Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Back Home

So many developments... where to begin? Now the search for the right editor(s) has begun, as I'm using every waking moment, every other thought, every spare second to call, write, contemplate, and visualize, to get this book edited and published.

Right now, the challenge is to evolve this book to its most pristine and polished version for submission to publishers. As two years have passed since I wrote my first sentence, the story has evolved, my writing has evolved, and I've evolved, so bringing all of that consciousness together in a cohesive and smooth flowing format becomes challenging. Although the feedback I've received so far has been astounding... and more than I could have asked for... I still push forward and continually edit and tweak the story when I have time.

The best way to have time to write, is to make time. But that isn't always possible, so we work within the time lines that we allow ourselves. Since I've returned from Mexico. I haven't had a great deal of time to dedicate to editing, as many other things have needed my attention, although I'm feeling the pull back to the work, so I can edit and expand or enrich the book where necessary. Right now I'm waiting on some further feedback from a friend, so I can then begin to integrate some suggestions and go forward.

It's difficult to describe how I feel right now, as it's as if the book is already on shelves, and I'm just waiting for everyone else to realize that. I've met so many interesting people that have aided my development, and the development of the story, and will inevitably contribute to it's successes and completion, and I thank them all for it... but I'm continually astounded by the universe and how it produces the proper conditions, and people, exactly when they are required. As I work towards completing this major milestone in my life, and as I contemplate its ultimate enlightening qualities, I'm further guided and made aware of the audiences which require this material more than others.

I see others with their incomplete understandings, their confused realities, and how they've ultimately rationalized their worlds into being. I think of them when I write, I think of how they'll interpret my work, and I smile. I do not think of myself as better than them, nor even do I have a more "complete" version of reality, because realities are all equal unto themselves, however through the fundamental understandings that I've gained so far, I do feel that my realization of who I am would be of great value to others, as they too can decide who they are, and work from that state of beingness, in all thoughts, words, and actions.

The fundamental lack in understanding within many of the realities and points of view in which I refer pertains to a lack in self realization. This level, this self realization in which I speak is the awareness of who we really are, collectively. What we are as a species, where we came from, where we are going, and how we can all get there, in whatever capacity, and via whatever path we choose. But ultimately, we will all get there. With this understanding, I write for them, and I write for myself as well. I love the craft, and it is through this venue that I can express myself fully, and in a way that rings true for my soul and spirit. When I write, I feel as if this is what I was meant to do, this is where I should be, these words are exactly what should be coming out of me, and it is because of this, that I will continue to write, and continue on my path back home.

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Casa De Graham


I returned from the Yucatan, Mexico last Monday, and as I had expected, I had the time of my life. I met incredible people, loving, peaceful, interesting, and real. The experience will be one that will stay with me my entire life. I visited ancient ruins, beaches, different cities, and discovered more things about myself than I thought possible in a two week span.

The book was finished the first week I arrived, as I worked feverishly late into the night, writing, editing, plotting, and imagining the next scene of events. I'm very pleased with the book I've written, it's prologue, it's soon to be written epilogue, and the people that came together in my life to help me create this story. I can only say thank you to everyone and everything that's allowed me to get this far in life, this early. The only thing I can do to repay everyone is to be happy for the rest of my life, to continue to create, and to honour the memories and the love I've felt along the way.

Friday, March 03, 2006

The Adventure Continues

So here I am, only a couple days away from vacation, and about to embark on the journey of my life. The trip that will allow me to complete my work. I'll be going down to Mexico to enjoy the rays, spend time with my family, do some hard work, and relax. This won't be a sipping margaritas by the poolside type of trip I suspect... as I'm going down to my parents home, which does require some work once we get there. But once all of that is out of the way, I'll be on the verge of completing Book 1.

Of course, this is just the first draft of book 1, and I'm not sure how many drafts I'll need to create before I bring this to a publisher - at least 2 more edits. I've given the work to a few friends, and I have a few more that will take a look at a more polished version, as I'd like to reserve their skills till the end. There is a great deal of time and effort that goes into editing and reviewing, and it's not to be taken lightly, so this review process has to be well thought out.

Once I've gone through and taken in the edits, critiques and opinions of my friends, I will bring it to a professional editor for review. I'm not sure how much that will cost, but whatever it is... it'll be worth it. The thing about writing over a prolonged period of time, and the funny thing about evolution, is that you end up getting better. So I would not be surprised by comments about my style actually improving as the story progressed. So now it's a matter of going back and fixing parts that need fixing... adding content where necessary, and adhering to proper standards for authorship. I have some resources on the subject, which I will be reviewing as I go... and I will begin to integrate those thoughts and concepts within the material.

It's funny how you get totally different reviews from certain people. Some are very willing to encourage... where some others are very willing to critique. Some are very aware of their own faults and their own presence, and so they are reserving their comments only until the entire work is complete, for fear of becoming overbearing or influencing the creation of the work. It's a fragile thing... writing something for this length of time, and staying encouraged, and being excited... and not wanting to share it at times... and at other times you just can't stop talking about it. But as everyone internalizes everything, and takes in the information and filters it through their own perspective, they cannot and will not see things as I do - so it's not always appropriate to discuss the work.

Although, it's hard to keep a lid on something like this - simply because feedback becomes your life blood at times, especially if work gets in the way of the writing, or the universe turns your focus toward other activities. Sometimes it's those certain special friends that are there that make all the difference - when that friend becomes your biggest fan and keeps pushing you to go on, and keeps you motivated to stay interested, and finally reminds you that this ... will be what you what you've always wanted - it's people like that who makes the whole process seem worth while. I'm lucky that I have that experience as a part of my process - otherwise, this could have taken a great deal longer to complete. This has always been something that I've had to do... but when you're ready - life provides you with just the right amount of catalysts to bring you through to completion.