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.