Seven weeks. That’s how long Darklight has been sitting on the shelf since I finished it. I had started working on a couple overused expressions I had to fix. But believe me when I tell you that is NOT exciting. Writing a finale is awesome; fixing typos is boring. So I put it on the shelf.

Until I started reading something else. Back in December, I went to see the Jack Reacher movie. When I first saw the preview, I thought it sounded like a weird title. Then I found out it was the title character from a best selling series. The movie knocked my socks off. After seeing the movie, I told my wife that I wanted a couple of those books for my birthday last month.

She bought me two and pre-ordered the blu-ray for the movie (she’s extra thoughtful like that!). I finished reading the debut Jack Reacher novel, Killing Floor, in four nights, and was hooked. I’ve already started the second book and don’t see my self stopping anytime soon.

At the same time, I find myself analyzing the author’s writing patterns. Why does this book capture my attention? What has hooked my fancy such that I read until 2:00 a.m.? What is Darklight missing in that respect? That is what renewed my desire to work on Darklight again.

Are you writing? Well don’t forget to keep reading as well. It can help you get through the rough patches.

Happy writing!