Greetings, friends! Today is a good day. With a bit more work, it may yet be goodly, as well.
But whilst I prat on over deeds and their goodliness, listen here: I’ve written the first paragraph of my novel! Indeed! And I couldn’t be happier.
It happened quite by accident. I sat down this morning with little to say, less even than that to write. But not wanting my blog to go even one day more without nourishment, I struggled to think of something.
I am as much a fellow known for impetuosity as I am one for whom (it may be said) planning precedes action. On occasion, I am quite content to let the day pass without exception; today was no such day. The hours begged to be notable, if only by a few thoughts scribbed in haste.
As I began to write (and to agonize), an idea occured to me: today, I would post a work of fiction, a parable. It would contain a bite-size moral, and it would satisfy my longing for productivity. But as I took to writing, I was struck by the labor of what I tried to articulate. Usually, I am too quick to string words; but today, it was like performing the heimlich maneuver. Nothing was coming very easily.
At long last, something appeared.
Now, I have spoken for some months with friends in my circle, telling them that I would soon begin work on a novel. And each time I’ve sat down to start, it has been instead, writer’s block of the worst kind. Perhaps I’ve thought too much of how to begin my first book. Perhaps I’ve planned too much. This would not be the first time that “overthinking” has supplied me my excuse, when blame must be placed for a slow start, or worse: no start at all.
As of last week, my intention to write a novel went public when Jared and I were featured in an interview piece for the Washington Blade. I would like to share the link to this article, though I’ll preface it by saying I was misquoted at times, and if you should see anything strange, know that I am not illiterate, nor do I believe “survivals” is a fitting substitute for “survival skills” (my actual words). Now the link: http://www.washblade.com/2009/3-13/news/national/14212.cfm).
That “something” I saw, as I wrote earlier this morning, is the first paragraph of my book, and I’m quite satisfied with it. Even more satisfying is the title, which has captured my imagination. I won’t share it just yet, as I want some days to roll it round in my mind, but shortly, I will begin posting excerpts! And then you will know what I really think!
March 18, 2009 at 3:33 am |
Because clearly, we’re completely in the dark on what you’re thinking now:)
March 18, 2009 at 12:55 pm |
You have always enjoyed being mysterious, maybe it comes from your love of midnight, but I too am very exicted to hear of your novel. It is a beautiful thing to imagine and even better to read. To walk into Boarders and see your book on display as I walk in. That would be lovely. I will visualisze that and look forward to sneak peaks in postings.
March 19, 2009 at 2:23 am |
You look so dapper! And I think I prefer “survivals”, it’s like a special misquote code. Very DaVinci:)
March 19, 2009 at 6:22 pm |
It was a nice article in the paper, and I agree with Cath a good picture of you. I liked the personal insight the reporter gave. Pretty soon we will see you on the red carpet!
March 25, 2009 at 4:38 am |
Bravo to you for starting your novel. I know how much you have wanted to do this. It is funny how something like that starts and how the inspiration comes. But it has arrived and I am very happy for you. Nice article. Newspapers have a “habit” of mis quoting and such, but the basic information was good and you can tell they liked you guys. Yes, you do look daper. That suit fit you perfectly!