Introvert’s Writing Epiphany

I thought that the act of writing would be like reading, but more intense. You know that feeling you get when you’re transported by a story? You’re snug under a blanket on a gray day, sipping cocoa and surrounded by contented, sleeping dogs. The German word is gemütlichkeit; in Danish, it’s hygge. An NPR article on hygge, describes it as the pursuit of everyday happiness, the art of creating a nice atmosphere. Hygge builds in elements of togetherness, savors simple pleasures, and emphasizes relaxation and comfort on an everyday basis.

Writing is the exact opposite of that.

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Introvert Says “The Muse Will Not Escape My Plott Hound”

Giving a reader a great story that allows them to take time off from the work-a-day world isn’t easy.

Escapism requires work…a whole lot of work.

I’ve written a little over 30,000 words for SOUL SIGN, escapist literature and the third book in the Zackie Stories, and I’ve hit the 30K slump.  And that’s okay. I’ve been here before with the previous two books, so this is right on schedule.

Schrödinger’s Disease and the Introvert

This book by Paul Kalanithi was published posthumously, after he passed away from metastatic lung cancer. The book was written as he was dying from the disease and his narrative includes scenes from his early, formative years, as well as his excruciating descent into pain, debilitation and surprisingly, the joys of fatherhood. He was only thirty-five and his death deprived this world of everything else that he might have contributed, had he lived longer. Kalanithi was one of those rare people who really could have been anything he wanted to be when he grew up. Most of us are told this myth while we’re growing up (I can be an NBA player?) and most of us lack the talent (but I can’t dribble without accidentally kicking the ball) and/or lack the prerequisites (I’m only 5’3″ on a good day) and/or lack the discipline to make the dream a reality (Practice? Nah, rather read a book).