Ice Breakers, A Closer View

Photo:  The Ice Breakers at Gallipolis, another view. ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ .

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It should come as no great surprise to anyone that I'm trying to write a book about my Ohio River Journey.  It's been three years since my first book came out, and I've written and published several stories since then, but it's time to dive into a big project again.  A big commitment. 

As soon as I got home, I started several manuscripts.  Each had its merits, but I've had a hard time finding the right approach and the right voice.  At one point, I abandoned the idea of writing a non-fiction book altogether (out of fear of dropping my protective "mask") and began a mythical piece much like The Old Man and the Sea.   Finally I had to admit:  I was stuck.

Yesterday, however, after doing the entry about Gallipolis, I had an extraordinary experience.  The "ice" that had me bound artistically was broken, and I believe I have found my approach and my voice.  Also, I went back through my previous writings, the ones I did on the boat, and found I was leaving out a lot of the humor.  This was such a big loss, but it took me a while to realize this.

Isn't it a miracle how the unconscious works?  And how a simple act, like bringing together disparate elements in a journal entry can cause your thoughts to suddenly come together.  Everything makes sense now, and the ideas are flowing so fast I can hardly get them down fast enough.

I will be working all evening, into the night, and into the early morning.  I'm so excited.

Wish me well!  If I fall deeply into the writing mode, I may not post for a while.