When you're a child
sledding on a bright winter's day, it always seems so far to the top of the hill. You trudge your way up, and trudge. Then you seat yourself for exhiliration.
Writing Peter's Story has been a little bit like that. The hours and hours of interview, the even longer seige of transcribing the interviews. All that is behind me now. I have been to the top of the hill, and now I'm speeding down the slope.
Since returning from Cozumel, I have drafted another chapter and a short "epilogue," for a current total of nine chapters, a foreword, and an epilogue. There are perhaps four more chapters between here and "The End."
I called Peter yesterday and set a meeting for Monday when we'll work out some questions of chronology and I'll start reading the completed portions to him for his review and approval. Peter's eyesight is bad enough that he cannot read them for himself.
Even if the four remaining chapters each take a week to draft, we are a month from completion. Even if I review only one chapter a week with Peter, we are three months or so from having a final manuscript.
Say it with me: Hallelujah!
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In addition, last night I put together the passages I want to send to the magazine in Milwaukee which is interested in excerpting Peter's Story to coincide with publication next fall. A word count revealed that I had 2000 words too many in this initial compilation, so I have started to revise, paring it down to the length I'm allowed. I'll work some more on that today.
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Today I also have to put together my reading for tomorrow in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Those of you who follow my calendar already know that I'll be reading at the Pump House Regional Arts Center at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow, January 18. I'll be meeting a couple of La Crosse poets beforehand for supper at Buzzard Billy's. I'm looking forward to some jambalaya and hush puppies from my favorite Cajun/Creole restaurant in Wisconsin.
Now - the question today is: "What shall I read tomorrow?" By nightfall, I'll know.
I'll stay over in La Crosse after the reading, rather than face a three-hour drive home after my usual bed-time. Staying over might allow me to step out after the reading and see if there is any beer in La Crosse. I might even have one.
Hallelujah is right! Congrats, Tom. I know how much work the transcribing can be, so finishing that alone is cause for celebration, and a few beers! You must feel great to be closing in on completion - good for you! I look forward to seeing the finished book.
Posted by: beth | January 17, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Awesome job Tom. If its anything as wonderful as your other writing, it will be a gift to the world.
We can't tell you any great places for beer in La Crosse, but Kirk says there's some nice prairie style architecture near the uni.
Enjoy the reading!
Posted by: susurradeluz | January 17, 2007 at 03:54 PM
Thanks, Beth. We're rolling. I KNOW you know how much work the interviews and transciption are, so I appreciate you comment.
Posted by: Tom Montag | January 18, 2007 at 07:34 AM
Hi, Susurra--I'm sure I'll find a beer! Thanks for the tip on the prairie-style architecture. I don't know if I'll get to the University this trip, but I don't get over there on occasion and I'll look for it....
Posted by: Tom Montag | January 18, 2007 at 07:36 AM