hand-in-hand with books I plan to read about the mechanics of structuring and writing a novel.

Thank you for reading my blog and coming along on my journey as a writer and reader.

Janet