Claiming Space to Write

Rewriting my novel in St. Augustine, FL 🌞

I’ve been quiet for a while as I’ve been finishing the latest rewrite of my novel. You may recall that I finished a big rewrite at the end of the year. After that, I put the novel away for three weeks and celebrated the holidays. And during that time, I had so many new ideas. I could see the story in a totally new way. I noticed opportunities I hadn’t fully taken advantage of in previous drafts.

When I returned to novel land the first week of January, I had some exciting momentum, the details of which are something I’m keeping secret. But know this—it was enough momentum to make me decide that I needed to finish rewriting the book as soon as I could. And “as soon as I could” realistically felt like the end of April.

So here we are. It’s almost the end of April. And last week, I was having a hard time pushing through to the end of my manuscript. I had so much to do. So many scenes I wanted to rewrite. Any time I’d sit at my desk, I’d get quickly distracted by my dog or my husband, who both constantly distract me with their cuteness. In order to finish, I knew I needed to switch something up.

So I spent the week in St. Augustine, where I teach writing at Flagler College. And in between classes and a some freelance work obligations, I worked on my book.

I stayed at the Florida Motel, the dreamiest refurbished midcentury modern motel in the Sunshine State. It could not have been a more perfect space to write. 🦩

My room was even smaller than my college dorm had been, but it was mine.

I turned the TV to face the wall and arranged myself a makeshift desk. To my right was the Keurig, and beneath that was a mini fridge and microwave. I didn’t even have to stand up to make myself a cup of coffee or grab a seltzer or heat up my leftover Chinese food.

There was no dog to distract me. No husband. (Though I did keep this photo nearby.)

And I wrote and wrote and rewrote, until I’d completely finished another full rewrite.

I’m about to head home, where I will spend the weekend with my aforementioned very cute husband and dog. (I can’t wait to see them!!!!) I will print out the whole book. And I will read it and re-read it until I feel like I can’t anymore.

I’ll be back in your inbox soon with more thoughts on writing and stellar book recs. Until then, wish me luck!

🧡,
Hurley