Saturday, July 9, 2016

On Collaboration

barred owlets

In addition to writing nonfiction, I've been collaborating with a friend on a middle grade novel. The whole idea was born from loss--an untimely tragedy and a lost job. The project was immensely helpful keeping my mind busy with constant aggressive deadlines. Last year, it was exactly what I needed. In fact, I wonder some times how deep a hole I would have sunk into without this project.

Barred owl parent calling, "who cooks for you?"
The manuscript is different than the work I've been doing. It's fiction. It's fantasy. It's funny. Last year, I didn't have much of a sense of humor, but there were times when we were laughing hysterically. Even if it never goes anywhere, the project has served an important purpose. It was a healing project and for that I am immensely thankful.