Rewriting, reading, trying to find a life

I've been trying to finish the rewrite of 'Jack's Truck,' which has meant adding scenes, changing the ending, and working the third-person narrative into first person. It's rejuvenating and invigorating, but it's also a bit frustrating because time does not necessarily come to me wrapped up in silver paper and tied in a pink bow. My mind wants to do so much and the hours just don't expand to allow me to accomplish what I really need to.

In the past couple of weeks, I've been editing pieces of my dissertation and sending the essays out to academic journals. That takes time away from the novel, but it's 'good time.'

I've also been reading other dissertations, which has been interesting. One, in particular, is about Arab feminists and the writers who have shaped that feminism. The author of the dissertation often mentions how Muslim/Islamic women are even more oppressed than any others in the world, and for feminism to rise out of that kind of existence is rather astonishing. The women take their very lives into their hands by pushing against the realities they face every day -- in their families, their society, their governments. To think of unveiling not only your face but your soul takes an incredible amount of courage. I'm impressed.

There are two other projects on my horizon, and I am looking forward to them. Just need more time :-)+