A little selection from Nicky, word count 28, 208

Moving on, my word count is doing quite well. I will soon be able to unleash my Top Secret Plot Idea that might actually turn this novel into something serious. I doubt it'll be THAT serious, but you never know.

Today's excerpt comes from Nicky. It's been a while since I've posted directly from her. As you know, Kiefer has been courting her via letters. They live in different cities. In this letter, Nicky actually turns to Kiefer for help... a turning point in their relationship, no doubt. Nicky has the opportunity to go on tour with Joan Blade but Molly (because of this bet, but Nicky doesn't know that) has been trying to convince her not to do it. (Incidentally, I stole about 1000 words of today's writing from some website about career changes. I was happy to do it, too!) Nicky is losing faith in her own ability to make the decision so she turns to Kiefer as a fellow 'artist.' I think you can see how ambivalent Nicky is about this.

Letter 73. August 13, 198x
The Big City

Dear Kiefer,

I’m very confused. I have one week to make my decision with Joan Blade. I’ve been talking with Joan and talking with Molly and just don’t know what to do. You’re an artist, so maybe you’ll understand? I know you think that it’s a really great idea for me to go, but Molly has reminded me that a) I often up and leave when things get rough or I get bored… is that what I’m doing? And b) this isn’t necessarily full creative freedom for me and there’s no reason for me to go to work for someone else right now when I’ve been focusing on ‘building my brand.’ (At least, that’s what she calls it.)

I don’t know what the equivalent would be for a poet… Don’t know what you think of the situation or what you would do. If you have any thoughts for me at all on this, maybe you could call me? Strictly as an artist, I would value your thoughts.

Speaking of artists, congratulations on your newest book. That must feel great to be so close to getting it out there in the world, for people to read and appreciate. I hope your book tour goes well and that you meet lots of interesting people. And yes, I hope that the ‘pain’ of being without your muse fades. I think you’ll find that you do quite well without me because, well, you’ve been without me for your entire career and you keep telling me how successful you’ve been… Oh dear, was I being snarky again? I can’t help it, I guess, but I feel terrible because I’m asking for your advice. Sorry?

Nicky