In recent months, I haven’t been as active on WP. I’ve posted on only on weekends. Sometimes not even then. A few people asked if everything was okay. Sometimes, I alluded to being engaged in other creative projects. I was vague on the details. This is the reveal.
Two weeks ago, I finished the first draft of a memoir about the summer I taught in El Salvador. I kept a journal while there. My intention was to try to write a book. I made several false starts. Then last November, I committed to writing a page a day for thirty days. After the month was over, I couldn’t stop.
Converting my notes and pictures into a full-length text wasn’t easy. I’m now working on a second draft. Someone said that the purpose of a second draft is to make it look like you knew what you were doing when you wrote your first draft. There is a lot of truth to that. I’m crafting the this draft into something that someone would want to read. It is a slow and tedious process. I just show up each day and try to push the project along a bit more. I also have a lot to learn about the publishing world.
The working title is A Different Latitude. It’s a play on the name of the blog I published while in El Salvador. I plan to resurrect that blog. Updates on the progress of the book will be posted both here and there.
Milford Street 
Very exciting!
Thank you so much, Marci.
Woody Allen says 80% of success is just showing up. Good for you, Chris!
I agree with that. Thank you, Lois.
Aaah….This explains your silence a bit. All the best on your journal publication and hope you will share with us. I remember those days you were in El Salvador teaching – it was when I first came across your blog site and really enjoy following you. Take care and may your wordsmithing deliver a worthy read.
Thank you Garfield.
🤗
I had noticed that there were fewer publications, but everyone has their reasons. Preparing a book does indeed require a certain amount of concentration and time. Just a little more time. Good luck!
It is so much work, but I’m mostly enjoying it. I’ve heard people say how much work it is and now I’m a believer.
Wonderful news! Happy writing. Cheers 👍
Thank you so much.
You’ve given yourself a real task but one full of promise. Please keep us all posted. I look forward to following your blog and perhaps one day to holding a copy of your book in my hands and enjoying a Different Latitude (mine is 54oN 🤣). Ashley 🙋♂️
Thank you so much, Ashley. It will be an adventure. Your north of me and way north of El Salvador. Chris
Good luck, Chris! Publishing might be a challenge unless you know someone in the business! For myself, I also want to illustrate some of my verses! I’ve struggled with that element for a few years now but I might have found a route. I love the proposed title of your book, it’s close to my own blog title! I might drop you an email (robash390) if you’re okay with that? Check your “junk” box.
Buona domenica!!!
You also
Good luck!!
Thank you!
Lots of succes with your writing Robert and a lot of inspiration !
Have a lovely day,
Rudi
Rudi – Thank you so much, Chris
Good luck and wishing you huge success.
Thank you Judy.
Congrats! That is super exciting!
Thank you so much.
hmmm that is a challenge, what a wonderful idea, enjoyed your posts during your “journey” I wonder how it will be .. on recollection.. “don’t loose the loving feeling”
Writing a first draft was like reliving it.
Good wishes Chris.
Thank you.
How interesting and captivating to recapture that experience through writing. I wish I could do the same. You are my hero. 👏
Thank you so much, Gail.
It sounds like a worthwhile project to me, and I hope to be able to read your book someday, and to the new blog. Keep writing!!!!
Thank you, Ann
such wonderful news 🤓 and so nice to have a project and writing all good! looking forward to read and see more Chris ~ I’m happy for you congratulations 🌷☺️💫
WOW 🙂
What a great news!
Ciao
Sid
Best of luck.
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
You’re welcome.
Great.. Best wishes Chris.. I remember those days of Elselvador.. The students there were feeling lucky and happy to have you as their teacher.. It will be a great book God willing.. Keep giving Chris.
Thank you for your support, Sohair.
I like your working title, Chris! Good luck with your second draft!
Thank you