The glitz of Dallas has worn off.
I’m back to my daily routine. Writing. Reading. Checking the net. I am such a creature of habit.
One of my new story ideas has really taken over my thoughts. I’m always happy when that happens. I can’t sleep, can’t watch TV, can’t sink into a good book. I love it! 
This story has been lurking in the recesses of my mind since Christmas Eve mass. (I know. I get story ideas at the oddest times. Ask my hubby.) Picture a faith healer who isn’t a scam artist. She’s the genuine article. Then picture a tenacious reporter who loves exposing grifters. So far, the storyline seems to be working well, and I’m honestly content with the first hundred pages.
I miss my critique group so much!! We haven’t met in a long time. Judith read the prologue of the faith healer book and seemed to like it. But other than that, I’m flying solo. My mother has been kind enough to step up as my main beta reader. She’s so wonderful to take the time to help me. My only misgiving is that I sometimes — translate often — change things midstream, and I want her to see the best I have to offer.
Judie taught me to “Shrek” every chapter. My writing evolves in layers. Like an onion — or an ogre. 
I put a laptop under my fingers and pour out the barebones of the story. Then I let it grow, adding appropriate character thoughts and feelings or describing the setting. Each chapter gets at least five passes with changes. And even then, I’m not always satisfied. I could probably go back over all my work and change it, even if it didn’t need changing. I seriously need to learn to walk away and let the work speak for itself.
Being a writer and being a perfectionist can be very, very frustrating.