Derailed

OK, I really meant to do more with this month, especially after the enthusiastic start I had. A job search and some welcome freelance projects cropped up, and before I knew it, some of my research materials were due back at the library already. Really, I'm not sure which to do first - complete all the family research or jump into the fiction. I want to simply start writing - it makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something. But I know - from years of reading on this topic - that the background writing work is even more important than the words that appear on the page. Like meticulous wallpaper removal and careful sanding is the only basis for a good paint job, but those early tasks are the most frustrating and slooooowwww. My brother, for instance, is the type to put some of the paint on the wall before we've finished any prep work, "just to see how it will turn out." I want to skip ahead, too.