JessicaRulestheUniverse.com

I have to finish writing a novel in three months so I’ve been in lockdown for two and a half weeks. I only allow myself out of the house twice a week for appointments and chores. So far it’s been working: I’ve written down half of it, and expect to complete the first draft well before my August 31 deadline. Also, I’ve made a detailed outline so I know where it’s going. More importantly I can stand it, so it’s safe from the shredder.

Technically this is my second novel. The first one, I never published. I didn’t like it. However, it wasn’t total garbage so I took the parts that worked and published them as short stories. They’re in The Stories So Far, the ones where the protagonist is named Jude.

So I’m living inside my head these days, and the only witnesses are the cats. They are not the most cooperative creatures. They want attention. Saffy challenges me to staring contests.

Drogon invades my workspace in stages.

What are you doing? What are you doing? What are you doing?

Would you like to rub my tummy? It’s very soft.

I’m sure you won’t mind if I park my butt on top of your notebook.

Fur! Soft!

I’m sleepy. This is a good place for a nap.