Too Much on the Brain

I have this overflow valve in my brain, but sometimes it becomes clogged and a stockpile of ideas logjam the valve. When that happens it really does gum up the works and cause a stagnant production of words. 

For that reason, I have learned that trying to write 3 or 4 books at a time is counter-productive. Sluicing the words from the stockpile is not working. It slows my writing down to a basic sludge flow. No matter how much I love the stories I am writing and want to finish them, I must concentrate on one story at a time. Hence the Idea Journal (not only on Pinterest:Idea Board) that keeps track of what I'm thinking about writing and what I'm writing and what may be written and what genre to write.

I have three books complete with titles and characters newly recorded in my Idea Journal (Idea Board). [There are 20 story ideas recorded and I need to add more that are listed in a notebook.]

The story lines are still a small mystery. Like seeing through a hazy dawn, I can see the path to go down, but until I am ready to truly travel it the nuances are hidden from me. BUT, I have titles (to reiterate)!
Book 1: Diamonds That Shine
Book 2: In the Valley Low
Book 3: Rise with a Shout

Can anyone guess what sparked the birth of these titles?

As for what I am working on right now, sadly I couldn't stay with just one book. I do only work on one per day and at least, though, these two go hand-in-hand, so to speak. The smaller story is a follow-up to Mississippi Nights.

A Mississippi Summer will tell Poppy's coming-of-age story. Here's a blurb of sorts:

There's a reason why some flowers grow strong and wild.

Three years after her adoption, 15 year old Poppy has questions. Number one question: does life really have a purpose?

A new tragedy, an old addiction, and fledgling promise bring Poppy to the edge of a bitter storm. Her family is unraveling and faith is falling away.

Her only hope in surviving is trusting in a love, following a bold promise, and finding a lost faith. Somewhere along the way she will have to find the strength in order to save all she loves.

The second book is one that I've been sporadically working on for the last two years. I'm looking forward to sharing Scott and Angela's story with you. Here's a tentative blurb for Alabama Days:

Paramedic Scott Wilson believes he can chase death away, but when a young death shatters his spirit, he hides behind his work and his addiction.

Reporter Angela Mabry knows death can lurk behind many doors, proof from the suicide of her husband, Mike. 

When a prominent city official dies in a car wreck, Scott and Angela find themselves tangled in intrigue and deception. Together they find the Truth and that not all is what it seems.

Tell me what you think. And if you haven't already, follow this blog so that you won't miss any updates.