Hello All! I hope you had a kickin’, very safe fourth of July.

I enjoyed the day, considering Independence Day is a time to celebrate, not to mention it’s my anniversary. (The irony doesn’t escape me.)

There were no fireworks this year, since the state ban, but I had a great time.

Kidding aside, I love this time of year. Swimming, gardening and playing with my kids dominates most of my days. Although, this intense heat and smoke from the fires here in Colorado has me wanting to stay more inside than out…giving me additional time to write. So I’ve added a goal to achieve this month.

Recently, I was told by a dear friend that to make writing/editing a little easier for me (will it ever be easy?) I should write a short story. I should really focus on the plot, pacing and tight characterization.

I embraced the idea.

So this July, I challenge any and all of you to join me in a mini “bookstart” camp. A goal of 20,000 or less in one month for a complete novella. If you’ve done NaNo, this should be easy. If you haven’t, this is a perfect opportunity to warm up for the major event in November.

I would love for all of you to start out with a premise paragraph(s) posted here and take the rest of the month to work towards your goal. Post your progress and the struggles you face. I want others to find help and inspiration with one another. Together we can!

Summer’s Novella (no title yet)

Joshua Windgate leaves his ravaged southern Plantation with nothing more than a Sharp’s rifle, his prized stallion and a chip on his shoulder wider than the Mississippi. Headed West to start anew after the war, he vows never to love or trust again.

Darling Valentine is the protected daughter of Spanish land baron, Manuel Rodriguez. A perfect lady by day, Val rides recklessly at night to escape the tyrannical eye of her father.

When she stumbles upon the battered body of Joshua Windgate, the new ranch foreman, she knows she must risk her only freedom in order to save his life.

Claiming his disappearance gives Joshua time to heal and seek for his assailant, but only complicates matters as he learns he must trust the beautiful, spoiled Val with his life.  

As the pair struggles to contain a passion hotter than the New Mexico sun they learn neither is what they appear. And nothing, and no one, will stand between them and their love.

Begin Date: July 5^th, 2012

Word Count: 0

Struggle: Beginning!