Dear Me

Dear Me,

I’m glad we have this chance to sit quietly, and just talk. It’s been a rough year, and this year may prove to be even more difficult. If not difficult, definitely scary; that’s what I want to talk to you about.

I know, I know, there are plenty of scientists out there screaming ‘caution’ at the approaching apocalypse, and Lord knows you have been watching every documentary on the subject of doomsday. It’s time you stop watching. It’s time you stop worrying.

In the past, it has always worked best for you, when you write your fears instead of sitting back passively waiting. It’s time to write, Susie.

You’ve toyed with the idea for a book on your mother. There are so many other people in the same boat. Seniors are taking care of their parents and many suffer from Alzheimer’s.  They will be struggling with the same decision, “Should I put Mom/Dad in a nursing home?” and you can give them some guidance on how you reached your decision.  You could help a lot of people, instead of sitting on the couch worrying if the Mayans really know anything.

Fear- Fear is an amazing emotion that can enhance any story; mystery, drama, romance, adventure, it is not just for horror. You know what fear is, you have lived it, you invited it in, and allowed it to visit for a long time. This is the time to turn fear into a powerful recreation for readers to experience. Think of the story you could write.  You told me the other day a story line that I think has potential. You never know, this could be the year that you get discovered. Sure, makes sense that you’d be discovered the year it all ends.  Ah, working on your comedy, or sarcasm?

Those are both good projects. A book, written in E-book style on making the big decision for loved ones, and the short story that gives a strong element of fear for the reader’s enjoyment.  I’m proud of you and I believe you can do it.

One more thing, I’ve heard you wish to host your own contest for a number of years now, and I think this would be a good year to project some positive thoughts into the universe. Why don’t you do it? Why don’t you get it organized and listed in the Contest Newsletter before Valentine’s Day?  I’d like to make a suggestion for the title.  NEW AGAIN Short Story Contest, get it?  Those stories in your portfolio that have been read, reviewed and edited so many times and now that they are perfect—there’s no contest to enter them in. Most contests requirement the piece to be written specifically for that entry.  I love the idea, and you would be helping a lot of writers get recognition for some fine work.

I am so glad we had this time to talk. I feel so much better about the future. If the world is going to end, then it’s going to end with a strong finish- a book, a short story and a contest.  I believe in you—now put on your cape super-hero and go save the world.
                                                                                Sincerely, Me


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