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Until I get more novels published, though, I don't think they'll invite me. After all, serious publishing accomplishments do seem to be the criteria in order to be a part of these enviable rockin' band mates.

Not one to relent, or allow my characters to remain trapped on the page, I keep writing while hoping my agent is eventually successful in finding a home for my latest work. I'm fearful, though, that when publication does happen, it may be too late to join the band. My luck, one of the Remainders will get all caught up in the madness of rock and roll fame and create a schism in the group and they each decide to go their separate way, having nothing left from their tour but a shopworn T-shirt. Or, what if after Frank McCourt has sat in with the band playing his harmonica the rest decides a Pulitzer Prize is something they need to write their way toward and put down their guitars and drumsticks and hole up in their writer's den for an interminable length of time?

Never mind that even though the music is deep within my blood, my very soul, but struggles and strains when I attempt to give it a voice, I've got my tambourine, leather pants and all the words memorized to Joplin's "Piece of My Heart." I'm ready to join the rock and roll scene, my novels on the bookshelves or not; Rock Bottom Remainders or not. It's up to me and I've got just the answer: I'll create my own group. I'll christen us the Slush Pile Punks!

Now that's a novel idea. But before I amp up the mike, tune the guitar and slip into those leather pants, there's a voice that won't let me go, a plot line that's itching for an outcome, and I need to heed the call. So for now, I'll keep on keeping on, standing offstage in the shadows, letting my characters scream and shout and demand their voices, not mine, be heard. Eventually, someone's got to notice.

Learn more about this author, Carol Hoenig.
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