It's been 3 weeks since my last post--that in itself is indication that my recovery from full rotator cuff repair has gotten smoother.
This past Wednesday marked weeks 12 post op which is a big marker--the completion of phase I of rehab post surgery. Now I begin to do more intensive stretching exercises since the tendon has had several weeks to begin re-attaching to the bone. Also I'm beginning to strengthen the surrounding muscles more now. The shoulder isn't considered fully healed for 9-12 months post surgery, but I'm well on my way.
9 weeks post op was a huge milestone and 11 weeks post op was also a very big deal. Starting at 11 weeks, I was FINALLY, CONSISTENTLY able to sleep solidly every night. Boy that was a looooooong time in coming. This is a very big deal. Lack of sleep is a significant factor in our overall health and I was really feeling the repercussions those previous 10 weeks of not getting any kind of decent, consistent sleep.
I'm also able to open and close most doors with my operative arm now--I'm still very careful with difficult to open doors--for example at work one of the restroom doors is ridiculously hard to open and I won't use my operative arm for that. I'm carrying small objects like water bottles or cereal bowls with my operative arm but nothing really heavy. I can close the car door with little discomfort and driving is also more comfortable now.
Last weekend I took my first hike--only 3 miles and not a difficult trail, but that too, was a big deal because that's the first time I've had the stamina for a hike.
The shoulder continues to be achy, especially after PT and the weight bearing/resistance training days every other day, but that will continue for some months yet. But the discomfort now is NOTHING compared to what I've been through and I am sooooo relieved and thankful!
The return of my stamina is coinciding well with the fact that I become a college student once again in another week, embarking on my dual journey of training to become a personal trainer and my long term goal of progressing toward a Kinesiology undergrad for use as a physical therapy tech down the road. I'm a bit nervous and stressed---I already have problems finding enough time to do the things I need to do, now I need to add in time to study and do homework on top of everything else. But there's not much choice. I can't continue on my current career path and the only way to create an alternative is to re-train.
The big question mark for me in pursuing a kinesiology degree is the high math requirement. It's a long story, but a crummy elementary school teacher I had pretty much traumatized me for life concerning my ability to do math (I still remember the look of disgust on her face when I came up to her asking for help. I don't remember the exact verbiage of what she said to me, but what my young impressionable mind heard was to the effect of "Are you so stupid that you can't get subtraction?"). There is no doubt that math is one of my weaker subjects. I don't debate that. But the real question is, will I let one lousy teacher ruin my academic pursuit or will I dig in and overcome huge doubts about my abilities in that area and persevere?
I may not be able to handle the high math requirement. But I am surely defeated if I don't try. And I won't give that bimbo the satisfaction. I've let her stymie me for too many decades already.
Of course all these developments shove my writing under the mat--again. There simply aren't enough hours in the day. I do continue to do research for my current series of novels, though I'm doing no actual writing. I once jokingly said I can write one book a decade. The one book that is closest to publication I began working on in 2005---so it WILL soon be a decade. We'll see what happens in 2015. 8-)
Life is crazy, and even though I pray for direction sometimes I wonder if I'm on the right track. But I need to trust that God will keep opening and closing doors according to His plan for me and He'll get me where I need to go. 8-)
Showing posts with label Historical fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Historical fiction. Show all posts
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Research, Rabbit Trails and Highly Recommended Reading
Oh dear. We all have nooses we willingly walk into. Rabbit holes we gladly jump into to explore at the expense of other things.
For me, it's historical research, especially research on 19th century America. In my last post I mentioned a book I'm currently reading on the history leading up to and including the Civil War but I failed to post a link to that title.
I'm still reading it, and still gobbling it up, highlighting page after page on my Kindle. My first task is to read the book and highlight important sections (read as: pretty much the whole book--I've had to re-charge my Kindle over and over. LOL!). Then I'll go back and take physical notes.
The book is Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James McPherson. Here's the Amazon link (available in paper or Kindle. I currently have it on Kindle but am saving to buy the hardcover version):
http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Cry-Freedom-Oxford-History/dp/019516895X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378435394&sr=1-1&keywords=battle+cry+of+freedom
Not only is this book itself utterly fascinating to read, it gives me so many leads on other people and books to read (especially since I like reading about military history) that I will be following rabbit trails for some time. I will literally be taking notes for months just from this one title.
And that leads to the one thing I still struggle with. I often study history at the expense of actually writing. But because of the kind of plots I like, I feel like I need a thorough knowledge of not only a particular event but the wide ranging political and economic climate of the times I am writing about. That takes time.
Time and again, I've heard other historical writers say you have to tamp down on this urge, put down the research, and begin writing. I know that is inherently true and if I do not I will have to face end of life regrets about the books I wish I'd written. But doggone it, at this point in my life, I have so many other stressors, I just want to spend some time enjoying reading history for the pure joy it is in and of itself. 8-)
Not only is history enjoyable to read for its own sake, I find that as a Christian it strengthens my faith because history reminds me that no matter the era, humans make mistakes, and no matter the era, we desperately need God to keep us on track. So for me, studying history has eternal value as well.
For me, it's historical research, especially research on 19th century America. In my last post I mentioned a book I'm currently reading on the history leading up to and including the Civil War but I failed to post a link to that title.
I'm still reading it, and still gobbling it up, highlighting page after page on my Kindle. My first task is to read the book and highlight important sections (read as: pretty much the whole book--I've had to re-charge my Kindle over and over. LOL!). Then I'll go back and take physical notes.
The book is Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James McPherson. Here's the Amazon link (available in paper or Kindle. I currently have it on Kindle but am saving to buy the hardcover version):
http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Cry-Freedom-Oxford-History/dp/019516895X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378435394&sr=1-1&keywords=battle+cry+of+freedom
Not only is this book itself utterly fascinating to read, it gives me so many leads on other people and books to read (especially since I like reading about military history) that I will be following rabbit trails for some time. I will literally be taking notes for months just from this one title.
And that leads to the one thing I still struggle with. I often study history at the expense of actually writing. But because of the kind of plots I like, I feel like I need a thorough knowledge of not only a particular event but the wide ranging political and economic climate of the times I am writing about. That takes time.
Time and again, I've heard other historical writers say you have to tamp down on this urge, put down the research, and begin writing. I know that is inherently true and if I do not I will have to face end of life regrets about the books I wish I'd written. But doggone it, at this point in my life, I have so many other stressors, I just want to spend some time enjoying reading history for the pure joy it is in and of itself. 8-)
Not only is history enjoyable to read for its own sake, I find that as a Christian it strengthens my faith because history reminds me that no matter the era, humans make mistakes, and no matter the era, we desperately need God to keep us on track. So for me, studying history has eternal value as well.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Thoughts for Friday
WRITING RELATED: I am really enjoying reading the nonfic historical reference book Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James McPherson.
This book is my starting point of research to get a good picture of the American economic and political climate in the 1840's and 1850's as prep for the novel I'm currently working on. I LOVE to research. It is a time consuming joy. I only wish I had an outstanding memory and could store away facts without having to write them down and categorize them. 8-)
My thanks to fellow ACFW writer Henry McLaughlin for recommending it as a starting point. It has been an excellent reference.
Even though I'm not able to spend a lot of time on it, I'm glad to be back to focusing on my novel after a year's time away from writing. No matter how little time I have each week, I need to chip away at it bit by bit.
CAREER: Anybody who feels compelled to do so, please pray for me to receive clear guidance on career direction. I desperately need a career change but I'm at a loss as to how to proceed. I've got a desire to help people my own age with orthopedic problems, so I've been considering Physical Therapist Assistant or Personal Trainer as choices. There are a lot of pros and cons to both, not the least of which is being middle aged and making a major career shift. And maybe that's not even the direction God wants me to go in. I just need clear direction. All I know is that a change is necessary to my well being, and I don't feel in my present position I am truly able to serve in a satisfactory way.
PHYSICAL THERAPY: Drove for the first time in over 6 weeks yesterday. Doable, but rather painful. I will limit my driving to just the most necessary trips for right now. And oh how I wish for a full night's sleep. Plenty of rest is just as critical to healing as physical therapy. I pray that as the days pass, sleeping the night through will get easier. Am seeing a bit more improvement in range of motion, which is great! Thank you, Lord!
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Am praying over and reviewing Sunday School course material for teaching youth (middle schoolers in particular). I am torn between teaching philosophies. So much of the material today is infused with pop culture references, many of which I do not know nor do I care to be informed. By the same token, my heart's greatest desire is deeply penetrating God's word into the hearts of these kids so it is there to draw on throughout their lives as they experience one life event after another and seek guidance, comfort, and support.
I really could care less if the kids know who the Kardashians are, or about the latest movie. What I care about is how much of God's word is stored away in their hearts. What I don't know is the best method for sinking it into this attention deficit generation. I want them to go deep, not scratch the surface. But going deep seems to be antithetical to the times.
Happy Friday, everyone. May the steps you are taking toward your goals this week be fulfilled according to God's plan for your life.
This book is my starting point of research to get a good picture of the American economic and political climate in the 1840's and 1850's as prep for the novel I'm currently working on. I LOVE to research. It is a time consuming joy. I only wish I had an outstanding memory and could store away facts without having to write them down and categorize them. 8-)
My thanks to fellow ACFW writer Henry McLaughlin for recommending it as a starting point. It has been an excellent reference.
Even though I'm not able to spend a lot of time on it, I'm glad to be back to focusing on my novel after a year's time away from writing. No matter how little time I have each week, I need to chip away at it bit by bit.
CAREER: Anybody who feels compelled to do so, please pray for me to receive clear guidance on career direction. I desperately need a career change but I'm at a loss as to how to proceed. I've got a desire to help people my own age with orthopedic problems, so I've been considering Physical Therapist Assistant or Personal Trainer as choices. There are a lot of pros and cons to both, not the least of which is being middle aged and making a major career shift. And maybe that's not even the direction God wants me to go in. I just need clear direction. All I know is that a change is necessary to my well being, and I don't feel in my present position I am truly able to serve in a satisfactory way.
PHYSICAL THERAPY: Drove for the first time in over 6 weeks yesterday. Doable, but rather painful. I will limit my driving to just the most necessary trips for right now. And oh how I wish for a full night's sleep. Plenty of rest is just as critical to healing as physical therapy. I pray that as the days pass, sleeping the night through will get easier. Am seeing a bit more improvement in range of motion, which is great! Thank you, Lord!
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Am praying over and reviewing Sunday School course material for teaching youth (middle schoolers in particular). I am torn between teaching philosophies. So much of the material today is infused with pop culture references, many of which I do not know nor do I care to be informed. By the same token, my heart's greatest desire is deeply penetrating God's word into the hearts of these kids so it is there to draw on throughout their lives as they experience one life event after another and seek guidance, comfort, and support.
I really could care less if the kids know who the Kardashians are, or about the latest movie. What I care about is how much of God's word is stored away in their hearts. What I don't know is the best method for sinking it into this attention deficit generation. I want them to go deep, not scratch the surface. But going deep seems to be antithetical to the times.
Happy Friday, everyone. May the steps you are taking toward your goals this week be fulfilled according to God's plan for your life.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Congratulations, Kathleen!
I am elated to celebrate and congratulate Kathleen Maher on her Genesis win last night at the ACFW Awards.
The Genesis contest is a contest for unpublished writers and the awards are broken down into several categories.
Kathleen's story, Closer Than a Brother, was the winner of the Historical Fiction category.
Kathleen, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
And congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the Genesis contest. Your hard work has paid off.
Writing is no easy task. Sticking with it through all the ups and downs is even harder. So this marks a great accomplishment for each and every one. God bless you.
The Genesis contest is a contest for unpublished writers and the awards are broken down into several categories.
Kathleen's story, Closer Than a Brother, was the winner of the Historical Fiction category.
Kathleen, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
And congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the Genesis contest. Your hard work has paid off.
Writing is no easy task. Sticking with it through all the ups and downs is even harder. So this marks a great accomplishment for each and every one. God bless you.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Reveille in Washington
When it comes to research and being productive as a writer, I am an example you should look at and do the exact opposite. 8-)
One of the rules you will always hear from successful writers of historical fiction is that you have to rein in your research--do only as much research as you need and do NOT get lost going down many bunny trails. Get the facts you need then get down to the business of writing.
I can't do that. Not even at the cost of my own success. I LOVE research as much as I love writing. I love exploring history. I love that feel of excitement as I read non-fiction historical texts and immerse myself in a time and place of long ago. It's like being on stimulants or feel good drugs. It's a high. It makes me HAPPY.
I have a scene or two in my next book that will be set in Washington D.C. circa 1860-65. One of the awesome writers on one of my historical email lists pointed me to a book by Margaret Leech called Reveille in Washington (I'd paste in the link for you but for some reason I can't figure out, Blogger is not letting me paste links). It is exactly what I needed to give me a picture of Washington D.C. during that time. I'm only up to page 25 but I have already been highlighting and making many notes, as well as learning several new words of the time that I'd not even seen before.
Now if I were smart, I'd just skim the text, grab what I need and get on with plotting the two scenes in question.
But the book is just too interesting to pass by quickly. I'll keep plotting my novel--and plodding through this great text.
One of the rules you will always hear from successful writers of historical fiction is that you have to rein in your research--do only as much research as you need and do NOT get lost going down many bunny trails. Get the facts you need then get down to the business of writing.
I can't do that. Not even at the cost of my own success. I LOVE research as much as I love writing. I love exploring history. I love that feel of excitement as I read non-fiction historical texts and immerse myself in a time and place of long ago. It's like being on stimulants or feel good drugs. It's a high. It makes me HAPPY.
I have a scene or two in my next book that will be set in Washington D.C. circa 1860-65. One of the awesome writers on one of my historical email lists pointed me to a book by Margaret Leech called Reveille in Washington (I'd paste in the link for you but for some reason I can't figure out, Blogger is not letting me paste links). It is exactly what I needed to give me a picture of Washington D.C. during that time. I'm only up to page 25 but I have already been highlighting and making many notes, as well as learning several new words of the time that I'd not even seen before.
Now if I were smart, I'd just skim the text, grab what I need and get on with plotting the two scenes in question.
But the book is just too interesting to pass by quickly. I'll keep plotting my novel--and plodding through this great text.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Searching For The Passionate Historical Fiction Writer
There are a zillion fiction writers out there. But it is possible to feel isolated as one writer amongst zillions. And so I put out this plea for help.
I'm looking for something very specific. It may seem bizarre to you. But that's ok. Wouldn't be the first bizarre question I ever asked and it won't be the last either. 8-)
I'm looking for a mentor. A very specific mentor. What are my specific requirements? I am looking for a writer of historical fiction who is so madly, passionately devoted to a specific geographic area and time in history, that they desire to make it their life's work to write novels based on that place and time.
They are so passionate about that time and place in history that writing those novels in that time/place supercedes thoughts of publication or writing to the whims of the market. They write these specific novels because they can't write anything else.
If that describes you, historical writer, I'd love to hear from you.
Why, you may ask. Well, having a passion so strong that you want to make it a life's work is a very daunting, gargantuan task. I need help in learning how to break it down into manageable chunks and in organizing it, and I'd like to hear how others have done that.
It's really like being an architect---flying high over a time and place and looking at the whole picture, then, building block by block the stories that will bring that time and place to life over the long haul. Plans that big are filled with many pitfalls and failures.
I don't even understand it all myself. All I know is that there is this massive yearning in me---this huge plan that involves crafting story after story in my chosen time & place in history. I feel like I will explode if I don't.
Surely I can't be the only writer in the entire world who feels this way? Surely there are others?
If you're out there, how did you take on this massive task? How did you break it down into manageable chunks? Organize it? Persevere, despite trends and advice? I'd love to hear from you.
I'm looking for something very specific. It may seem bizarre to you. But that's ok. Wouldn't be the first bizarre question I ever asked and it won't be the last either. 8-)
I'm looking for a mentor. A very specific mentor. What are my specific requirements? I am looking for a writer of historical fiction who is so madly, passionately devoted to a specific geographic area and time in history, that they desire to make it their life's work to write novels based on that place and time.
They are so passionate about that time and place in history that writing those novels in that time/place supercedes thoughts of publication or writing to the whims of the market. They write these specific novels because they can't write anything else.
If that describes you, historical writer, I'd love to hear from you.
Why, you may ask. Well, having a passion so strong that you want to make it a life's work is a very daunting, gargantuan task. I need help in learning how to break it down into manageable chunks and in organizing it, and I'd like to hear how others have done that.
It's really like being an architect---flying high over a time and place and looking at the whole picture, then, building block by block the stories that will bring that time and place to life over the long haul. Plans that big are filled with many pitfalls and failures.
I don't even understand it all myself. All I know is that there is this massive yearning in me---this huge plan that involves crafting story after story in my chosen time & place in history. I feel like I will explode if I don't.
Surely I can't be the only writer in the entire world who feels this way? Surely there are others?
If you're out there, how did you take on this massive task? How did you break it down into manageable chunks? Organize it? Persevere, despite trends and advice? I'd love to hear from you.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Congratulations To All 2010 Genesis Contest Entrants and Finalists
On Thursday, May 13th, the finalists for the Genesis Contest were announced. This is a contest for unpublished Christian Fiction writers. The contest received a whopping 458 entries (boggles my mind!). Here are the categories and finalists:
2010 ACFW GENESIS FINALISTS
CONTEMPORARY FICTION: (total entries: 47)
Cindy Hays
Lynnette P. Horner
Chris Kraft
Mark Lundgren
Christina S. Nelson
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: (total entries: 63)
Jeannie Campbell
Sarah Forgrave
Janice LaQuiere
Rebecca Syme
Linda Yezak
HISTORICAL FICTION: (total entries: 35)
Lori Benton
Brenda Jackson
Robert Kaku
Lisa Karon Richardson
Katie-Marie Stout
HISTORICAL ROMANCE: (total entries: 65)
Susanne Dietze
Anne Greene
Pam Hillman
Lisa Karon Richardson
Ruth Trippy
MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER: (total entries: 45)
Rich Bullock
Barbara Early (double finalist with two entries)
Lynda Schab
Chawna Schroeder
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE (there was a two-way tie for the fifth finalist slot): (total entries: 50)
Valerie Goree
Mindy Obenhaus
Leslie Pfeil
Dianna Shuford
Teri Dawn Smith
Terri Weldon
SPECULATIVE FICTION: (total entries: 49)
Ben Erlichman
Suzanne Krein
Shelley Ledfors
Andra Marquardt
Holly Smit
WOMEN'S FICTION (there was a three-way tie for the fifth finalist slot): (total entries: 76)
Lisa Buffaloe
Jennifer Fromke
Terri Haynes
Fay Lamb
Christina S. Nelson
Melissa Tagg
Michelle Ule
YOUNG ADULT: (total entries: 56)
Angela Bell
Lin Harris
Kasey Heinly
LoraLee Kodzo
Stefanie Morris
2010 ACFW GENESIS FINALISTS
CONTEMPORARY FICTION: (total entries: 47)
Cindy Hays
Lynnette P. Horner
Chris Kraft
Mark Lundgren
Christina S. Nelson
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: (total entries: 63)
Jeannie Campbell
Sarah Forgrave
Janice LaQuiere
Rebecca Syme
Linda Yezak
HISTORICAL FICTION: (total entries: 35)
Lori Benton
Brenda Jackson
Robert Kaku
Lisa Karon Richardson
Katie-Marie Stout
HISTORICAL ROMANCE: (total entries: 65)
Susanne Dietze
Anne Greene
Pam Hillman
Lisa Karon Richardson
Ruth Trippy
MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER: (total entries: 45)
Rich Bullock
Barbara Early (double finalist with two entries)
Lynda Schab
Chawna Schroeder
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE (there was a two-way tie for the fifth finalist slot): (total entries: 50)
Valerie Goree
Mindy Obenhaus
Leslie Pfeil
Dianna Shuford
Teri Dawn Smith
Terri Weldon
SPECULATIVE FICTION: (total entries: 49)
Ben Erlichman
Suzanne Krein
Shelley Ledfors
Andra Marquardt
Holly Smit
WOMEN'S FICTION (there was a three-way tie for the fifth finalist slot): (total entries: 76)
Lisa Buffaloe
Jennifer Fromke
Terri Haynes
Fay Lamb
Christina S. Nelson
Melissa Tagg
Michelle Ule
YOUNG ADULT: (total entries: 56)
Angela Bell
Lin Harris
Kasey Heinly
LoraLee Kodzo
Stefanie Morris
I'm very honored to be selected as a Historical Fiction finalist. When I received the email that said "Dear Finalist..." I thought I was seeing things. It had been extremely hectic at work and I thought I was just seeing what I wanted to see. So I signed out of email and went back to work.
A while later I went back and signed in again and this time, there was an announcement to the ACFW loop about the finalists. I scrolled down to Historical Fiction and found my name. Still not satisfied, I clicked out of it and back in again and re-checked. But yes, still, there was my name listed. Then I knew it was true. 8-)
When I got home from work that night, it was officially confirmed as there was a phone message of congratulations on my answering machine.
I wish I could explain the depths of what it means to place as a finalist and actually only a small portion of that meaning is wrapped up in the actual writing itself. Getting that "Dear Finalist..." email was like finding a directional sign on a dark, empty back road. It's a feeling of relief to know I'm heading in the right direction after all.
Everyone who enters contests like the Genesis pour thousands of hours into the story of their heart. And my hope is that, whether entrants finaled or not, the feedback they receive from their entries will be a signpost for them too---a way of looking forward to all that is to come in their writing journey.
And contest or no contest, there is but one thing for all of us to do now that the results are out--get back to writing! 8-)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Love of History a Stumbling Block to Writing Historical Fiction
Yeah, I know. That doesn't make much sense. At least not on the surface. But it is true.
I love history. Even more specifically, I am absolutely passionate about learning all I can about Arizona's history. From the minute I switched my focus from screenwriting to novel writing, I knew I wanted to make my mark as a writer of fiction, with every book set in Arizona.
If it were possible, I would spend my life researching Arizona history and writing it. I hope some day to be able to retire to Tucson and volunteer at the Historical Society Museum there.
But being a writer of historical fiction and loving history too much can be hindrance to your writing. Especially if you're a perfectionist. I simply can never read enough about Arizona's history. I cannot tell you what joy I receive out of reading one of the pioneer's diaries. Or an account of post life at one of the forts, or reading the account of the early Arizona entrepreneurs.
It's fascinating. It's exhilarating. It's captivating.
And probably geeky. 8-)
But it leaves me wrestling with myself. "Stop all this historical reading! You've got a book to write!"
"Oh shut up!" my other self will say. "I have a right to enjoy the journey. Back off, toots!" (pistols drawn like Yosemite Sam on the mudflaps)
And so it goes. It's why I'm a very slow writer. Well that and it takes me a while to put together all my plot elements.
However, there's no one standing by, tapping their foot and looking at their watch expectantly waiting for the manuscript. On the other hand, I think about the future. When I finally am published. Publishers like you to churn out books these days. Let's hope I'll have several novels under my belt by then because I don't see how I'll ever write to expected speed in this market.
Speedy Gonzalez I am not.
But eh well. I'll just have to be patient and trust that at the right point in time, the writing and reading will converge and I'll have a finished novel in my hands. Until then, I'm going to enjoy the journey.
And by the way, Arizona will be celebrating her 98th year of statehood come February 14th. Happy Almost Anniversary!
I love history. Even more specifically, I am absolutely passionate about learning all I can about Arizona's history. From the minute I switched my focus from screenwriting to novel writing, I knew I wanted to make my mark as a writer of fiction, with every book set in Arizona.
If it were possible, I would spend my life researching Arizona history and writing it. I hope some day to be able to retire to Tucson and volunteer at the Historical Society Museum there.
But being a writer of historical fiction and loving history too much can be hindrance to your writing. Especially if you're a perfectionist. I simply can never read enough about Arizona's history. I cannot tell you what joy I receive out of reading one of the pioneer's diaries. Or an account of post life at one of the forts, or reading the account of the early Arizona entrepreneurs.
It's fascinating. It's exhilarating. It's captivating.
And probably geeky. 8-)
But it leaves me wrestling with myself. "Stop all this historical reading! You've got a book to write!"
"Oh shut up!" my other self will say. "I have a right to enjoy the journey. Back off, toots!" (pistols drawn like Yosemite Sam on the mudflaps)
And so it goes. It's why I'm a very slow writer. Well that and it takes me a while to put together all my plot elements.
However, there's no one standing by, tapping their foot and looking at their watch expectantly waiting for the manuscript. On the other hand, I think about the future. When I finally am published. Publishers like you to churn out books these days. Let's hope I'll have several novels under my belt by then because I don't see how I'll ever write to expected speed in this market.
Speedy Gonzalez I am not.
But eh well. I'll just have to be patient and trust that at the right point in time, the writing and reading will converge and I'll have a finished novel in my hands. Until then, I'm going to enjoy the journey.
And by the way, Arizona will be celebrating her 98th year of statehood come February 14th. Happy Almost Anniversary!
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