Reading, writing, and ravings...

I’m reading a fascinating book, called The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary (P.S.) which is, according to the front copy “A tale of murder, insanity, and the making of the Oxford English Dictionary.” And reading this book makes me realize how often the story of how something came about often ends up being far more interesting than the story itself. 

I realize the Oxford English Dictionary is not in fact a story, but the truth of it still holds out. 

I’m tweaking my book right now, seriously wondering how it’s going to turn out. Not the book, because I know how it ends. If you’re writing and don’t know the end, then you’re either a genius or an idiot. I consider myself neither. 

Well, ok I can be a bit of an idiot when it comes to directions, women, and asking women for directions. But otherwise I don’t consider myself an idiot. 

However, I am a bit worried because my book is out to two different publishers. I mean, don’t tell them that. But, I am hoping to self-publish my book. At the same time, can I realistically turn down an advance and a contract from a publisher because I’d rather go my own way? 

I don’t know. I think it would either be a genius idea or the biggest screw-up ever. 

And of course, gentle reader, I promise to keep you informed.