Elen keeps swimming in my head, eclipsing other creative projects. I do believe in this book – or books, as my son suggests. He thinks the Elen story should be at least two books. He is suggesting a separate book for Elen in Scotland in 1746 and Elen in America in 1777. I have thought of a book with her best friend, Flora, and her journey as an indentured servant. We’ll see.
I bemoan to family and friends that my dream is to be able to write full-time and not have to work another job. In reality, I think most authors work one or more jobs and write whenever they can. The truth is that my life (and I suspect other writers and creatives as well) is “all about the books.” They are all-consuming, and everything I do, despite interruptions from family responsibilities, work responsibilities, and the responsibilities of adulthood, is about living the creative life. The stories are waiting to be told, sometimes more impatiently than others, slipping out at unexpected times. My very patient family and friends listen as I reveal new 18th-century facts, take them to various spots where the book is set, imagine the area in the 18th century, and scour the area for a reasonably priced, authentic 18th-century costume. I have stacks of books for research and are winging their way to me via online book purchases.
Writing is in my hard-wiring. There’s no escape. And, I wouldn’t want it any other way. The Elen story proves it over and over again, as do the other stories crowding my head. I spend moments in wonder as the Elen story unfolds, and I hope abundantly that I put what’s in my head onto paper to be a beloved read.
Writing Elen’s story is a unique experience compared to any other book I’ve written. I am in awe of this character and love watching how the book and story grow.
