Writing

I am writing again. Not just this little daily indulgence in self-importance. I have gone back to the 2004 project. Before today, I had not even read it through since 2006. There is a lot in it that I like.

I particularly like the characters. I didn't realize that I missed them until I pulled out the manuscript and started reading. It felt a lot like revisiting old friends that I hadn't expected to see again. I remember when I began the project thinking that I wanted the characters to have warmth and depth and, of course, many flaws. I still have more work to do to bring out some of the soft underbelly in Mitch, the journalist, but he's coming along.

One of my characters dies pretty early in the project. I remember the day I killed him. Though his death was relatively peaceful, letting him die was brutal. His death is necessary to the plot. But, it still really affects me. This morning, reading the chapters before his death makes me rethink letting him die. If only there was another way to move the plot along.

I'm looking for an editor. I need someone to help me shape my thoughts and clarify some themes. I also just need someone to encourage me to turn out more pages. Writing has always been such a solitary pursuit for me. The idea of opening up this project to criticism is unsettling, though I know it's necessary.

I'm a believer in timing and, to some extent, fate. I'm not going to seek out an editor. When the time comes, I know one will present itself.