I managed to work for a few hours this morning on the novel (8,000 words, so far). It always surprises me when a story takes off on its own, and this usually doesn't happen until I've visited with the characters a while and tried to tell the story I think I'm telling. Then, suddenly, the characters begin to speak. They take over. They tell the story I should be telling (one hopes). I had a notion of where this story was headed when I started, but I don't know for certain that this is where it will go now that the characters are writing their own cue cards. I'm just a passenger along for the ride, wherever it leads. And with any luck the journey will be both enjoyable and publishable.

Spent part of the afternoon reading Mysteries of the Mummy Kids by Kelly Milner Halls. Fascinating! And recommended, if you don't mind scary pictures. Personally, I've always enjoyed a good scare.