Iona Winter

I have returned to my Queen (aka) ‘The Novel’. She, who I gently placed aside last year, upon submission for examination. There are quite a lot of metaphors I could take from this sentence. Cultural-social-political metaphors. But let’s not go there today. I’ll endeavour to keep things light, in this world which currently seems hell-bent on producing much darkness.

‘The Novel’ has been left alone long enough, and last week it seemed time to return to her. I had a spare bound copy, so began the (enormous) task of working through the pages, grimacing, laughing, crying and so on. It was like reconnecting with an old lover. I’ll be honest, there was awkwardness at first. I was unsure of how to approach the reconnection. But after a few pages, she and I were reacquainted.

While I am waiting on feedback from examiners, I’ve (gratefully) received feedback from trusted friends and colleagues. Yes, I let other people read it. Risky behaviour I can tell you! AND there are things I’ve missed (of course) after the millionth edit before hand in. Part of me cringes at having missed things. Okay, I know…ease up, there’s no point berating myself.

Perhaps it is the same with old lovers. When we are with them there is only so much we can see. It’s not until after we part, that certain things become more obvious.

So, I took the advice to write about other things, and leave the manuscript for a while. It was good advice. However, my reconnection does pose some unforeseen dilemmas. What do I do with the new stories I’ve started? How will they feel (yes, they are akin to living entities) if they are left on the shelf? So many things to contemplate. Perhaps I can spread my time evenly between them all. Who am I kidding! We all have favourites.

I shudder at the thought, but I may have to be ruthless, strategic and impartial. You know, look at things objectively. That feels nearly impossible when it comes to being creative. What I like, someone else may despise. And vice versa. Therefore, I am leaning towards what I imagine a Queen might do.

Do what feels right. Be fair. Always put the people first.

Okay, let’s try those on for size. Read into it what you will. I can think of many metaphors to ponder on.