…I started writing Teardrop’s sequel. Matilda was eight weeks old. Sleep–for more than a few hours at a time–eluded me. My brain was struggling to form sentences. My heart was struggling to be away from my daughter. There were days during the drafting this book when I would open one of my other books and not recognize the writer who had come up with those sentences. I couldn’t find the rabbit holes I used to love to tumble into with my characters. I feared that I was finished as a writer.
Slowly, over several drafts, it got better. I got some sleep. My brain returned, and with it came my passion for this story. Today, I turned in the final manuscript to my editor. I worked harder on this novel than I have on any of my books. It took three very serious revisions to arrive at the place it wanted to be.
I’m always proudest of my most recent book, but I’m particularly proud of this one. I think it’s my best writing, my best storytelling. I will remember it as the book that taught me I’ll never be “finished” as a writer. Life will continue to complicate itself in beautiful and unexpected ways, but if I listen closely enough to my characters, they will always guide me and my stories where they need to go.
I can’t wait to share this book with you in October. Thank you for joining me on the journey.
Lauren
