Packing It In

February is the shortest month, but I’ve been packing in the writing and editing every single day, and that makes me super happy.

You probably know that I wanted to be a writer at a very young age, but I was talked out of it by my parents, who said, “That’s not a real job.”

I built a career in education, which was, indeed, a real job—and also a calling and a passion—but the profession was so all-consuming that I was unable to fulfill my writing dream until 2013, with the publication of Naughty Nana and the start of my participation in a writers’ critique group.

Since that time, I’ve been writing non-stop, and I have eight published books, with a ninth coming soon. I’ve also taught creative writing (to high schoolers and senior citizens), and my students know that I believe strongly that if you’re having fun writing, the reader will have fun reading your work.

Even when I write a difficult scene—a deadly crime or a harsh confrontation between characters—I’m enjoying the process. I love finding the perfect word choices and figures of speech, the most engaging bit of action, even the smoothest transitions. I cloister myself in the office and transport myself to a faraway place, where I can mentally act out whatever my imagination chooses.

In short, writing is very entertaining.

Yesterday I was reminded of another value of writing. As a teacher of writing, I know that the act of gathering thoughts and feelings and putting them out on a page can be therapeutic for people who have suffered blows in life. I was reminded of that particular effect when I visited with a dear medical professional whom I hadn’t seen since she experienced one of the worst losses imaginable. She’s trying to put her life back together, and I suggested writing. “Even if you only write for a few minutes each day, even if no one sees your writing but you, the emotional exercise can be helpful,” I said. “And who knows? Someday you may share it and help others get through their difficult times.” She’s going to try it out.

Meanwhile, I’ve been working on two newsletters (for the local Friends of the library group and for the Old English Sheepdogs Rescue organization I support), critiquing submissions from my two writers’ groups, and writing more of my historical mystery (working title: Promises to Keep).

Last week I received some family photos of ancestors who are portrayed in the book, and I discovered another benefit of writing. Prior to my writing this book, these family members were mostly just faces and names enclosed in pretty frames. Now, after intense research and contemplation, they are living, breathing people with motivations and desires, obstacles and challenges, sacrifices and victories. I surprised myself by shedding tears over the portraits. Through the writing, I have established a deep connection with these people.

I’m grateful to those of you who sent prospective titles. Thanks to you, I have some very compelling titles to think about, and there’s still time to throw out another for consideration.

1. What is the name of Parrott’s pet cockatiel? A)Ulysses, B)Shakespeare, C)Horace, D)Algernon.

2.  What is Parrott’s favorite drink? A)Gin and tonic, B)Black coffee, C)Diet Sprite, D)Whiskey sour.

3. What is Parrott’s mother’s first name? A)Doris, B)Corrinne, C)Winnie, D)Cora.

4. What is the name of the Chief of Police at the West Brandywine station? A)Schrik, B)Barton, C)Collins, D)Rayburn.

5. What is the name of Parrott’s cousin, who was killed before the series started? A)Bo, B)Derrick, C)Raymond, D)Alexander.

6. Parrott’s degree is from which university? A)Indiana, B)Villanova, C)Syracuse, D)Grambling.

7. Parrott had a college scholarship in what sport? A)swimming, B)football, C)basketball, D)track.

8. Parrott enjoys working with the coroner named A)Maria, B)Jerry, C)Alice, D)Michael.

9. Where does Tonya do her tour of duty with the Marines? A)Afghanistan, B)Bhutan, C)Columbia, D)Denmark.

10. What does Parrott’s office window overlook? A)parking garage, B)playground, C)Longwood Gardens, D)cemetery.