A Slice of Orange

Thoughts on January 5, 2008
by Diane Pershing

First of all, of course, happy new year to all. There really is something rather magical about beginnings, isn’t there. And as I write that sentence the cynic in me replies, yeah, and the magic fades real fast as reality sets in. So yes, there’s magic and yes there’s reality. Both. It’s one of those Life is Messy Get Over It things.

What I really want to talk about is my new beginning as concerns my life as a writer. But first, let’s say good-bye. I’m pretty sure that this month’s release from Silhouette Romantic Suspense, ONE TOUGH AVENGER, will be my last category book. “Pretty sure” I say because there is always the possibility that an idea will come (or an offer of tons of money) that will change my mind. But what I’m noticing is that another book is calling me and it’s most definitely not a category romance. Yes, it has romance in it, but it is more about a rather eccentric and troubled young woman with a horrific past trying to get through her days in relative mental peace. Sounds like a romance, right? Except not. It’s grittier, edgier and much more boundary-pushing than anything I’ve ever written for categories. Plus it’s longer and lots more complicated, with several different points of view. The book is screaming at me to write it, so I am.

But, you say, lots of authors write both category and mainstream books. Why can’t you? Because as the years march on, I’m (gulp) aging and I find myself with a little less energy than before. Fact of life; wish it were not so, but there it is. There are no longer enough hours in the day to do all I want and need to do, so my writing time must be condensed, especially as various other areas of my private life need me more and more.

By the way, the quote that opens my blog today is attributed to a revered ancient rabbi, Hillel, who lived in Jerusalem at the time of Herod. It is justly famous, as it deals succinctly with why we are on this earth: to be our own biggest supporters, to give generously to others, and to be an active rather than a passive participant in our own lives. It is the last part, “If not now, when?” that is governing my actions now. I have this book in me, have had it for years, and if I don’t get to it soon, I am concerned that my mental and physical functions will no longer be up to the task.

Now this is not to say I’m doddering; I’m pretty sure that those who know me will attest to that. But time actually does pass, you know, whether we like it or not, and if we’ve been putting off dreams as something we’ll “get to” sometime in the future, we just may be fooling ourselves.

In 2007 I put in a whole new kitchen—the one I’ve wanted my whole life; I ran for President-Elect of Romance Writers of America; I gave my mother a stellar 90th birthday party and my son and his fiancée a lovely engagement party; I began this book I’m talking about. In 2008, I plan to continue doing the things I want to do in my life that I’ve been putting off.

What are your plans? And if not now, when?

Love to you and yours,
Diane Pershing

This is one of my favorite times of the year. My family and I celebrated two birthdays and had a really nice peaceful, Christmas. I hope yours was the same. I definitely ate more this week than it takes to sustain life – and I enjoyed every bite of it.

Now its time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions (if you’re the type of person who makes them). I could fall back on my annual vow of eating right and exercising more, but I know that will be history by my birthday in mid-January. I could vow to write more and procrastinate less, which miraculously I’ve actually been doing, so I don’t think that counts.

So instead how about this? I will challenge you to make a few small positive changes in your life whatever they may be and I will try to do the same in mine. Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.

Happy New Year Everyone!