The process of writing my first novel, *The Space Between Time* was, for the most part, an exciting and engaging experience. Where I was in the story, and what was coming next was always in the back of my mind. When I finished the rough draft, I had to switch gears to become an editor. That's a different set of skills, however, I found it rewarding. Now it's at the editor and I feel a little lost.

While I wait to make final changes on it before I publish, I've started the sequel novel, as yet untitled. In other words, I'm back to square one.

It's not facing the blank pages that I find daunting. It's discovering where the story wants to lead me. I have only a vague idea of where the story will end up, or at least the main message the story will convey, but what happens in between the first page and the last, that's still a mystery.

The wheels are turning in my head again. No matter what I'm doing, I'm thinking about this latest book and what will happen to the characters. In a way, it's exciting like I'm on a treasure hunt. On the other hand, I hope the hunt doesn't take as long to complete as the first book. I hope I've learned a bit about the process from my years of writing the first novel. But who knows maybe I'm just a slow writer and there is nothing to be done about that.

I have to say that for most of my life, I have been a plodder. Maybe I should revise that to say I like to make sure all the pieces are in place before presenting what I've created to the public. I did that when I was an actor, director and now, I'm doing it as a writer.

Though starting over with a new project is a bit scary, there is a certain aspect to the process that I find exhilarating. Each time I begin to direct a new play, I assess the set of problems facing me. I like examining each one in their turn and finding solutions. Writing is a very similar process, except that I'm on the other side now. I'm creating the problems instead of discovering them.

While writing all the above, I realized that what I'm feeling is a little bit like being adrift. I haven't quite found the shore to navigate toward. When I do, I'll have a clear vision of where I'm going.

What is your process when starting a new project?