A story-stricken and caffeine-operated author in progress.

Not long after turning 40, I was broadsided by the realization that I was halfway to my dirt-nap. This triggered a torrent of existential questions and a marathon of introspection. This time of navel-gazing ultimately led to some decisions and course corrections. It was also when I was confronted by the novel I’d never written.

I’ve always loved books and, as a teenager, I became enamored with the thought of writing my very own. Though this passion grew and endured, I allowed the hustle and chaos of life to push it aside. In the clarity of my half-dead analysis, I decided it was time to take action. I began writing.

That was eight years ago. Eight. Do you remember the music video for Epic by Faith No More? Did you ever see 2001: A Space Odyssey? How about Office Space? My fiction-writing experience thus far is a mixture of the flopping and gasping fish from the Epic video, the Neanderthals smacking at the monolith in 2001, and the printer scene from Office Space.

To be clear, I don’t actually blame The Muse for my slow and difficult journey to date. I have truckloads of ideas and inspiration. The true root cause of my woes is my brutal inner-editor. I do my best to keep him bound and gagged in the janitor’s closet of my amygdala, but he’s a crafty bastard. He inevitably escapes and wreaks havoc on my drafts, demanding destructive edits on the quest for unattainable perfection.

I’ve made significant progress in spite of myself. Today, I have five novels or novellas in progress, each sitting in the 30,000 – 80,000 words range. I also have a pile of short fiction projects that I’m tidying up to share elsewhere. I am determined to self-publish my first novel this year.

Writing is a solitary activity, but that doesn’t mean it has to be lonely. I’m launching the podcast to connect with, learn from, and promote other writers. I want to hear about your journey, hardships, victories, process, plans, tips, tricks, pitfalls, and the like.

Jay is a writer, musician, and professional nerd working on his first novel. He lives in Virginia with his wife, tiny humans, and a ferocious Goldendoodle.

https://jaybenfield.com
jay@jaybenfield.com
@jaybenfield.com