Let the Conversation Begin
December 24, 2012
Last Friday at 5:00 a.m., I received notification that Room 732 was ready to be submitted for publication. The moment I had been waiting for had finally arrived! My baby was making its way out into the world.
Immediately, a sense of excitement washed over me. The edits and back-and-forth dealings with the publisher were over. My book was suddenly out of my hands and was now ready for its own adventure. Where it will take me is unknown at this point, but I intend to go along for the ride.
That morning as I walked along the beach while the sun was rising over the ocean, I thought about the journey so far. Almost eleven months ago to the day, I had put my first thoughts down on paper. While I felt sure that the book would be a series of eight short stories about individuals who stayed at the Hollywood Beach Hotel over a span of many decades, I knew little else. I had no idea how the book would take shape. In fact, just days later, I sat wondering if I would ever be able to write a complete story, let alone eight of them.
Through the process of writing Room 732, I came to understand that there is no forcing the creative spirit. There were moments when I would sit and try to will myself to write – to think of a plot – to imagine the characters. That never worked. What I learned was that when I least expected it, an idea would come to me – mostly as I walked along the beach searching for the perfect shells or gazing out at the vast ocean.
When a thought was sparked, I would take out my small notepad and pen and record it for fear of otherwise losing it before I arrived home. Always I was reminded that there is a creative flow that must be honored and acknowledged.
Looking back on the creation of Room 732, I am reminded of my original intention for writing this book. For years, I have wanted to write something that would lead to a connection with others. I am now hopeful that as people read my book, something in it will resonate with them. I am looking forward to hearing just what that is. Let the conversation begin!
Last Friday at 5:00 a.m., I received notification that Room 732 was ready to be submitted for publication. The moment I had been waiting for had finally arrived! My baby was making its way out into the world.
Immediately, a sense of excitement washed over me. The edits and back-and-forth dealings with the publisher were over. My book was suddenly out of my hands and was now ready for its own adventure. Where it will take me is unknown at this point, but I intend to go along for the ride.
That morning as I walked along the beach while the sun was rising over the ocean, I thought about the journey so far. Almost eleven months ago to the day, I had put my first thoughts down on paper. While I felt sure that the book would be a series of eight short stories about individuals who stayed at the Hollywood Beach Hotel over a span of many decades, I knew little else. I had no idea how the book would take shape. In fact, just days later, I sat wondering if I would ever be able to write a complete story, let alone eight of them.
Through the process of writing Room 732, I came to understand that there is no forcing the creative spirit. There were moments when I would sit and try to will myself to write – to think of a plot – to imagine the characters. That never worked. What I learned was that when I least expected it, an idea would come to me – mostly as I walked along the beach searching for the perfect shells or gazing out at the vast ocean.
When a thought was sparked, I would take out my small notepad and pen and record it for fear of otherwise losing it before I arrived home. Always I was reminded that there is a creative flow that must be honored and acknowledged.
Looking back on the creation of Room 732, I am reminded of my original intention for writing this book. For years, I have wanted to write something that would lead to a connection with others. I am now hopeful that as people read my book, something in it will resonate with them. I am looking forward to hearing just what that is. Let the conversation begin!
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