1) Spent a lot of time journaling, thinking and talking about possible topics for my novel and decided on something that is burning to be written--the story of my grandmother's journey from Russia and her death in a psychiatric ward in Bellevue at the age of 41.
2) Started some research on life in Russia during the first two decades of the 20th Century and on the state of psychiatric hospitals during the time she would have been in one. On-line, books, and movies (The Lost Weekend, The Snake Pit.) I should also look for Dr.Zhivago and Reds.
3) Set up the new novel in StoryMill, with 20 scenes. I will undoubtedly think of at least 10 more as I go through the month, but this is a good start.
4) Created this Blog so I can keep track of my mental progress, as well as share with others.
