Tidings of a New Year
Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, I've had several goals in mind: live another year, and see that year put to good use. These two elements to my personality have helped me become the man I am today, for better or worse.
But around the New Year, that sentiment becomes even more poignant. I tend to reflect during this time and, that coupled with seeing family and friends I might not have seen for some time, makes those feelings all the more strong. The reflection helps me gauge what I have done with my time, who I have touched, and what goals I have met; the reflection leads me to understand more about what my forthcoming year should be like, who I should try to touch, and those goals I shoot for.
A few nights ago, I began reflecting. And then it hit me like a ton of bricks.
I wrote a book in 2006--a book I am proud of.
That book is currently sitting on an editor's desk in New York City at a highly respectable publisher.
My book might actually be read by a professional editor and liked enough to be purchased.
What goal can I have in 2007 that eclipses the completed goal of 2006?
So many of my family and friends have congratulated me on finishing my novel. They have patted me on the back, shook my hand, sent well-wishes via email. They have acted like it is a major accomplishment. And I suppose it is, to a certain degree, although I don't see it that way. It's similar to asking an artist to draw a picture; to the artist it is easy to draw the picture. They can produce many if they so desire, and that knowledge makes the art less rare. The same can be said of writing the book--I can write another one.
In short, it's not ususual for a writer to write.
It took me about one second to discover what my goal should be for 2007.
What else can a writer do but write?
This week I will wrap up the initial outline for Well of the World. It is the sequel to Song of the Fell Hammer and begins about two weeks after the first book's epilogue. The goal will be to write the new book and finish it by September 2007.
I don't know about New Year's resolutions, but writing Well of the World is not one of them.
After all, does a person need a New Year's resolution to breathe?
But around the New Year, that sentiment becomes even more poignant. I tend to reflect during this time and, that coupled with seeing family and friends I might not have seen for some time, makes those feelings all the more strong. The reflection helps me gauge what I have done with my time, who I have touched, and what goals I have met; the reflection leads me to understand more about what my forthcoming year should be like, who I should try to touch, and those goals I shoot for.
A few nights ago, I began reflecting. And then it hit me like a ton of bricks.
I wrote a book in 2006--a book I am proud of.
That book is currently sitting on an editor's desk in New York City at a highly respectable publisher.
My book might actually be read by a professional editor and liked enough to be purchased.
What goal can I have in 2007 that eclipses the completed goal of 2006?
So many of my family and friends have congratulated me on finishing my novel. They have patted me on the back, shook my hand, sent well-wishes via email. They have acted like it is a major accomplishment. And I suppose it is, to a certain degree, although I don't see it that way. It's similar to asking an artist to draw a picture; to the artist it is easy to draw the picture. They can produce many if they so desire, and that knowledge makes the art less rare. The same can be said of writing the book--I can write another one.
In short, it's not ususual for a writer to write.
It took me about one second to discover what my goal should be for 2007.
What else can a writer do but write?
This week I will wrap up the initial outline for Well of the World. It is the sequel to Song of the Fell Hammer and begins about two weeks after the first book's epilogue. The goal will be to write the new book and finish it by September 2007.
I don't know about New Year's resolutions, but writing Well of the World is not one of them.
After all, does a person need a New Year's resolution to breathe?
posted by Shawn C. Speakman | 7:54 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home