A Writer Writes

Imagine knowing that you will pass away in just one week. You will then assume the body of another person. This pattern happens again and again, but you don’t really know who you are. You don’t know why this is happening to you. This is the basis for a fictional series I have been writing entitled, “7 Days.”

As a writer, my passion is, of course, writing. It is not my full-time job. In fact, at 56 years old, I’m getting a rather late start on it. If I manage to hit it big, I’ll be in company with Julia Child, Colonel Sanders, Samuel L. Jackson, Grandma Moses, and Stan Lee, all of whom found success later in life.

I have always been creative and imaginative. I have been putting those skills toward my occupation as a music teacher – yet another passion, which also involves a significant amount of writing. In fact, one of my Vocal articles is about Bob Dylan and an artist from India, Rabindranath Tagore, being awarded Nobel Prizes for literature based on their lyrics. My musical lyrics are often written for children, so I rarely reach the depths of sophistication, intellect, or revolution as Mr. Dylan or Mr. Tagore, nor am I so prolific, but writing in its many forms, has given me a sense of self, of purpose. Whether it’s music, poetry, fiction, or articles, I pour my heart into each piece, hoping someone out there will pay attention. Are you paying attention?

Back to the story. I believe "7 Days" would make a great television series. So far, my character has been an older gentleman with cancer and a 21-year-old African American lady living with her mother both as part of the first episode, a pastry chef, a young red-headed girl, and a homeless person. Next on the agenda is a military woman. This show has the potential to bring awareness to issues of racial equality, poverty, mental health, and many other concerns we face as humans. Being that there would not be one actor or actress as a principle star, the project could boost careers of many budding thespians. I don’t want to give away my end game at this point, but the conclusion has already been planned out.

If I were to join the Memberful organization, my plan would be to offer potential supporters three one-time payment options related to my 7 Days series, as shown here:

For levels 2 and 3, one could name a character after a dearly departed loved one, or name her/him for an avid reader, author, graduate, or birthday recipient as a gift. I would specify that the name must be appropriate, not trademarked, nor anyone famous. Choosing a character’s method of demise has the potential for interesting outcomes. Hopefully, most would choose a peaceful death, but I do picture the possibility of someone wanting a painful end for a previous boss who fired him or her, or a shunned love. Obviously, I’m not going to allow choices such as global thermal nuclear war or terrorist attacks.

The reason I joined Vocal was to improve my writing skills. I have a series of four books currently in rough draft form for young adult readers. My two daughters and I started working on this idea after my husband, their father, passed away in 2016. We wanted a project to keep us communicating, particularly after my youngest moved from Arizona to California. It ended up being difficult to meld all our ideas, so after getting a great start, I took over the project. The stories, called, “The Aeolian Series,” are about groups of Fairies arriving on Earth from another solar system to train humans to help fight an approaching alien enemy which annihilated one of the Fairy home planets. Each book has its own conflict and resolution. The series has many elements that young adult readers will enjoy: 1. A fun premise, which will appeal to either gender; 2. Relatable characters; 3. Humor; 4. Characters overcoming obstacles; 5. A satisfying ending. I have also completed some artwork related to the elements of the Fairies (Wind, Fire, Water, Earth) which could be used for merchandising. My dream is for this series to become as big as Harry Potter. What writer wouldn’t want to become the next J.K. Rowling?

Why should anyone support this crazy music teacher/writer? The answer is precisely because I AM a crazy music teacher/writer. My creativity and imagination will keep me writing for years to come. I’m having such a fun time with Vocal right now. I’ve made friends with other artists, written things I never thought I would attempt, and fine-tuned my craft along the way. I hope my enthusiasm is infectious. I hope people are paying attention.