The editing process became brutal. Why do I do this to myself? Creative writing became fun, much like making artwork in my studio as my former self as a ceramic artist. Creating a world, characters I cared about that evolved into a story became fascinating, exhilarating and at times frustrating but tantalizingly engaging.
The editorial process, not as much. Some of that became the learning curve of the process and software.
I did not foresee eight and twelve-hour days in retirement exploring writing. This did become work! The end being in sight motivated me to continue, much like a child watching ice cream melt as they finish their vegetables before they can indulge.
I longed to return to bike rides along the Douro River and beaches. To return to wonderful days exploring Porto with my wife. The self-imposed deadline loomed at me, at times like a schoolyard bully forcing me between buildings, out of the teacher’s sight. The results were productive, but an eighty-five-thousand-word manuscript is difficult to analyze on multiple passes.
The end became satisfying as I formatted the book with illustrations and the jacket design. Nearly a three-year journey will launch into the internet void to rise or sink into obscurity. The challenging part of creativity is releasing your creation and anticipating it finding an audience. That is a drawn-out process. I plan to distract myself with travel, sunsets, bike rides, and exploring my new country with my wife. Oh yeah, and finishing the sequel “The Blue War,” but as part of my life, not dominating it. I don’t like bullies.
I enjoy watching you fly!