Marilyn, it sounds like you write fiction the same way I do - and I have to say, it feels like a channelling sort of thing.

Writing fiction is my first love. When I'm writing a story, it's like I'm watching the scene unfolding. I'm staring at the computer screen but I don't really see the words; I'm watching a film and the characters are telling me what to write. I'm there as an observer and I just write what happens.

I always get so engrossed that if, for example, it's the middle of the afternoon and I'm writing a scene that takes place late at night, when I stop for a break I literally jump. I'm startled and disoriented because it's daylight and my clock says 3 pm when it should be dark and midnight.

It's the weirdest thing but this always happens when I write fiction. Maybe it's like that for you, too. Maybe we're writing someone's actual story, someone whose energy or spirit is coming through and we're picking it up.

It astonishes me that you haven't been writing fiction for a long time.

If you have any interest in writing novels, I can share some info with you about that, and how to make it a very lucrative and enjoyable pastime.

As for the writing, there are plenty of excellent youtube channels by successful authors who help you with some of the essentials about how to hit all the tropes so an audience will eat up your stories and want more. There are great authors like Chris Fox who has written a book on writing to market that helps you figure this out, too.

There are so many tools and resources for the "how to write a novel people will buy" issue and I have lots to share about how to then sell them.

You have an amazing gift for coming up with a compelling story and equally compelling characters. I think you'd do very well if you choose to learn about this extra fun way to use your obvious gift for storytelling.

I am so impressed, Marilyn. Seriously. Great writing!