Book the Third

So let's talk about Indelible. I'll start out by saying: This is probably the book I'm most reluctant about publishing. Yes, that's a thing. It's not that I'm concerned about the quality of the poems and the arrangement - I feel ok about that. The issue here is that it actually feels like the most personal of each of the books. Which is a weird thing to consider when much of HEaR came from a lot of vulnerable situations - many fraught with hurt and grief.

I'll be honest, of the three, I think it's possible that Indelible is one that might have the least appeal to a large audience. I.E. - I'm just not sure that everyone/anyone will find it particularly relatable. Even among my beta readers (who are awesome and I am very grateful for!), I believe I told a couple just to skip it all together. It's not that I think I'm in a unique place when it comes love and how I see and feel and experience it - because of course I'm not. It's more that I'm not sure that people will read it without their own preconceived notions about how a person should respond to love and being loved.

Here's something that might put this a bit more into perspective for you . . . I have always had some rather unusual (some have used the words "radical" or "extreme") views about love and committed relationships. But I'm also objective about it. I know how I practice and perceive my relationships is not how everyone does - even the people on the other end of those relationships. I've come to terms with that, and I honestly would rarely give people advice based on what I do. But I also don't usually really mind sharing.

I'm a quiet and introverted individual, which most people take to mean that I have a tough time expressing myself. Not really all that true. I'm perfectly willing to share my opinions and beliefs if there are people interested in hearing them (I mean, hello, blog!). But because I don't just offer these things up loudly and profusely, people tend to believe I'm a private, judgmental, and close-minded person. But really, there isn't much I won't touch on or answer if asked. I might be a little vague if I'm not sure you're actually interested, but otherwise, what do I have to lose if I'm open and honest about things?

Which is why I even intend to pursue publishing Indelible in the first place. Because, while I'm not sure if many will relate or if they'll even care to read it, I prefer to be an open book. So even though it's still a long ways off, I do hope that one day you'll have the opportunity to read it. And if you don't relate to it, I hope you'll at least get a chance to gain a new perspective.