Hey everyone! 

  It’s December already, can you believe it? Christmas is right around the corner and 2025 is almost here! 

Also part 3 of Know the Novel is here!

 If you’re a regular visitor to this blog, you may have noticed my complete lack of posting for the past few weeks. The reason is because several Unexpected Life Things™ ended up being dumped on me all at once in the past month, resulting in me not being able to post for a while.

But things have finally begun to die down, so hopefully I can go back to my regular posting schedule (and warn y’all next time I decide to take an impromptu break). 

1. How did writing this novel go all around?

 Better than I expected! I did write less than I hoped in the last month, but the month before that was pretty successful so I’m happy about that. And progress is always a win! 

2. Did it turn out as you expected or completely different? How do you feel about the outcome?

 Window Lake: Since this is the second draft, I expected it to be the same as it was in the first draft, only with it being actually well-written this time. And… well, the overall story has stayed the same, but the characters (or character. Definitely not looking at Julia right now) are still trying their hardest to cause as many problems as possible.

 Maple Row Cafe: As someone who honestly does not put a lot of work into worldbuilding, I was surprised by how much more time I ended up spending on the setting than I usually do in my stories. I actually really like the setting in this story and it’s a lot of fun to explore, especially since it leans heavily into autumn vibes, which is by far my favourite season. 

3. What aspect of the story did you love writing about the most? (Characters, plot, setting, prose, etc.)

 The characters! Is anyone surprised? I still love exploring each character and watching their dynamics with each other unfold in both stories. 

4. What was your least favorite part? 

 Kind of going against what I said in the first answer, my least favourite part isn’t exactly related to the story itself, but it’s more my inconsistent writing habits. I was pretty consistent in the beginning but after a while life happened and all consistency went out the window. Hopefully after things start to die down consistency will be less of a problem. 

5. What do you feel needs the most work?

I think that pretty much sums it up.

6. How do you feel about your characters now? Who’s your favorite? Least favorite? Anyone surprise you? Give us all the details!

 Window Lake: Julia’s character has honestly surprised me in this draft more than anything else. She became a much more complex character in the second draft and it’s been a lot of fun exploring her more deeply. Aza is also much more chaotic this draft and Shak has already begun to try his best to keep the chaos to a manageable level. 

 Maple Row Cafe: When I first had the idea for this story, I honestly didn’t have too many plans for Abigail’s character outside of her connection with Owen and Hattie’s relationship. But almost as soon as I started writing, I knew she would be a much bigger part of the story than I’d initially expected. I also didn’t expect her to become my favourite character, but I think I ended up relating to her a little too much for her not to be XD Owen is also much different than I had originally planned, so it’s been really interesting exploring his point of view. 

7. What’s your next plan of action with this novel?

 I hope to continue to write both of them, but if I’m being completely honest it might sit in my computer until winter break when I actually have time to work on my personal projects. 

8. If you could have your greatest dream realized for this novel, what would it be?

 I would love to have them published, but I also think it would be awesome if they could become movies. I’ve always wanted to direct a movie, and it would be especially cool if I could direct my own stories. If only I had the money and time… 

9. Share some of your favorite snippets!

 Window Lake: 

“I could show you around Velamyr, if you want,” Shak offered. 

 Aza glanced at Estral. “Can I join them?” 

 Estral frowned. “You know that puts you at risk.” 

 Aza stared at him with wide, starry eyes and a pout that would’ve gotten any other person to cave instantly. “Please?” 

 Estral looked away. “Nice try.” 

 The look was gone in an instant. “Aww, it usually works.” 

 “That’s because you always use it on Shak,” Estral replied. 

 “Hey,” Shak protested mildly. 

 Maple Row Cafe: 

 “So did you know me? Before, I mean.” 

 Owen hesitated. What should he say? Yeah, I actually used to be your boyfriend for a few years, but I ruined it when I broke your heart for a stupid reason, then you ended up in a car accident and that’s why your memory’s gone. Sorry about that by the way. “I did.” 

 Hattie brightened. “Really?” 

 “Yeah, I… yeah. But it was a long time ago…” 

 “That’s alright,” Hattie dismissed. “I can’t blame you for having bad memory. I mean, look at me, right?” She laughed. 

 Owen gave her a strained smile. If only he had bad memory. He knew it wasn’t her fault— of course it wasn’t, it was his own— but sometimes he couldn’t help but feel jealous. She got to forget about everything and move on, while he was left here with no choice but to remember all his mistakes. 

 It’s not her fault, he thought bitterly. You can’t blame her for that. And it’s not as if forgetting everything is necessarily a good thing. 

10. Did you glean any new writing and/or life lessons from writing this novel?

  Something I was definitely reminded of from writing both of these novels is to push through even when you don’t feel like it or when you feel like your writing sucks. It reminded me that it’s okay for your writing to not be perfect immediately and you can always fix it later. Sometimes you just need some time away from your writing to fully appreciate it and be able to genuinely work on it. I feel like that’s something I always need to be reminded of when I write. 

 So there’s the final Know the Novel post! Fingers crossed that my posting schedule will go back to normal after this and in the meantime, hope y’all have an awesome Christmas ❤ 

 Thanks for reading! – Em