Responsible Passion

I wish that art was a process as regular as lunchtime.

Even if you have no idea what the cafeteria is serving, at least you know that its serving something. Not so with the work involving art. I have been trying for the last year or so to get myself into habits and rhythms that would facilitate my artistic expression in more robust and efficient ways. Somethings have worked. Others have not.

During this whole period of learning (which is ongoing mind you) I have learned some important lessons. One of the most important concepts that I have come across has been the subject of responsibility. It isn't enough that I want to write. I have to make time and effort to write.

Time is something that I have to sell to a corporation for the right to live with a roof over my head and food in my stomach. Effort is something that I waste on every manner of entertainment. But at the end of the day, I am finding time to carve out of every day to at least think about my novel. I feel responsible for my work, the deadline (that I created) has been on my mind since I first created it.

My first novel by the end of the year. I started this year thinking about writing a short story per month, and now I am closing the year with a novel. It seems like that was eons ago. The plot for the novel popped into my head while I was writing the first two short stories of the year and I think that the strength of the main character is what drew me so head over heels into the project.

I am now writing the final chapters of that novel, and I have discovered so much about myself and my passion in this last year that I can't help but be amazed at how it all unfolded. I discovered that what had drawn me to my main character is exactly what has drawn me to writing in the first place: I want to make this world a better place in some small way.

My passion comes with the responsibility to carry out my goals.

It isn't enough anymore to say that I have a great idea for a novel in my head. After this year, I will have written my very first novel. Of my life. My whole life, writing novels was the only thing I had ever had my heart set on.

For the opportunity in life and in mind to do my life's work, I thank the Gods Above and Below.

For the opportunity to share my passion, my art and my thoughts, I thank the internet, and you.