Light in the darkness

I've been stuck lately, on whatever's coming next. I know, theoretically, what's next. The current books feature the three daughters of the main character from the Ava and Claire series, and French Lessons was the eldest daughter's story.

Next up should be Thelma, the middle daughter. Except Grace, the youngest, is the one who's been talking my ear off. And I would write out of order - I write books out of order, so why not series? - but since Grace's story takes place later, I'm afraid any mention of her sister could potentially throw off Thelma's timeline. 

And Thelma has been stubbornly silent. 

I know she's a dancer. I know she gets into the Philadelphia theater scene. I've purchased two research books about Philadelphia theater, though I haven't sat down and read them yet. That might help. 

But last night, doomscrolling Instagram while trying to ignore my husband doomscrolling the television, I encountered not one but two posts from dancers. I don't follow any dancers on instagram, though apparently I should, because the text of both these posts apply to what I think Thelma's story will be. 

I was telling my husband this morning that I thought I found a way in, and explained the two posts. He added a story that he'd heard in a film interview, which completely related, and now I still don't know what happens in her story, but I know her entire main conflict. 

Huge exhale. Huge. 

She's still not talking, but she did sit up and turn on a light bulb, and at least I now know where I am, and I have some vague idea of where I'm going.