10 November

Rose In A Storm. Done.

by Jon Katz

   November 10, 2009 – A very important day for me. My novel “Rose In A Storm” has been accepted for publication next Fall, and my editor had some wonderful things to say about it. It was quite a project, the toughest book I have ever written and the most challenging. Telling a narrative story from the point of view of a dog (and a farmer) was difficult, and quite exhilarating. I had to learn a lot about the mind of a dog, and canine consciousness. I’m proud of the novel. It is, to the best of my knowledge and ability, faithful to the way dogs really think. The fictional Rose, like the real one, is complex, a mixture of toughness, dedication, work, loyalty and vulnerability. In the novel, Rose is on a farm during a dreadful storm. Her plight is heightened when her farmer is injured and has to leave, and she is alone with cows, donkeys, sheep, wind, cold and snow and hungry coyotes and foxes.
  To me, it’s an awakening story, and the heart of it is the dog’s evolving emotional landscape. On this farm, I have seen my Rose evolve as a partner and decision-maker and she is definitely the inspiration for this book, and for the sequel, just getting underway in the Adirondacks.
  I have long wanted to return to fiction, where I began as a writer, and this message from my editor brought tears to my eyes. This was a long winter, and I was more into this book than any I can recall. I’m excited about it. I’m going to be meeting my editor in New York, and I’m much looking forward to having a drink over “Rose In A Storm.” I could not have done it without these two very determined women.
  The book also reflects some of my own emotional geography, as all books generally do with writers. Wow.

10 November

Shake It Off: Into the Whirlwind. Living Your Life.

by Jon Katz

  Lenore gets close, then shakes off the water

  A lot of people have e-mailed me saying they wish me well in New York, better me than than them. I know what they mean. It’s too much for a lot of people just right for many.
New York City holds a lot of magic for me. My daughter lives there. I lived and worked there. I ended my corporate life there, and have always seen Manhattan as a fortress I could not ultimately conquer. And then didn’t want to. My agent, editors and publishers are all still there, so I am not done with New York. Time to stop hiding from it, or running from it, and take it on. I am learning that it’s the things you fear that you have to do. And do. And do.
   New York City is definitely a magnet, a pinnacle, a state of mind.
  Maria and I went there for a day last week, as I had to meet with my children’s book publisher Holt.
  and we were both a bit overwhelmed by the noise, edginess, density and roar and din of the place. Different than a farm.
 We have both had tough years, so we are determined to have a bit of a vacation. She works hard at her jobs, I work hard at mine. The novel “Rose In A Storm” was the toughest book I ever wrote, there were a lot of other things going on as well.
 I went online and got a great deal on a Tribecca Hotel and then researched plays. Found “Carnage Of God,” “39 Steps,” and a much praised version of “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, a favorite writer of mine.  I got good tickets to all three.
  I also hope to see a movie or two, eat Dim Sum in Chinatown, and walk until my shoes fall off. Oh yes, Maria has about a dozen movies in mind, and I want to see some photographic museums and take a lot of photos.
  Plus I want to see my daughter Em, who is joining us for dinner, and I am  reconnecting with old friends from my former life, who I have not seen or spoken with since my divorce. And my old college roommate, who surfaced in my life last year when I most needed him. Life is strange.
  Healing, I think they call it. But I am overbooked. Got to leave time to relax. We’re leaving Thursday, returning right after the weekend. Got a great house and dog sitter for the farm. Frieda is going to a kennel this time, for her own safety. She’s not easy to handle. The other three are pretty much by the numbers.
  I love the farm, but the truth is, I love New York too, for all its chaos. I don’t want to run away from it, I want to make it a part of my life for all kinds of reasons. So I am connecting and reconnecting with it and important people in  my life. I’m having breakfast with my agent, a very cool thing to do in NY. I’m having lunch with my editor, who worked so closely with me on “Rose In A Storm.”
  And this is the first time I’ve gone to New York City for more than a few hours with Maria, and many people from my other life will get to meet her. So it’s an important trip. I can’t wait.

10 November

The Ugly Potholder, home in Colorado!

by Jon Katz

  November 10, 2009 – Cool, clear. Jane from Berthould, Colorado writes to say that the ugly potholder arrived in good shape yesterday, and she is “ecstatic!” It’s found a good home, she said, “and will be safe the rest of its life and will not be returning. Sorry, Jon – your loss, my gain.”
  Congratulations, Jane, and good riddance to the potholder. (Just kidding.) Maria made another green potholder yesterday and is not all that interested in my opinions about the colors she chooses for her potholders. Never tell an artist which colors to use. Jane said her dream is to win the lotto and buy Bedlam Farm. I suspect something like that will happen.
  Anyway, I am happy for the ugly potholder – green and pink don’t work for me – and for all of the others Maria is cranking out in her little potholder factory for Christmas. And Jane, you needn’t worry. Maria knows better than to listen to me. Heading for NYC for a few days at the end of the week. Walking, photos, plays, museums, food. Then forays into the Adirondacks to research the new novel, “Rose Running.” Except for a couple of days during the NY trip, the blog will be up and running. We are just warming up.

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