The Compromise: An American Novel
Author's log of writing The Compromise
The only way I know to write is to pay very close attention, to write experiences which imply and do not state. This is, of course, to show and not tell. It may seem to come from the words, but an underground network is far better. The novel aspires to be, therefore, a Socratic novel. Is this possible? Can we cope with not knowing? Do we know that we know nothing?
The 1619 Project of the New York Times promotes awareness of 400 years of slavery in America and brings forth vital dimensions of its legacy. These dimensions have been lacking in our collective imaginations and knowledge of history. I value this instruction and hope to rise to the tasks I have given myself, to write…
Bad news on Easter is hard. I walk out my door under scented blossoms in the warm air. Let’s hope that beauty does not give us amnesia. We need wisdom to hold the contradictions. The gorgeous spring may hide the wrongs of the past, but hope does not rise out of anything else. Photo by Banter…
Writers find ways to enter new subjectivities. What semed difficult proves an adventure. We cross out of one gender to another, cross race, age, historical periods, and consciouness. We may be daring, but we also want to anchor our imaginations in our truth. Last night, my writer friend Phil held up his newly published book…
Today the rain comes in gusts that alternate with the whine of sirens. We think we can drive at normal speeds. Twice, my fictional character Mariah experiences dangerous storms, a tornado in Columbia and a blizzard in Stoneville. I learned a lot through my research on tornados, and I found descriptive language that is authentic…