It is exceptionally difficult to find artwork that looks like the present-day writing process. I am beginning to worry I need a corset or a feather attached to my pens or a bustle to do this “correctly.” Not to mention that when I search for “painting woman writing” there is perhaps one woman of color if I really scroll.

The art world has some catching up to do, clearly. This image at least resembled an experience I have had while writing, and so it stands as my representation of reaching 125 handwritten pages.

In order to avoid stalling and waiting, an excellent title for the holding pattern we can get into when shifting from one stage of the process to the next, I’m going to share an excerpt of chapter one of Iris Drake, as it stands currently. Enjoy!