I’ve been chasing shadows with my upcoming novel, Saving Babe Ruth. While I can always step on my shadow’s feet, my shadow inevitably slips away, forever one step beyond my grasp.
That’s what it feels like to be writing a novel, at least to me. I tend to think I’m a few steps further along than I really am; I always think I’m in striking distance of my goal to finish it, until I’m not.
The reception to my manuscript has been quite positive, but someone in the chain of custody always thinks there’s room for a bit of improvement, some tinkering here or there. Know this about me: I’m a sucker for improvement. But I’m not the most patient guy in the world when it comes to finishing a project.
The trouble is that speed and improvement are in the capable hands of an editor at this point and so these things are outside of my control. Deep down inside, I would like to drop “Editor” from my circle of friends. But people tell me that I need to be patient. Well, that’s like being told to take a time out, perhaps spend time dancing with my shadow, wooing it into submission—until such time as I can lunge at it and wring its pencil thin neck and scream, “I’ve got you, you shady bastard. You’re done. The novel is finished.”
Calm down, you say, get a hold of yourself.
Yes, yes, you are absolutely right and I apologize for my outburst. I have forced myself to move on to other things and I’m a better man for it. I have started my own publishing firm. I have been working on the book cover which should be out in a short time. I have written my dedication and have written an acknowledgment page thanking people who have helped me. In short, I’m all dressed up with no place to go— no book to show—just me and my f***ing shadow.
No need to swear, Tom, you say.
You’re right. There I go again. Please forgive me, but you must understand that it’s difficult working on the same project day after day with no end in sight. Did you ever have that dream that you couldn’t finish something, couldn’t find something or were trying to get somewhere but couldn’t? That’s been my life for going on four years. When I’m not chasing my shadow, I’m watching it stand still. My shadow owns me until it doesn’t and I look forward to that day when I say enough is enough and Saving Babe Ruth is in the hands of readers. I’m hoping this will happen in the spring of 2014. Will it happen? Only my shadow knows for sure and he’s a shady fellow.
Happy Holidays to everyone and thank you for your support!