Fiction is not my
only escape. When I dive into a repair at my auto repair shop, the thoughts and
memories from past decades fade for a few moments. It seems the old cliché ‘idle
hands are the Devil’s workshop’ remains true whether holding a tool or working
a keyboard. I was asked by one of my auto shop customers, who knows I write
novels, whether dictating a novel tempted me to give up the keyboard dance, now
that voice recognition software advances make the practice much less a chore. The
answer is a resounding NO.
I advanced from
writing longhand to writing with a typewriter, to finally a computer keyboard.
I also make use of every writing advancement given me in Word having anything
to do with editing and formatting. The tools in Word for editing are incredibly
powerful for those willing to surmount the sometimes steep learning curve. From
the simple necessity for a writer to turn on the paragraph symbols to the more
intense find and change feature, the tools are at our fingertips. Stripping the
formatting from a complete novel can be done in seconds. I love the software
advances.
Writing with the
keyboard connects mind, body, and soul. I admit the thought of dictating a
novel is abhorrent to me. I need to touch the words in some manner, as much as
I need to grip the proper wrench at my shop. Truthfully, although I have an
active imagination, I can’t imagine a writer speaking a novel. It would
definitely take skill I confess I do not have. I love the keyboard - so much
so, I have to paint some of the letters back onto my laptop keyboard even
though it’s relatively new. :)
In experimental
writing news, my writing two novels at the same time is still flowing along at
a rapid pace. I’m nearing 57K words in Demon IV: Darkness Rules, and 40K words
in Cold Blooded IV: Bloody Shadows. So far, it’s still a pleasure hopping back
and forth between my two creations. They’re on schedule still for an April and
May release respectively. Being with an independent publisher, like RJ ParkerPublishing, Inc allows me the freedom to do anything I want in the realm of
writing. Both RJ and I cringe when I fulfill a promise to write another Demon
series novel, instead of writing more installments in the much more popular
Hard Case and Cold Blooded series offerings. We both know the over 200 hours
spent writing Demon IV: Darkness Rules, will probably be mostly a wonderful way
for me to commune with one of my favorite canine characters of all time: Demon.
So be it. The next dual project on the horizon will be writing Hard Case VI,
and Rick Cantelli, P.I. IV. My escape from reality is destined to extend well
into the summer months ahead, but always with the much needed keyboard dance. :)
Hard Case V: Blood and Fear is still fighting to remain number one in Pulp Fiction, clawing its way to the top position on and off for over a month. :)
