On Turning 25
Once a year I try and check in with myself and write all the things I learned the previous year. On the surface, this year seems to be one of my least productive. I haven’t moved. I haven’t changed jobs. I haven’t even finished writing the novel yet. It was our intention to have the first draft done by the first of December. This list of things I meant to do, but didn’t is short. All were goals I set when I turned 24.
Dreams of Travel
I knew when I started the year that I’d still be in New Hampshire by the end of the year. I want to travel the world. I want to live in France and Australia and Alaska. I want to hike the whole of the Appalachian Trail and the Alps–maybe even look into climbing Everest! I realize my fatal mistake in seeing these dreams come about was the knowing I had about being in New Hampshire.
Dreams Jobs
As for the job. I started looking for a new one when I was closing in on my two year mark at the grocery store. I even started looking again recently. Neither instance was fruitless, but I realized something, and a solution presented itself. The job I have is a means to an end. The only reason I have it is to make money to pay the few bill I have … I hate to impose on my mother’s kindness, but she’ll be rewarded with coming harvest from these books we are writing.
The only “job” I will ever find fully satisfactory is writing. I’ve rediscovered some old, handwritten, journals, and I’m working at completing them. True, Rhiannon and I have decided to take a break from writing until the first of the year, but we both think the rest will bring us back with renewed strength.
I’m using the time to rest, read voraciously, do some crafts (I love embroidery), and write some short stories unrelated to Taftka. I’m living my dream job. The money will follow. It always does, and that’s what we’re working towards with the patience of the gods of old … which, I must admit, wasn’t that long, haha!
Dreaming a Novel Finished
It was hard approaching December without a finished draft. I attempted to use NaNoWriMo to sprint to the end. Although I wrote a lot in November–and some great stuff at that–the novel still has nine chapters and an appendix before it’s complete. And the appendix is currently up in the air.
If I learned how to write between 23 years and 24 years, then I learned how to write with a partner between 24 years and 25 years. Rhiannon and I have learned to talk to each other at levels I’ve never experienced before. The meshing of our thoughts is uncanny at times. We’ve learned how to discuss without arguing, and if we DO argue it’s always productive.
We’ve arrived at places in the story planned and they transform in the writing process into something similar, but radically better than the original concept. The story has really taken on a life of it’s own. As long as I arrive at the keyboard images flash in my mind, and words flow through my fingers. I’ve learned to let go of control and let the characters show me what happens.
What I Dream For Sure
The dream of completing and publishing this novel in the next year still stands. I know once it is finished I will start traveling. I may not go on any of the grand journey’s I mentioned earlier, but I’ll surely visit my family in Florida. I’m feeling the pull, and I’d like to feel the heat again.
I dream Rhiannon and I will find the perfect agent. I have one in mind, and she would be amazing for us. I have her profile printed and posted on the wall in my room, and she reminds me of my goal. We capture every facet of what she’s looking for in an author and material. We also think that our plan to write a series will work in our advantage in getting published.
We’re bringing something different to the game. We’re bringing everything we are … which is something every author must do, come to think of it. For now, “I’ll blow my horn ’til someone blows it.” Here’s to another year for personal transformation and progress towards the goal. It’s closer that I even know.
Tags: Dreams, Taftka, The Holidays, Writing
Joeysan's Head | Joey | 
13 December 2009 11:19 AM
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