The First One to Speak Loses

Epigraph is from one of my favorite books.

What we, or at any rate what I, refer to confidently as memory—meaning a moment, a scene, a fact that has been subjected to a fixative and thereby rescued from oblivion—is really a form of storytelling that goes on continually in the mind and often changes with the telling. Too many conflicting emotional interests are involved for life ever to be wholly acceptable, and possibly it is the work of the storyteller to rearrange things so that they conform to this end. In any case, in talking about the past we lie with every breath we draw.

—William Maxwell, So Long, See You Tomorrow

Friday, July 1, 2011

Countdown: 0 days to go...

Tomorrow is Departure Day, thus far the hottest day of the year. But more importantly it is my daughter's birthday. For those of you who have not given birth it's at once painful and euphoric. One could say completing a book is much like labor and delivery; however, my book's gestation has been significantly longer than nine months.

Conversely, one could say a daughter (or son) is a work-in-progress like an author's book. Both require a mother to nurture, protect, and love her unconditionally. For example, whenever my protagonist doesn't behave do I punish her? Of course not. Rather, I succumb to her wants and adjust accordingly. I give her unconditional love, protect her from literary rejection, and bask in the sunshine of her accomplishments.

Coincidence? Not exactly. July 2nd is a special day for me, and when given the option to start my Dorland Residency that day I said yes. 7/2 portends well, and based on tomorrow's predicted temperature may again prove at once painful and euphoric.

Onward!

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1 comment:

  1. Melyssa PetersJuly 2, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Sometimes the greatest rewards in life cause the most pain. Sorry for the labor pains but I hope the reward was worth it. Go bravely into this journey and may you be blessed by the writing G-ds.

    I love you Mom!

    TJ

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