Endings and Beginnings
I’m in that period of limbo where my current major writing project is near completion and it’s time to look forward. Should I peruse uncompleted works, dust off what I at one time considered worthy topics or jump into a new novel from scratch? Thus is the dilemma of every writer. (OK, maybe not EVERY writer. Who knows how the bestselling authors select what to tackle next, when adding to their lengthy body of work which seems to be dictated by both the populace’s obsession and/or the publisher’s greed.)
For me, a number of items factor into choosing what’s next. Most important is to acknowledge that a novel is a time commitment, especially emotionally. To date I’ve written four novels. Early on I was frustrated with the publishing establishment and, through the kindness of a benefactor, was able to self-publish “Dear Jennifer.” I don’t recommend that route to aspiring authors, nor will I ever self-publish again. I spent months giving talks to book clubs, fighting for shelf space at local bookstores, adapting the novella to a successfully produced play, and was even lucky to have several libraries add it to their reading lists. Of course, all the while I was busy marketing, my writing chops were dormant.
There have been numerous opportunities in the past to collaborate on a book. I’ve been approached by an actor who wanted to tell a “behind the scenes tell all” which she found fascinating, but I couldn’t imagine working at length with her. Another person was anxious to tell what he considered a unique story which, frankly, bored me. I got the feeling in both instances each envisioned telling me their story and then having me write it. Not interested.
On the other hand, one of the most rewarding writing experiences I’ve had in my career is when Karen McCormick, former CEO of First Federal approached me about co-authoring the history of that financial institution. After months of weekly sessions around her dining room table with the teakettle on and M&Ms nearby, we completed a book. “Your First Fed” presents a fascinating slice of history and lends insight on the growth over decades of the financial institution in the Pacific Northwest and the people that helped it grow.
I had no idea my second collaboration would also be a non-fiction book focusing on the world of finance. For the last year, it’s been interesting to write, edit, and finetune this challenging topic (particularly since I’ve never managed to balance a checkbook). I can’t say too much about our work because it’s in the final stages before publication. However, I have struck gold again, with a wonderful partner/co-author. Even though the tea and chocolates are non-existent since we’re exchanging notes coast to coast, we’ve connected on a positive level, and it’s been a joy.
But I’m getting antsy. I need a new project. I thought about reworking “The Baby’s in the Other Body,” a long short story about an eclectic group of surprised “pregnant” men visiting a clinic for advice. Or maybe it’s time to rewrite “Into the Wind,” a play I started fifteen years ago. Based on a disastrous historic event, I’m thinking it might be more suited as a book, rather than a play. Or maybe something totally new?
I’ll figure out something soon. Playing in the back of my mind is the song, “Non-Stop” from “Hamilton” – “Why do you write like you’re running out of time?” Who knows? But with each ending, there’s a new beginning and it’s exciting.