Reading Myself

As I’m working on Red is an Attitude, I’m re-reading the first in the series, Red Mojo Mama. Oh what fun I’m having!

It is absolutely great how after a year, I’ve forgotten so much of the story. Oh, not the basics, but all the little characterizations of those who people Red’s life and the details for the village of Nuggetville, where the novel is set.

I’m sure all writers experience the wonderful joy of reading something they particularly like and realizing that – yes, they did it. They created this thing and being enthralled with the tale all over again. Reliving a life you built within your mind and crafted so lovingly has got to be one of the all-time thrills in this life.

I’m really ecstatic about this one because I’ve had such fun with Red, my main character, in the other blog I write – Red Mojo Mama Musings. As some of you will know, we have bantering conversations with each other and she is as real to me as my own sisters.

Of course, I stumble upon things I could have written better, realize it and wish I’d seen the possibilities at the time. But mostly, I’m happy with it. It isn’t great literature. It wasn’t meant to be. But there is a moral backbone to the story and a heroine I admire. Oh, that there was a real Lydia “Red” Talbot! (Sorry, I sound a bit like Jane Austen there – you’ll see why soon).

I have the sequel largely completed but I have a few remaining chapters and the polish to do. I like Red in this novel just as much, but the fun in this one is that she’s gotten her mojo back and she’s pretty much hell on wheels.

I’m on a Jane Austen kick as well and have read four of her novels within a couple of weeks. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a heroine so adored as hers have been for so many years. However, I have the small satisfaction of a few people who have read RMM and loved Red.

For that, I will always be grateful.