Why didn't I think of this 2 months ago?

I'm nearly done with The Scarlet Tide, the third book in the Duncan Andrews series. I was, anyway. Last night, while working at my "real" job, an idea suddenly hit me. And, darn it, it was a good idea. Unfortunately, it means changing a few things I've already written. Why the hell I didn't think of this when I was plotting out the story, I have no idea, because it's a beauty of an idea, but I didn't. At least I thought of it now, instead of after I sent the book off to the publisher. That would have sucked. I'll just have to work a lot harder on it this weekend to keep on my schedule (self-imposed) of getting the manuscript done by the end of the month.

And I'm okay with that. I don't mind the work, once I actually get down to it. I'll procrastinate like anything before rolling up my sleeves and getting down to it, but once I get going I'm fine. I want it to be the best I'm capable of doing, and this idea will, in my humble opinion, improve the story.

Which brings me to another thing. I saw someone post their New Year's resolution on Facebook to write 7 books this year. 7? Really? 7? Back in the days when I worked at a book store, people used to joke about Stephen King writing a book a week. He didn't, of course. I don't think he's ever put out more than 2 in a year. Certainly never 7.

Maybe this person doesn't have a day job and writing is their only income. If so, I can understand wanting to publish as much as possible, but I still think that 7 is pushing it. Surely the quality of writing wouldn't be the best with this much output. Heck, I'm never satisfied that a book is ready but I force myself to let it go and get on with other things.

My goal this year: 2. Maybe three. Tops. Three would be nice. And a few short stories peppered in between. But 7? Jeesh!