In case you have wondered where I’ve been for the last nine months, I have been writing my eleventh book. A LONG WAY HOME is a step away from my mostly nineteenth-century Texas historical tales.
The seed for A LONG WAY HOME took root immediately after 9/11. For some reason that would require a psychiatrist to explain, I thought of a woman whose husband had abused her for years deciding to disappear when the towers fell. The idea ginned in my head for days, which prompted me to write a short story about Meredith Haggerty––the woman who became very real to me.
The story proved too raw for publishing and I tucked it away. But the character I created did not go away. She squirreled around in my head during the time I wrote five Texas books, lectured on Texas history, had a houseful of grandchildren, and other good life things.
During that fallow period, I heard a program in which people sent in anonymous statements revealing secrets that no one knew about them. A person wrote that “everyone thought I died on 9/11.” That secret shook me. My idea wasn’t nuts.
I am not done with A LONG WAY HOME. The first draft is finished and I will be going over it until it feels ready.
Meantime, the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association (PNWA) has notified me that out of over 700 submissions from all over the world, A LONG WAY HOME is one of nine finalists in its 2019 Literary Contest.
A hint for you Texas fans: Meredith ends up in the Rio Grande Valley. You know me, I can’t leave Texas out of the story.
I am eager to read A LONG WAY HOME. Good to get an update.
On Fri, Aug 23, 2019 at 3:00 PM Myra H. Mcilvain wrote:
> myrahmcilvain posted: “In case you have wondered where I’ve been for the > last nine months, I have been writing my eleventh book. A LONG WAY HOME is > a step away from my mostly nineteenth-century Texas historical tales. The > seed for A LONG WAY HOME took root immediately after ” >
Congratulations. That is absolutely marvelous Myra to be one of nine finalists. You should be so thrilled. You are just the best. I’m hoping you will sell lots and lots of books. I admire you so much and also because you’re older than I am and I’m feel tired all the time. I don’t know how you do it. I assume by now that you seen the clip of our demented president that lifted his head to the heavens and declared that he was the chosen one. I just want to vomit. I just pray for American that we don’t collapse because of Donald Trump. It’s just heartbreaking.
Beverly, you are a dear girl. Notice I said “girl.” Keep kicking.
I love your support.
U r so beautiful in this picture.
Thanks so much, Helen. I’ll yell when it’s done.
Wowwww. So proud for your story…all paid off.. soaking up you and it..xxoo💞💕🎶🎵⭕️🚦
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Thanks for all that love, Dodie.
This is so courageous, Myra! You are an awesome inspiration! 🙂
Thanks so much Vivian Sue.
You are amazing â working away all the time. Your latest sounds terrific. Iâll await news of publication. When do you find time to sleep???
Fondly,
Sandy
Sleep does call. That’s one of the reasons I’m not blogging every week. Thanks for your good note.
Myra, I look forward to reading â A Long Way A Home,â and congratulations on your one of nine selected. Mary Polk
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Thanks, Mary, for your good wishes.
Looking forward to A Long Way Home. Sounds like a good read. Sending our love and best wishes, Bob and Vonna Pinney
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Thanks so much, Vonna Gail. I love hearing from you.
Myra,
It’s so nice to see you again! How fabulous that you’ve written a new book. I like the premise and think it will be a great read. I’ve just been puzzling over a 19th century relative in my blog who I believe adopted a new identity during the gold rush or Civil War. It happened a lot, I believe. I’d love to collect those tales for a non-fiction book someday.
Hey Eilene, a book about all the folks who changed their identity would be great. Good luck to you!