I've never been the type of writer who could finish a book, then turn around and begin editing right away. I always needed time between the two events, like ending a relationship and having the ability to analyze it. How much time is enough? Who knows. 350 degrees for 20 minutes doesn't work for everything.

Last year I struggled with a novella. The premise of the story was great. The sex was hot. But it felt disjointed, like it was angry with itself. Finally I gave up and let it macerate in its own misery. For nearly a year. A few nights ago I picked it up and suddenly everything fell into place. I had answers for questions, righted the wrongs and left my characters with a very satisfying "the end."

I am not an especially different person than I was a year ago. I didn't make any major plot changes. The only difference was time. Like a wine you can really lay down, my story seemed to mature all on its own. All I needed to do was pop the cork at the right time.