Speak to the future by Lani Longshore

An ancient Egyptian maxim reads: “It is good to speak to the future; it shall listen.” The Egyptians honored scribes – writers – and even gave them to the care of Thoth, who was also the god of knowledge and truth. We should take instruction – and comfort – from ancient writers, and speak our truth to the future.

November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Several critique group friends will participate, relishing and fearing the challenge. There will be articles and events before, Twitter feeds during, and triumphant announcements by those who soldier through at the end.>

The novel I need to write is already under way, so I can’t register. I will instead remind myself that if my friends can get through 50,000 words on a new project, I can get through 50,000 words on a project already outlined.

My project is a sequel to Death by Chenille, written (published on Smashwords.com) with a friend. She said the sequel should be ready to launch at Art Quilt Santa Fe 2012, which she produces. I reminded her the first book took fifteen years to write, and she wanted the sequel done in eight months. Although I don’t remember her exact words, her response was essentially, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Which brings me back to the ancient Egyptian maxim about speaking to the future. My friend is right – we’ll never get the sequel done if we don’t start. NaNoWriMo participants know this, too. So, whether you are going to go all in and sign up, or like me just use the event as the kick in the backside you need to get to work, plan now to get that writing project started and finished. The future is waiting to hear from you.