Things that have happened since Anna and I started working on the pond novel:

1. I am now served exclusively paint company ads because I dared Google “Benjamin Moore most popular colors” (though Anna later astutely pointed out that the character in question would most definitely be buying Farrow & Ball).

2. The season changed from summer to fall. I love a dark morning for writing at the kitchen counter, no sound except the wind outside. In my element over here!

3. The two of us are settling into a collaboration process. It still feels a little early to describe it in the detail — not that I think I’ll jinx it, but there may still be a kink or two or work out.

We’re at nearly 9,000 words in this first draft. I’m hoping to pick up the clip in the coming months. One thing I have learned about writing: when you have momentum, ride it.