Today I started my novel, which will be a mixture of Kent's story, my story, and my grief walkabout - trip around the world. I've collated information into Scrivener and will start this process. It is daunting, starting a novel. And in some ways, especially nowadays when everyone is or wants to be, a writer. I don't just want to write a novel. I want to feel that feeling of ascending myself, going beyond who I am...going to that faraway planet where I've said something I could never imagine I had the wit, courage, or stamina to say. I remember when I first started writing short stories again, what a high mountain that seemed from beginning to publication. Now, although it's still a challenge, it's not the monster under the bed it used to be.
I have a graphic artist/editor who will help me with createaspace, and an artist friend who is interested in doing the cover. I have three possible titles. I'm thinking that I'll do a contest for the title, and maybe even do t-shirts, but that's just my imagination running away from the real work, which is facing what happened again. I envision a book filled with flashbacks, dreams, stories, photographs, based in grief and joy. I feel like I'm strong enough to write this book, although I know it is going to put me through some changes. Like I told a friend today, "I'm scared, but that's never stopped me." Wish me Luck.