COMING UP WITH A NEW STORY

Here I am, at last, in Port Isaac, Cornwall. And here I've been dredging my imagination inspired by this incredible fishing village to come up with an idea and a story for a new novel. A novel not part of my 'Midnight' series. A complete stand-alone. But still a contemporary romantic suspense novel, but the first one without my character Rachel O'Neill.

So, I've been thinking and thinking and thinking, making notes about possibilities, scrutinizing my surroundings with the purpose of creating the backdrop for my story, focusing my every waking thought on it ... until last night. Last night I met up with a couple gals and their husbands who we'd met the first night Trish and I arrived in Port Isaac. Fun people. And last night I put a question to the gals ... why would my protagonist be in Port Isaac, hiding out, living in a cottage she purchased without her husband of six months knowing, while he's back in New York City not knowing where she is? Why is she here? Why did she disappear?

Well, then the story unfolded. Between the three of us, we came up with a wonderful plot. At least a starting point with possible plot points ... and it was a fabulous brain-storming session. So now I'm eager to get to the writing of it.

After leaving them, I went for dinner at The Mote - crispy salmon, spinach, potatoes, and salad - then I walked back up the hill to our cottage in the rain, feeling the night had been totally productive and exhilarating. Trish stayed in for the evening, had been out walking all day while I worked - publishing stuff.

Today we went to Tintagel a few miles from here - the Camelot Castle Hotel and the village that was a complete surprise (the village is not portrayed well on the Internet, it's terrific). And as we traveled the bus ride to and from Tintagel, my mind continued writing this new novel ... working title JESSICA. (Oh, our busdriver on the return trip was a flaming queen - ruby red nail polish and all. He was a riot, entertained us all the way back. Lots of laughter.)

By the way this was the first time I've discussed a possible plot with anybody else. And it's strange how it all came about. It only goes to show that wherever and whenever you can come up with a story, and with whomever, do it. They were very helpful. Both Brits. And I truly thank them.