How can one best describe meetings with one’s editor?

This time, two days at Queen’s University were quite productive. The editor is not shy, and like some other reviewers of my unfolding mini-tome, was fairly direct in what needs to be done if the book is really going to take shape in a way worthy of sharing with the public. The interesting part of this journey now is, like the days when I was writing my doctoral dissertation, how to seriously cut and throw away stuff that at various points I perceived to be great pieces of writing.

Perhaps this is why I never tackled such a project after I completed my Ph.D. Even though I have written major reports on many projects and given significant pieces of advice to many clients, I never really worked on this kind of writing project the entire time I was running my consulting firm. Even when Ron MacLeod (former Director of the Salmonid Enhancement Program) would urge me to take up pen and paper and get my thoughts recorded, I just never seemed able to focus — maybe it was partly due to my ADHD, but I think it has more to do with ego. When I write something that I believe to be important or at least insightful, I have a hard time deleting it. I am a master, at times, of rambling!!

Now though, the words of my doctoral mentor, Dr. Gordon McIntosh, start ringing in my ear: “Focus on what you want to say and say it; quit talking about what you want to say!!” Gordon was such a good mentor, editor and friend. Maybe if I’d joined the academy he would have mentored me through a second document and then I would have become a writer. But then, when I think about my friends Gordon Pitts and Bob Chartier and even Tammie Leonard, I realize they are passionate about the craft of writing and so their books speak directly about what they want to say. They don’t talk about what they want to say. I can’t be like them, in part because I won’t be like them. And the academy and I never would be solid, intimate friends!! Nevertheless my editor at least has got me on track again — whether the train will reach the destination originally intended is still a question but the ride, at the moment, is intriguing once more.

Anyway, just thought I would bring you up-to-date on where the book is…I have less than a month to get another version of Draft IV together and submitted to the editor. It will be shorter than at present, with less references to other writers and people, and more focus on what I want to say… (stay tuned!!)

g.w.