An abundance of caution is roughly the equivalent of being spanked by a helium balloon.
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Well, attention spans are short and my stories are too long and confusing, so why not distill the essential message of a short story into one sentence and simply avoid all that pesky filler and amorphous meaning? This is called being efficient.
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In other news, I just finished writing a novel. I don’t know why I don’t tell people these things, but there, I finally did. I still need to polish it a bit, but I think it’s kind of wonderful. It’s the best thing I’ve ever written. Catastrophe Jones has read an earlier version, and that’s about it. She’s an awesome writer.
Trent Lewin 
Congrats on the novel!!!! If you ever need a beta reader … pick me, pick me!!!
Are you sure you want to offer that? Because I may take you up on it.
Absolutely. I’ve been reading other author’s manuscripts and offering whatever input I have for the last six or seven years. I’ve done it for several dozen manuscripts and would be honored to do so for the fabulously talented Trent Lewin. I promise honest, but respectful feedback.
If the balloon pops, would that be the equivalent to throwing caution to the wind?
I think it would have to be. Are you a wise man! Join me!
Awesome news on the novel, congrats! Even better that you feel so good about it.
I do, Walt. It feels weird to feel that way but it’s a best effort from me. I can do much more than that…
I’ve always thought your best effort would be really something. I’m sure it is. I trust you will let us know where to find it when it’s ready?
Aw, thanks, Lewin.
I’m excited to read this version of it, too. You’re going to send it to me, right?
Of course. It won’t be too too different from the version you read before. A bit tighter and some smoothing mostly.
That being said: distillation creates glorious things. Like whisky!
But I also happen to like you in all your wordy glory.
Keep doing the thing, Lewin.
Please keep doing the thing.
I’m on it Jones. Now that the book is finished, I’ll write for the blog for a bit. Too long be damned!
No such thing as ‘too long’ when it’s you. Just keep going.
That is pretty HUGE, Trent. Seriously! Can’t wait to see it in print and to read it. You truly are talented..so happy to hear this!
Thank you Audra, wish me luck. I believe in this story. Hope others do too.
Wish you SO MUCH LUCK.
By the way… thinking of writing anything?
If your novel is the “best thing [you’ve] ever written,” it must be awesome indeed. Way to go, Trent!
Thank you! I’m trying to be modest. But what’s the point. It’s pretty decent in my opinion. I like reading it. Feels like someone else wrote it.
That balloon reminds me of the movie IT, Only in my demented mind. Congrats on the novel!
Thanks! It was fun. I mean really fun. As for IT, I try not to think about that movie….
You just randomly drop that juicy tidbit on us and move on!?!?! A novel? I want that now! When? I am filled with joy and anticipation!
I’m a-working on it. I think it’s about done but needs a slight polish. I figure two solid days of just concentrating on it. Then I guess I see if the world wants the story or not – I think it’s a tough slog, a very very tough slog, but I believe in the story and I believe in me. I really really hope you get to read it someday, Michelle. I think you’d like it.
I know I will love it! Can’t wait!
Why you gotta make everything so dang sexy?
I got sexy in the can.
you played with yourself in the restroom???
Where do you think I respond to your messages?
oh… right
As for beta-testing future Lewin-novel-reading-experiences, all I can say is, “Me next! Me next! Me next!”
If you really are up for it… I’m done this novel in the next two weeks. I’m just finished with it and happy for people to read it. I don’t know if it’s any good. I think it is, but I’m a little biased. I’ll take you up on your offer, my friend.
Congrats on the novel. That is quite an accomplishment. Now—well, you have to share with some folks so you can move on to the next stage of the journey, whatever that is for you—publication, perhaps? I’d be glad to read too. Or just join in a conversation. I self-published a novel several years ago, and read fiction like crazy! My day gig is as an academic—fiction writing and reading is much more fun!
What kind of academic, might I ask? I really appreciate the offer of review of the book. I have it out to a few people right now and editorial advice is coming in, which is awesome. So I’m okay for now. But I really hope you get the read this thing when it’s published. And I’m saying when. Because I believe in my writing and that people will want to read it.
I am a theologian teaching at a divinity school. I’m glad you have readers! Those early rounds of feedback are so important. And I look forward to reading the novel WHEN it is published. I am glad you believe in your writing. That is the way to succeed as a writer! Thanks for conversation and blessings as you continue the journey.
To you too, Jill.