Back to My Mountain and a Writing Resolution
Like many others, I feel grateful to have made it to New Year’s Eve 2021 without (entirely) losing my mind. And I’ve decided to do something I usually scorn. I’m going to make an actual writing RESOLUTION.
Why? Perhaps being able to return to my beautiful Canadian Rockies after 700-plus Covid days. Maybe it’s the shockingly perfect blue sky. Or the joyful, long-awaited company of family from London, England. I suspect it that the confusing quarantine-vaccination-mask-booster journey we’ve all been on since this blasted decade began has something to do with my decision to make an actual promise.
Here it is: I am going to finish this manuscript. The one I’ve been working on since this blasted pandemic started. The one that haunts my dreams and tugs at my conscience whenever I spend too much time working the day job. If there’s anything we’ve learned from this harrowing quarantine journey, it’s that there’s no time like the present. So, I AM GOING TO FINISH. This year.
There. I’ve said it. Written it on paper. Told my sister-in-law over cocktails. Emailed my writer friends. It’s out there and I beg everyone to hold me accountable. Because I may need help. The day job feels so much safer. Easier in that the metrics are more discrete. I know when I’m finished. The checks clear. This new book is a gamble – it’s been ages since I sent a manuscript to my agent – and I’m not generally a gambler.
Reading List Highlights & E-Inspirations
On my way to deciding to and declaring my goal, resolution (whatever) to finish my WIP, I have been sustained throughout 2021 by some lovely reads and inspirational instagrams.
Josh, the new kid in town, begins fifth grade in the company of an invisible friend who might just also be visible to his classmate, Lucas, in Sara Nickerson’s spooky, thoughtful middle grade novel, LAST MEETING OF THE GORILLA CLUB.
When Andie’s summer plans are upended by her congressman father’s political scandal, she must figure out how to both let go – and let others in – in young adult charmer that’s also an homage to the art of writing in Morgan Matson’s THE UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING.
Every page of THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB made me smile – and keep turning – in this favorite of 2021 mystery delight from Richard Orsman wherein four octogenarians navigate life, love, friendship… all while solving a murder.
My favorite audible indulgence this year has been Stephen Frye reading Sherlock Holmes, although I’m only about halfway through the 62-plus magical, unabridged hours of Frye’s voice artistry and genuine enthusiasm for the material.
WRITING INSPIRATION: @theslownovellab
NOT-TO-MISS READS: @forever_young_adult
BEAUTIFULLY BOOKISH: @novel.novice
FAVORITE INDIE BOOKSTORE: @brick_and_mortar_books
AND A WEBSITE: Searching for work-in-progress? Check out the First Five Pages online workshop.
Here’s what I wrote about writing on New Year’s Day 2021. I hope 2022 will be better. I hope you will help me rush into 2022 unafraid despite the ceaseless blows the last two years have dealt us all. I hope you will join me in resolving to do what you really want to do.
