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Hi Spud- a writer-
I read your story as it's written so far. I really like the plot and see potential for Hihanako to have a great adventure with the monk and dragon she meets. It sounds like RL is getting in the way of your writing, and the question isn't how to proceed with your story but how to get yourself writing again–yes?

I think it's often motivation that keeps us from writing when our lives feel too full or busy. If that's the case and you're feeling stuck, can you set aside a few minutes just to write a tiny thing about your story? I think it would be helpful and help get you inspired to write more if you reacquaint yourself with your characters (and fall in love with them again) so you'll be excited to write. Since it's been a while since you've written, it might feel good to do some digging into Hihanako's personality and mannerisms (or other fun stuff). Maybe try something easy and fun, like coming up with quirky things your MC does or says. For example, how does she react when something startles her? Does she have any mindless habits, like playing with the end of her braids when she's bored or scratching the back of her hand when she's nervous or...? Maybe if you come up with some little exercises like you'll find yourself inspired again, and if you're feeling good about your story, I think you're more likely to push yourself to make time to write–even if it's just for a few minutes at a time.

These are just some random suggestions based on my own experience. To me, getting down to writing sometimes means getting your heart back into the story you need to tell.

I hope this helps. If you start working on Hihanako again in earnest, let me know and I'll be happy to do a solid review for you a chapter at a time or something.


“I wonder how many of the great heroes of history would turn out to be slow runners, if you ever investigated the circumstances.” ~ from Ammie Come Home by Barbara Michaels