Surprise!

In editing each separate chapter with "fresh eyes" I have discovered a character that I as a reader want to know more about. So now as an author I must discover more about this character and what wisdom she has to pass onto Bitsy. Things like this take me by surprise, though they shouldn't. It's the surprises that keep writing new and exciting, make it worthwhile and keep it away from formulas. At least I hope that will be true.
Have received wonderful encouragement from those who have read chapter one. Looking forward to the rest of the comments.

Recitations

In 19th century schools, American teachers required their children to memorize poems for recitation, usually once or twice a year poems would be presented at what we would think of as a parent night. Such memorization sharpened the mind, still does, but we rarely have children do it, perhaps because we no longer have many "public exhibitions" outside of school plays or sports. With twin seven-year-old characters, I have started researching more poems and found some interesting choices. I enjoyed the controversy surrounding "Try, try again". Some labelled it anonymous, and others attributed it to opposing poets. I also found different versions of the poem, but finally settled on the one I believe to be most accurate. Who knew something so simple could be so complicated?

Returning

It is odd how strange it feels after my maternity leave to come back to writing/editing/researching. I feel as though the break has sharpened my senses, making me more aware of what I was missing before. Now I find myself wishing that I was finished writing the novel so that I could curl up with it and just enjoy the unfolding of the story, but instead I must edit and discover the ending. I'm waiting for it to sneak up on me as I edit, tiptoeing from behind to say "boo"! As an incredibly visual person I can see all of the characters waiting over my shoulder, leaning ever so slightly forward, just waiting to see what is about to happen in their lives. They are so real to me now, living in Moorehead City over one hundred years ago, loving and striving to live those lives in the best way they can. I pray I can edit quickly and get back into writing so I can find out what happens next!

Calling all readers

I am now going to prepare the first chapter of the novel for a few readers to enjoy. If you would like to be one of the few, please let me know by emailing me at jacquelineroe@embarqmail.com. I would like to know what you like or dislike, what intrigues you or vice versa. I will send out chapter one on the first of July by email, so be sure to include an email address where you can receive PDF attachments.

Breaking

Back at home, off bed rest with my newborn and I am missing writing terribly. So far, I have not been up to tackling a new chapter or even editing and I realize, I am at "the place". I have written what I judge to be 2/3 - 4/5 of the novel. I am not positive where/when it will end so I know this is a guess-timation at its best. However, even though I continue researching a bit here and there, I am taking a break from the actual manuscript itself so that when I return I will hopefully see it with a new perspective. Of course, with a newborn at home and two "big" sisters vying for his (and my attention), I will have to find a way to intentionally rest my eyes so I can see that perspective, but ... I look forward to rereading the manuscript in a couple of weeks. Until then, back to researching and side projects to keep my creative writing fresh.

Hairstyles

Found some wonderful pictures and descriptions of latter Victorian hairstyles, and the infamous Gibson Girl. Based on what I have found I should be able to describe the different styles and the ornamentation that was a woman's glory in such a fashionable era.

Benjamin Rush and other victories

Ah the joys of going in depth into the hush-hush Victorian era ... found evidence that alcoholism had began being diagnosed by the 1800's, the temperance movement's founding being credited to Dr. Benjamin Rush and his writing: Inquiry Into the Effects of Ardent Spirits Upon the Human Mind and Body. There are several universities that have either archived copies of the 1811 writing or one of its following editions, but alas, they do not wish to share with me. However, I found his main four points in diagnosing alcoholism and his very uncomplicated treatment the disease (and he did term it a disease). Complete abstinence (we'd call that cold-turkey and dangerous, but it was the way they handled drying out). This is what every other source had led me to believe, so I feel like I am making good headway.