I did something I always dreamed about doing this year: I wrote a novel. I finished my first draft of Fascination in August of 2021 (you can read more about my book here) and started editing by mid-October.
It’s the thrill of creation that keeps me going, whether I’m writing poetry, flash, a short story, or a project as large as a novel. When that cycle of creation is done, I struggle with the tinkering and fine-tuning that is revision.
In November, I started to share chapters of my manuscript. As much as it has been a rollercoaster, I still have faith that Fascination will be completed in the new year and that it will be a book that brings about long-overdue conversations on topics related to mental health.
With the help of friends near and far, I’m making the big moves necessary to take my book from what I’ve learned is a “0 draft” to the version you will see available in print. I’m determined to see the project through to its end. And so, my main resolution for 2022 is to complete my edits and publish my debut novel.
Below is a poem about a place in my book, Gapstow Bridge. I’ve taken lines from different chapters in the book to construct this poem, so in essence, it’s a found poem from the unpublished manuscript, and I hope you enjoy it.
Happy New Year! Blessing to all of you in 2022.
Gapstow Bridge
Brittle vines,
clingy this time of year,
disappear when she
traces her hands on the tops
of Gapstow;
it’s been so long
since there’d been touch, and
now her memory scrapes,
tickling her like falling snow
lost in the crevices.
White skies,
loaves of unleavened dough,
partially frozen surfaces
make for blurry reflection.
Yes, the lord might be smilin’
on the sheep,
but they still wind up as chops.
Not thinking of jumping, were you?
her blob asks.
She’d hoped to find her prince, but
the pond’s too frozen for frogs.
She never touches Gapstow now,
fearing the stones are
contaminated with feelings.
© khartless 2021, All Rights Reserved
Artwork: “Bridge in Central Park” by Tom Shropshire
Yard Sale of Thoughts 
How wonderful to know, K. Much luck in the coming year on your book. I will be first in line to purchase it when it is published. The poem is exquisite. Happy New Year, my friend.
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Thank you ever so kindly, Jeff. I’m honored you’d want to read my book. Happy New Year’s to you. Cheers to you and 2022, plus all the inspiration yet to come!
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I love the sting of reality in this fantasy: the lamb as chops, the pond too frozen for frogs 🙂
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Thank you, John. I like to think there are bits of my sense of humor sprinkled into the novel. Here’s to more chuckles in 2022.
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How wonderful that your project is going so well!! Congratulations! And I love your found poem. It’s very atmospheric.
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Thank you kindly, Worms. I’m hopeful. Cheers to you and the blank page that is 2022.
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Congratulations on your progress so far, and Happy Nee Year to you!
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Thank you, Ingrid. Blessings to you in 2022.
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Do it.
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So I definitely need to pick your brain are you self publishing or going through a literary agent? How exciting either way! ❤️
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There is another buyer waiting here! Good Luck with completing this exciting project! 💖
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Thanks, Hobbo. Best compliment of the year so far. Happy New Year to you, Mrs.H and Dauphy.
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Thanks, Karen, you too!
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So exciting, K! Congratulations, that is a huge undertaking, I’m sure it will be a success, you are an amazing and talented writer! 🥳
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Thank you for these kind comments, Tiff. Here’s to a new year of connectivity and creativity. Cheers!
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How wonderful, Karen! A whole novel, that is great. I find the word ‘0 draft’ rather negative, of course, I am old school and would call it your first draft. Good luck with finishing it and publishing it. All blessings for 2022🥳❤❌
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Thank you, Carolyn. I have to agree, and will strike it from my thinking. Thank you for the kind thoughts and well-wishes. Warmth, love and light for you as well, friend in 2022.
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Belated congratulations – that must be a great feeling! Wishing you luck and good things with your novel and for 2022.
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Thank you for the well-wishes. Yes, It feels great, but also a bit like being at the beginning of a much larger journey as an author.
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Oh yes, definitely a big step (pretty awesome one too!).
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[…] uncovered Frances’ story doing research for my novel, Fascination. I was struck by some of the doctor’s notes, which I’ve highlighted in this poem. […]
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