“Than indecision brings its own delays, and days are lost lamenting o’er lost days. Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute; What you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
My travel book would include details about my search for Mother Nature in places like the New Hampshire woods where I came across this peaceful creek. -- Photo by Pat Bean
Too Many Unfinished Projects
Writing a first draft of a 50,000 word novel in 30 days has given me confidence for the old-broad writing days that still remain to me. There’s no question that I will write, for doing so is for me the same as breathing. I was fortunate that I found a way as a journalist to do it almost daily and get paid for it for 37 years.
When I retired from the job, however, I never saw myself retiring as a writer. I thought I would continue as a free-lance writer of travel and birding articles.
The Internet changed all that, however. The sources I had, including writing for my own former newspaper, dried up after a couple of years.
Suddenly it was a whole new world out there, and I faced either changing or being satisfied with writing only for myself. But it’s never worked that way for me. I both want to be read and to be paid for my writing as a way of personal validation
The photo of this hippo I took while on my African safari appears in Fodor's recently released "African Safari Guidebook." -- Photo by Pat Bean
The other change in the world of writing has been that self-publication is no longer considered a vanity, as it was during earlier days. In fact, many writing guides and teachers are encouraging wanna-be authors to go this route.
I’m seriously considering the possibility.
My immediate problem, however, is which project should I tackle first. Until NaNo, I failed to complete any major projects that didn’t have a pay-off deadline. The reasons are many, beginning with my own self doubts about a project’s worth. As former NaNo winners predicted, this inner questioning hit during my second week of the novel challenge. Working past it felt great.
The bear at Lake Walcott State Park in Idaho -- Photo by Pat Bean
So, with this said, let me explain my options – at least as I see them. Actually, I think I’m writing this blog as a way to get my own head straight.
First, there is the NaNo novel, which my ego says has good possibilities. Ever since I was a teenager reading Nancy Drew, I’ve wanted to write a mystery. The NaNo one is my second. The first is one of those uncompleted projects that never went beyond the first draft.
Then there’s the travel book I’ve already written, which needs a bit of rewriting. It has been read by critics who gave it mostly thumbs up, although all said it needed my voice. I now think I’ve developed my voice.
It would be the quickest project to finish. It’s called “Travels With Maggie.” I said in an earlier hunt for an agent that I thought it would fit nicely on the book shelf between Steinbeck’s “Travels With Charley” and Kuralt’s “On the Road” with a little bit of Tim Cahill thrown in and written with a feminine voice. .
Then there is the African safari travel/picture book that I started and which now begs to be finished.
Then there is a commitment to put together a nature book about Lake Walcott State Park in Idaho, where I spent last summer as a campground host and where I will return again this coming summer.
And finally there is a the memoir that is beginning to demand I write. It would be a story of a high school honor roll student who dropped out of school at 16 to get married and who had four children by the time she was 21, and who went on to become a reporter, city editor and finally associate editor of a 66,000 circulation newspaper. There’s a lot of skeletons, heartache, joys and growing up in between.
I’m giving myself a break until Monday to come up with an answer, after which I’m counting on the discipline of NaNo to help keep me to whatever deadline I set for myself.
I’m leaning toward the travel book as my next project.. What do you think? I really want to know.
Pat Bean's blog 
Do Travels With Maggie first. It is already in first draft. It is the one nearest to publication, the one you are most confident of. The one that will get you to the goal of reassuring yourself that although the world of publishing has changed, you can deal with the new landscape and your skills are still marketable.
My own book–working sub-title Travels With Lightnin’, with its different theme and voice, and only in organization/structure and early chapters stage– will make a fine companion to Travels With Maggie. Save me a little space next to you between Steinbeck’s Travels With Charlie and Kurault’s On the Road.
Good luck, AL
Funnily enough I just read Travels with Charley, I’d go with the Maggie direction too. It would fascinate me to hear about small America, all the places I’d love to visit.
I always feel strange when finishing something big. Like you have nothing to push against anymore.
Take the time to look carefully at the options and choose with both head and heart.
Take Care,
Jim
Thanks Jim, Bob, Deborah and Al. I think you guys are right. And I think that’s where my heart wants as well. I think I just gave up on it because I couldn’t interest an agent. I’m going to think a lot about the self-imposed deadlines I need this weekend and start in Monday with a plan.
I’d go with the travel book as well, because it’s close to completion. You’ll be quite satisfied in checking the project off your list. Also, pitching it as a complement to Steinbeck and Kuralt should have real appeal.
I vote the travel book as I’ve enjoyed your relating of adventures while in Africa. Most travel books I’ve read are written by men – we could the woman’s perspective too.
Last night I was leaning toward your NaNo novel, but seeing all the alternatives, I guess I’ll vote for Maggie. But I’ll be waiting to learn how an honor student becomes a drop-out and then an associate editor. That really intrigues me.
Pat, do you really want to know from me…..OK, I heard a “yes”, so as much as I enjoy travel books, I would suggest that you write the mystery of your own life. People like to feel connected with protagonist’s life who seems to follow their own in some way or helps connect them to the story. I’m positive that you will have good audience for that one. Truth is stranger than fiction and when you write with such honesty, it’s got the attention of many. IMHO. 🙂 I’m looking forward to reading it….
As one of your (many, I’m sure) blog readers, I already have some idea of what a fun romp your travel book would be. I say go for it! It would be a welcome read on my list.