I'm a writer, but what I really want to do is direct

Patty here…

Currently, I’m reading through the copy editor’s notes on my 4th novel, trying to decide if whoever should really be changed to whomever or if my instincts were correct all along. When I’m finished with that, I’ll be in the enviable position of having no pressing deadlines, and it feels so good. Of course, I need to sort through papers in my in-basket and organize the pile of TBR books now cluttering the floor of my office/den/guest room. I’ll probably work in the garden and shred the pages of my manuscript, at least drafts 1 through 250. After that, I’m not sure what I’ll do. It’s been so long since I’ve had any free time, I don’t know how to spend it.

When I was young, I used to worry that I’d die before I had a chance to try everything. As a result, I’ve squeezed a lot of living into my adult years. I’ve worked at a variety of jobs, from an Easter bunny at a children’s party to a group supervisor in juvenile detention. I’ve tried snow skiing, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, parasailing, bicycling, and all sorts of dancing, including tap and everything Latin. I’ve traveled a lot, but there are still some countries I’d like to visit. A few years ago, I trained for the L.A. Marathon and had worked up to 13.5 miles when my father died, forcing me to hang up my running shoes for a while.



All that reflection was sucking up my free time. I needed a plan, so I did what I always do when I’m under pressure. I made a list. And at the top of it was:

(1) Film a trailer for my 4th book.



If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, here’s an example: Echo Park, a Harry Bosch novel by Michael Connelly.

After watching that, I didn’t want to film just ANY trailer. It had to have actors and Foley artists and best boys and a producer and a director who’d be MEEEEE! I’d buy a camera and cast my fellow NakedAuthors. We’d go on location. Someplace with sand, a lagoon, and a beach bar that served Dark and Stormies and Marianne’s fruitcake. And we’d take our NakedReaders along, too. Are you guys on board or what?

I already have a composer lined up who’ll write an original song for the intro. I’m slated to attend a tech workshop in January to learn how to put the whole thing together.

So that’s what I’m doing with my free time. If you had any, how would you spend it?

Happy Monday!

p.s. Congratulations to Laura Lippman who was presented with the Quill Book Award for Mystery/Suspense on National TV Saturday night. Yay!!!!