I've returned from Boise, where the Western Literature Association held its annual convention. I participated in a panel discussion on domestic abuse in the west. The second day, the panel presented the same program at Boise State University for the public, including law officers, the Criminal Justice students and the Boise State Women's Center. We were well received. It is reassuring to learn that going through the agony of discussing my childhood and my psychopathic father is helpful to victims who have similar experiences or friends who need help. The book, "Dancing on His Grave" is selling--a few copies--wherever I speak. After six such gatherings this summer and fall, I'm REALLY ready to stay home and write. I need to finish the Epilogue of book II, "Walking Wounded." It's the hardest part, because my coach, editor, and friend Judy Blunt, tells me that every sentence I write in this part carries the weight of the entire story on its back. It's very hard for me to get a loop around this whole mess and try to make sense or draw conclusions about the ongoing effect this man had on all his daughters. I continue to struggle.
Meanwhile, I'm also working on research for Book III. It's more fun, because I love history. It goes back to the Civil War, and hopefully will examine conditions and circumstances that could have helped create a monster like my father. I'm tentatively calling it "Chasing Ghosts."
I'd love to hear comments.
