November: A very tall summer?

Steven Baird

This morning I came up with a challenge for myself. Or a wishful thought. I’m going to finish a novel by November 1st. This year. A little more than two months from now. I’ve been working on two separate books for the past few months, but steadily on one in particular: the tale of the widow Charlotte and her slow descent into madness (cue the organ music, Vincent Price at the keyboard.) The working title is A Very Tall Summer.  Those who follow my blog with any regularity have seen the progression in several scattered posts. Early this morning, it all came together in my head. And it’s creepy as hell.

I’ve been a writer for a good long while… almost 45 years, though there were long stretches when I gave up on it because… well, call it a lack of faith in what I was doing. Disillusioned, insecure. Not to be rude, but I call it my “fuck it, it’s all crap” stages. Anyone who takes writing seriously knows what I’m talking about (though they may be more genteel about it). But I’m at an age where it’s more like, “so what, I love writing.” I’ll likely never become rich or famous, but that doesn’t seem to matter anymore. I’m old enough and confident enough to know that I’m fairly good at it. I just don’t have the self-promotion gene. I wish I could sell more copies, but I’m not going to get upset about it. The few who have bought my first “real” novel have been generous with their appreciation, and that’s way cool. I gave it my best shot, onto the next thing.

I don’t know if two months plus change is sufficient time to write a decent novel, but I think so. I’ve done it before, but I was much younger then. I have better focus. And when a good idea jumps out at you from behind the bushes, you grab it and run. So that’s my intent.

My posts may be a little less regular… there’s a lot of writing ahead, and, of course, regular life has a way of changing the dynamics. As John Lennon said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” The quote doesn’t originate with him, but he’s my go-to guy.

So keep in touch, wish me luck. Hopefully, I scare the hell out myself before I’m finished writing it. I don’t want to be a cut-rate Stephen King, so I’m taking it very seriously. It’s a genre I’ve always wanted to try, but, until now, didn’t think I could do. Now I do.

Vincent prices resumes playing In A Gadda Da Vida….

22 thoughts on “November: A very tall summer?”

  6. Good luck with the book! I like that the story came together for you — it’s a beautiful moment when things click like that. I wish you much enjoyment as you answer the muse and work on finishing the book.

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