Know Jack #526 Which Way is Up?

Writing can be confusing. I was once told that I was too much of a Pollyanna to call myself a horror writer. I’m told I have lost my way “writing all that devil stuff”. My writing is a nice hobby. So, I’ve been told in an isn’t-that nice pat-on-the head voice. Then, strangers confess they have all my books while wanting to know when the next one is coming. Reviews say that one of my stories was predictable. Another found my ending surprising and it made them think.

Meanwhile the AI generated summaries and spellcheckers everywhere don’t always know what to say about my writing. The program that summarizes these blog posts tends to slip a circuit when I use metaphors or sarcasm as opening lines. It reminds me of raising kids with the number of times I’ve asked it, “You didn’t listen to a thing I said, did you?”

Unlike one of my favorite songs, I do not believe in the unbeatable foe. Disciples of good and right may be scarred. Victory may cost them dearly, but it is always theirs. The Mann of God and Ed Landry books are all about the war between good and evil. The man who narrated Bayou Moon for Audible once asked me, “The book isn’t about the werewolf, is it?” That he was right made my day. The story, of course, is about morality and justice.

I’d hate to try and live off the proceeds from my books, but then, I’ve made less as a church pastor. I’m rarely recognized for my writing. Nevertheless, the times I am do more for me than money. There’s a Wendy’s staff member in Sioux City who thinks I’m famous. That works for me.

Despite all the contradictions, I’m relatively sane. All the genres I’ve tried aren’t a sign of confusion. They’re an indication of how crowded it gets in my head sometimes. Bible stories, military history, dragons and monsters can work together, at least I’m trying it in my work in progress, Paths of Victory.