It’s official. I’ve begun work on my next book and batch of songs. In my last entry, I said I’d be writing a book based on one of my albums, “The Life & Times of Snuffy Wilson.” That’s still the case. As I type this, I’ve completed the outline, prologue, and most of chapter one. I shared the material with a book loving friend who enjoys my writing, and she likes what I have so far better than “The Eyes in my Dreams,” which she loves. I trust her to be honest with me, otherwise I wouldn’t seek her opinion.
“The Eyes in my Dreams” was, among other things, my learning how to write a book. I started with an idea, and began writing. I didn’t have an outline, I had some idea of where I thought things might go, and not much else. The first draft alone took a long damn time to finish, and then the rewrites began. At the time, I had an acquaintance who is a published writer, and he agreed to have a look. He enjoyed it, but damn. He trashed it hard, in terms of editing. He suggested a book that teaches how to self edit and prepare a book for publishers and/or publication, so I read that, took notes, and applied it to my work. I think that was the second rewrite, and I believe there was one more before I semi rewrote it again as I recorded the audio book.
Good times.
Looking back, I truly cannot remember how long the whole process took. I could probably find out by checking the dates on some older files, but why bother? I was learning how to do it. Oh, and of course,I tried shopping it around to agents and some publishers; no takers. That’s fine. I chose to self publish, and I will again. If “Eyes” or “Snuffy” find an audience, great. Same with my music. If not? Well, I’ll just keep doing what I need to do.
I also started the next batch of songs, and I suspect I’ll finally address my failed marriage at least once. The last thing my ex said in my presence was “I love you.” There’s a fucking song in there, and I’m going to write it. Yes, we spoke after that, but only via instant message, email, and a couple of phone calls. I don’t hate her or anything like that, so there won’t be any songs about what an evil bitch she is - she’s not. The marriage ended. It happens.
I have the beginnings of one other song, and that’s it. We’ll see where things go. My initial inclination is to have each song be just voice and guitar, like #OMOVOY was. No idea if that’s how the songs will turn out.
Lastly, I’ll be getting my first vaccination shot tomorrow. Whoo hoo.
That’s it for now.