the novel is coming along. all the main characters and most of the more important secondary characters are sketched out with backgrounds firmly in place. the outline for action is set from the beginning through the denouement. etienne, vanessa, barney, serge, helga and michael are likeable and distinct personalities. the narrative triangle is falling into place.
i just can't think of a single fucking reason to justify setting the action in belgium other than, that, through my research, i have discovered that belgium is totally fucking sweet. i'm talking fucking nutrasweet.