7 of 25

Write now Article Tools

Anyone who has put pen to paper and believed the words they'd written were as moving as the Gettysburg Address or as weighty as "War and Peace" dreams that one day it will indeed happen. These scribes know what I mean, because they believe it will be only a matter of time before their name is as recognizable in the literary world as is Roth's, Irving's, Byatt's or any other author who has somehow managed to get his or her book on the shelves and then off just as quickly by brisk sales from word of mouth. They chisel away the words that don't move their story along and end up with nothing short of a masterpiece- - in their eyes, anyway. I know of what I speak since I'm in the midst of writing my third novel. Pretty impressive, if not prolific, huh?

Okay, so my first award-winning novel "Without Grace," took years to get published, the characters tapping their toes and rolling their eyes, waiting for me to be discovered so that they could have their stories told and live on for generations to come. But right up there with their needs, I have needs, too. I need to be validated and recognized. I need the hours I write to be justified. I need to be financially compensated so that I can give up my day job. However, and perhaps even more importantly, I need to fulfill my longing aspiration and become a member of the Rock Bottom Remainders!

Unless you've been hiding under a stack of used, musty books, then you should know about this very unique group, which was originated several years ago by Stephen King, Matt Groening and James McBride. Not much later, Amy Tan, Dave Barry, Mitch Albom and Scott Turow were all on board- - all accomplished writers, to be sure. As for all being accomplished musicians-well, let's just say it's more about their ability to pull in special musical talent that adds credibility to these literary movers and shakers. For instance, Roger McGuinn of the Byrds fame has joined in on some of their performances, in order to lend a hand, not to mention that much needed talent.

It makes sense that these acclaimed authors take some time away from their writing in order to do some rockin' and rollin'. I get that because, next to books, music has always been a love of mine and if it weren't for the fact that I have no tone or pitch, I may have taken the route of being a musician instead of a writer. Ah, the road not taken yesterday doesn't necessarily mean it can never be taken tomorrow, which is one of the lessons of the Remainders to which I am clinging.

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Working through lulls in the writing process?
We want to hear your view. Write now!