I am working on the third draft of a novel and until J had yet to share anything. She gave me permission to explore sub-plots and themes that I'd thought not quite on point for a spy novel. But J was right. Strengthening those subplots buoyed the more traditional spy stuff making it more relevant and more poignant. The gift of courage is no small thing and that's what she gave me.

She also brought up possibilities I hadn't thought of which as I let myself play without also enriched the novel. At this stage I wasn't looking for a copy editor or even a developmental editor. My first question was: “Do you want to read more?” She did and in doing so has made Project Bittersweet a better story.