I never thought I’d write a book. Never gave it much thought. That is, until a year or so ago when I started writing short fiction stories. Mostly mystery and science fiction with a twist and macabre themes.
To date, I now have published 11 such stories since I sorta accidentally began this trek. I had considered early on that after I published an even dozen or 13 (Baker’s Dozen) I would try to get them published as a book. I’m still thinking that way. It keeps my mind going in a positive, if not challenging direction.
I just recently published the third and final installment in what turned out to be a trilogy of stories about the Majestic Hotel in Lake Charles, LA, featuring a time traveler and an evil general manager.
I have found that when I’m writing these stories, I get a sense of joy and adventure in figuring out what my characters will be doing and what surprises they encounter. It’s fun! It also keeps me from thinking about all the advertising work I’m not getting!!
What keeps you going, especially if you live alone? What keeps you inspired and up for the next challenge? What helps you stave off depression? Is it painting, crafts, writing? It doesn’t really matter as long as it’s a diversion from reality. Even if it’s writing about your depression or painting a portrait that, to you, represents what you’re going through. It’ll help you get through it.
Since Pam died, I live alone. Well, alone with my thoughts, which, at times, can be dangerous (not suicidal; though I’ve wondered how long it would be before my body was discovered after my death – hmmmm). They’re also, productive and exciting.
New story lines can be born amidst the depression that rears its ugly head at the most inopportune times. That’s why some of my stories have centered around Pam and her demise while others enter into the realm of the macabre (think Twilight Zone or Rod Serling; for younger audience members, Google it). Some stories, like the Majestic Trilogy, are simply science fiction mystery thrillers.
Now I’m faced with what will my next story be about. I haven’t a clue at present! But, I shall not worry about it as it will come to me eventually.
In Memoriam
This week I find myself reflecting on two milestones, both of which have an impact on me but for different reasons.
First, the untimely and unfortunate death of Lisa Marie Presley. Apparently of natural causes, Lisa Marie died last Thursday from cardiac arrest. I remember when she was born in 1968. Being an avid fan of her famous father, Elvis Presley, I sort of followed her upbringing. Also because she was only two years younger than my first cousin’s daughter, Patricia, her life interested me. I was very saddened and surprised when I heard the news.
And second, this coming Thursday marks the anniversary of my mom’s death back in 1981. Her passing didn’t surprise me although it naturally saddened me. She had been in poor health and never really got over Dad’s unexpected passing a few years before in 1978. In many ways, her death was a relief. She could now be back with “Sonny” and watch over me from above.
Joe’s Journey has taken many twists and turns since I’ve been writing this blog. I hope you have found it interesting and, at times, fulfilling. It’s been fun and medicinal for me to write it, having bared my soul perhaps more than I would normally do. But, that’s okay; at least you know what I’m thinking and feeling. Perhaps you have thought and felt the same.
Thank you for being with me on the ride. May we traverse the twists together!
Hopefully making a ruckus, one blog post at a time!
Be sure to check out my other blog, Ideasnmoreblog, for a different kind of playground for creativity, innovation and inspiring stuff.