Today, on the way home, I stopped to check the mail. I was very surprised to find a package, I identified it as containing a book. How ironic, I thought, I had a car full of books and had just acquired another one. I figured it was from some well meaning person who wasn’t aware that I have enough books to read on hand for the rest of my life.

I waited until I got home, then in the driveway, tore at the packaging. It took me a minute, looking at the title to realize that I had an essay in this book, entitled Wheels on Ice. It was the last book that Frank Soos, my former teacher, edited.

The cover has a photo of a bicyclist pushing a bicycle in the snow. This person could have been me.

The wheels in my head generally start to spin slow, then gain momentum. I went for a ride on Raudi in order to slow the momentum down a bit.

For me, the timing of this book’s appearance is good. I’d been thinking that I’d like to do a reading. Sarah Welton, the Church of the Covenant/Meeting House pastor, has also been wanting to host events at the Meeting house. So I’m going to propose that I, and two other writers do a reading Turkey Red Restaurant, then have a reception/book distribution session after the event. This way, we’ll have enough space for reading attendees and for book lookers.

I’m confident that I’ll be able to get the numbers to make doing this reading worth it.

I have to make sure that there are copies of Wheels on Ice on hand for readers to purchase. I’m not sure if Fireside Books will do this, or if I need to do it. As Frank would say, this is a happy problem.

The University of Nebraska Press is publishing this anthology. I need, now, to write them a proposal for my book on the abundance of books. The problem is that I don’t have a moment to spare, writing-wise. I gave this very quandary a thought as I was riding. I think that I’m going to work from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. in the mornings, focusing on writing the proposal and writing the book. I do have an amazing story to tell.

I have no idea what form my story is going to take – I’m not worried about this. I am aware that some of the best writing comes about when one writes for surprise.

In order to accomplish the above, I’m going to need to pull myself up by my bootstraps and dust myself off, and resume walking. I have been on the downward spiral for quite a while – going upward and getting writing done is going to take more energy than I might have on hand.

I would, in the reading, like to talk about hardship. I’ll use books as a prop. I might use books in which the authors write about saving books. Yes, this is what I am going to have to do.

Having an idea is one thing. Acting upon it is quite another.

Next: 287. 10/19/22: A Conversation with Tyra