A PERFECT PLACE TO PONDER
By M. M. Scheidel
The crusty snow beneath my feet causes the thick feathered gulls to scatter overhead. Along the slated dock the sounds of crackling and swishing of water splashing over the ice floe rise to greet me. The river has a chilled winter mist hovering above its surface. Not rain, nor snow. A freighter’s horn blasts in the distance.
I feel as though I’m gazing upon a gigantic jigsaw puzzle.
The jagged edges razor sharp. The next one as sleek as a man-made ice rink. They are small and immense. No two alike. I smile as a couple of ducks land on a fast flowing slab for a free ride. There are tire tracks on one of the larger pieces. Where had it been and who had traveled on it? Its path hasn’t been untroubled.
Like life, some of it, crystal clear and smooth, other parts ragged, rough, and broke. Thick and thin slabs bump and overlap as though somewhere along its journey someone held out their hand and said, “Let me help you for a while, there’s a better place
ahead.”
The current is moving the ice floe quickly. At one time these pieces had all fit together.
Squinting into the mist, it’s too hazy to see what is coming toward me. The future is a mystery.
I breathe deeply and enjoy the beauty of the present.
A perfect place to ponder . . .
©M.M.Scheidel 011512
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(nanowrimo)
November 2010
National Novel Writing Month
The purpose is to get a story down...
All you have to do is write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. Beginning November first. I know several people who have done this and said it was a great experience. This year I had no excuses. My children are grown and I'm unemployed and have the time. Now all I need is a story idea. I decided to go with a children's middle grade camping adventure story.
I prepared for November first by making a list of some of my experiences while I camped as a child. I also collected a few camping ideas from anyone who would share something funny, unusual, or scary with me. My warm thanks to Ellen, Sharon, and Brett for your suggestions and constant encouragement.
I turned off my computer's grammar/spell check (no editing allowed) and I wrote about 2000 words a day. I would read my last paragraph from the day before and continue the story. I can't believe the stuff that purged itself from my brain. There was a ton of crap in there, but I think I can salvage enough to actually make this my first children's novel.
I finished the challenge November 26th in honor of my biggest fan, my mother who passed away on November 21st. and am now considered a nano winner with 50,250 words counted and even have a certificate and a tee-shirt to prove it. The book will be dedicated to my mother when it's published. She was extremely excited about me doing this challenge and encouraged me everyday. Unbeknownst to her, she and her personality flows throughout the entire book. Several of her practical jokes have been reinvented on the pages of this novel.
A middle grade children's novel runs on an average from 10,000 to 25,000 words, so I have plenty of cutting to do and tons of revisions. (I can't wait to get started) My goal is to have it revised and polished by next November and ready for an agent.
Watch my blog for glimpses of the story.
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Me, Pat, and Heidi
Miller Clock Tower in
Chautauqua,NY
Walt's amazing ship model at the Gibralter Boat Show
