Mood:
chillin'Now Playing: Eric Reploeg: "My Father's House!"
Topic: My Writing Life
Every once in a while, it is a very good idea to take stock of the things that occupy your time. This is especially important in the writing life. Sometimes, a new project "grabs" you, and hours--or even days-disappear beneath the excitement of new words. Sometimes, I am writing about things which are difficult to express; personal things or a difficult concept. Hours, or days can suddenly vanish into the vapor of "research". Suddenly, every project is "back-logged", and there isn't enough time at all.
It is no less true in the writing life than any other: You get 24 hours every day! I have, lately, been devoting my writing hours to a very special, and very personal project. It might be interesting to note, for those of you who are, or would be writers, that my writing about this is a reflection upon what is, in itself, a reflection. Yes, such things really do occur in the world. They occur quite often in the writing life.
For almost a month, now, I have devoted almost 100% of my available time to the writing of this project. I finished the last "of the first" entries this morning: exactly one month AFTER I first heard the first - person possessive of the subject of the writing: Cancer. My journey, walking "through the valley" with this new disease is therapeutic for me, and (as it would surprise ME to learn) others as well. The writing is an on-going project, and is in no way intended to be a profitable venture-despite many urgings to the otherwise. In the first place, the work is not well-organized. In fact, it is purposely so. It does not follow the accepted rules of good writing. Again, it purposely does not follow any rules which would constrain the writer. It is a total free-form illustration of my journey, and was never intended to be a "best-seller". And it's a good thing that is true! At least I am being spared the dis-illusionment of "hawking" a stinker!
But, sometimes in the writing life, it is important to look within yourself. Sometimes, you find entirely new purpose for the craft. But, then again, what of the WIP's? I have, for all intents and purpose lost sight (and track) of them. They are:
"Notre Dame" Final edit on 14 of 34 chapters. Remainder waiting. Query letter (of unknown quality) out to 4 Agents, 4 Publishers.
"Theocracy" First Chapter of the Second Volue in rough draft, with a very few good reviews/critiques on-board. Period. Planning in most rough shape using NewNovellist and WriteNow! There is a deep desire to get this drafted, but I feel lost in the subject at the moment. I actually find it interesting that, working on the rough plan of this work is what I was about when I went to the Hospital! I wonder if Dad is trying to tell me something, or if Ole Stoopid is testing my intent to actually write the durned thing.
"The Police Chaplain" has the first chapter in rough draft, and has been well-received (limited). All these works need review and comment, as I have some decisions to make as to where and how to take them.
"Diesel Dilemma" has a really good opening, and there is a plot arc around here somewhere (unless it, too, became a victim of the virus which required the new hard drives!!!!). It will be a fun write, but it too needs basic work and a lot of dedicated time.
Books II and III in the Series: Still researching, and trying to decide which nation I wish to piss off next. I am waiting for the plot to tell me where it is we will go. That's a lazy way to do things in the writing life. But, with these strong characters, I sort of expected THEM to tell ME where we would go next! I wonder who I should blame. Well, at least I know it's not ME!
Article "Why Me, God?" in response to a comment from a new reader of the newest project. Pending input from Prayer Group, GCO, et al.
http:s14.invisionfree.com/effective_prayer/index.php. Online Bible Study is OFFLINE--waiting on me to spend about one solid week getting the 2 new courses worked out and scheduled. I wonder when that will happen.
http::s9.invisionfree.com/Serious_Critiques/index.php. The Forum group has shown promise--moreso than the group which birthed it. But the group has Jim back onboard as Leader. I think I did a pretty lousy job with that. The folks love Jim (I do, too) but really didn't care much for me! I thought when they said "Serious!" that is what they meant. Nothing could be further from the truth. But the Forum site is attracting some really good writers who are anxious for in-depth, full, and honest reviews/critiques. I'd love to get a good group going there, but again, the time.
The Blogs: I have not really had any heart for the Blogs, save two. The homesite blog is starting well, I think. Well, for this work, would be doing the original purpose. I AM being honest in the writing, and I am trying with all I know how to get current, as quickly as possible. But, in the process, I am really afraid I am going to "forget" some of the great moments, and the amazing people that worked together to get me to this point in the journey. What do I sacrifice? Events, moments, or those blessed souls who, if not a part of the story, would not have me around to tell about them? It is really a quandry, and it takes up entirely too much of my time, and creates the enemy (stress) in the process. In the end, I chuck the argument, write from my heart, and let Dad's words be the result. Different motivation than most writers, I suppose. Max would kick me if he heard me say that! I guess, even in the writing life, we keep secrets from even our very best and best-loved friends.
A Blessing of Opportunity is my lot. I must, as always, just let Dad drive the boat. He's doing a lot of that these days, I guess. Sometimes, the best decision you can make is to just not concern yourself with the map, and let the Guide lead. That is so very hard for me, sometimes.
But, so it goes in the writing life.
Bud
