A Tribute to My Biggest Fan

A sad post tonight, dear readers, as your numbers are one less.  Last Tuesday I lost my biggest fan: my father passed away, both suddenly and not.  He battled a terrible illness, but we thought he had a few months left.  And so I write this post in his honor, as I struggle to find a reason to keep writing.  At the same time, I know that writing is the thing that will get me through this difficult time. 

I had always hoped that my parents would share my success, and the idea of that joyful moment, of seeing my book on the NYT Best Seller List...will it still feel as sweet without my cheerleaders enjoying it with me?  What will keep me motivated?  How do I find satisfaction in doing it just for myself?

Somehow I'll find a way.  I owe it to myself, first and foremost, to pursue my dream, and I owe it to my parents, who aren't able to pursue their own dreams in this world anymore.

So thank you, Big Dawg, for having believed in me for 39 years, without fail.  I was so very lucky to have had you as my father.  I'll do my best to be the best 'me' that I can be, and I thank you for all that you did, all that you taught me, and all that you gave up so that I could have every opportunity. 

Inspiration Strikes

It was an exciting late-morning walk with Bella.  Exiting the building, I had ideas for a few characters for a new satire piece about higher education.  I know, writing books with college politics as setting is a bit of a niche market, but it certainly is 'writing what I know'.  Just hoping to keep momentum in my brain for the next week, as work obligations will not allow me to really invest time in writing.

But at least I have some ideas to put to paper now, and to keep mulling on the dog walks. 

Thrilling when it strikes!

Anecdotes about favorite college experiences and professors welcome!

Gregory Maguire: Damn, I Wish I Thought of That

I am reading yet another Gregory Maguire book, and once again wish that I had considered the concept that is making him millions: Re-writing well-known tales from a different character's perspective.  My God, Wicked even turned into a smash musical!  And really, such a simple concept!

But I give him due credit: while the 'stories' aren't necessarily as well-imagined, since he's using the framework of an existing story and building on established characters, he is an excellent writer.  His prose is beautiful, and his vocabulary...well, I am pretty word-savvy, and yet I have to stop and look up words sometimes!

What a gold mine!

But it begs the question: how does he feel about it?  Does he feel boxed in now?  Does he feel (or does his agent feel) that the only style people want to read from him is the twist on the fairy take?  Does he pine to write a whodunnit, or a courtroom drama?

What books would you like to see reconsidered from an alternate point of view?