SHOPKEEP Draft Almost in Hand

Author Knows of No Sweeter Feeling Than Being Ahead of Schedule

The numbers don’t lie, a statement which in this era deserves a cynical snicker:

I figured I’d toy with this for a few seasons, but instead? It came right out of me. Still writing left to be done—I suspect the first draft will be more like 90k. Quite a few stories left to tell or reference, as well as people to whom I wish to pay tribute.

For the moment, however, I will likely play with the structure of what I have to see what’s missing that may be truly essential. I have written as much philosophy into this as simply recounting events, so much more may need saying in that area as well.

What a fine season this has been—reliving my greatest tragedies hasn’t been easy, but revisiting all the joys and wonders of my life has provided much needed balance. Writing this material has been cathartic—no question.

And, who knows, maybe I’ll one day publish it, but as I came to understand with all my projects, it is the process providing the boon and the benefit, not the outcome. This is a crucial lesson in life. I emphasize it throughout the work. I remind you of it now.