A Poem of Intent

Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash

I recently had a chance to stop and think about what I'm trying to do with my stories. I thought about that first novel I started, about three middle-aged (er, late middle-aged) women who join the Women's March in 2017 and the different paths they take afterward. I was frustrated at the time, wanting to do something, but unable to really connect with the younger people in my community with their busy lives and their familiarity with each other. I decided to write a story of how things could have been different.

Here's a silly little poem to explain how I feel. 

The Mature Protagonist

There comes a stage in the life of a woman
when she becomes invisible—
ignored,
discounted.

Slow in body must mean slow in mind,
in passion,
in worth.
Relegated to the background in stories of courage and triumph—
the neighbor,
the elderly mentor,
the comic relief.
But the women I know and love wield powerful weapons
of strong character,
sparkling wit,
and earned wisdom—
honed by the years, not worn.
The world needs heroes who are
capable,
tempered,
pragmatic.
So many adventures lie ahead
to savor,
to embrace,
to learn. 
And all of it still beckons to               
The mature protagonist.

—Nancy Lyn Pellowski

I have a number of ideas for books going forward, and I will always include main characters who aren't bright and shiny youth. I want to highlight and celebrate the inner strength of older women. They're worth it.

Photo by Fernando Maté on Unsplash

Meanwhile, in the slow and steady portion of today's blog, I'm happy to say I finished my revision of Guardians of Grace to improve the pacing and tension. So now I'm back to querying - including making pitches directly to three agents at the Minnesota Writer's Conference in a few weeks. Yikes. Whatever happens, I look at it as an opportunity for immediate feedback on what is or is not working about my pitch or my concept. Deep breaths, Nancy.

Now I can focus on my short stories and Book 2. In other words, I can get back to the creative part that feeds my soul, instead of, well, the soul-sucking part of being an author.