I published my first novel on September 9, 2016. My intent was to publish and finish what I started. After querying 50+ agents, getting many rejections and two requests for the full manuscript, then nothing, I was spent. I resolved to self publish and get to work on my second novel.
I was 40,000 words in on November 8, 2016, then it happened. Tr**p won. I was frightened, I was mad. And too obsessed. I became an avid reader of The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Daily Beast. Rachel Maddow became a nightly ritual. The show had been on the air for almost 10 years when I watched my first episode. Now I record it, watch it and find myself terribly annoyed when Ms. Maddow takes a vacation. I went from mildly aware of politics to a full blown political junkie nightmare.
And my second novel? Untouched for almost four years. Disgusting and hard to fathom, but true. Am I saving the country and my childrens’ futures by my obsession with the presidency? Is it healthy? Bottom line: Tr**p sucks.
With the election on the horizon I am feeling a bit more hopeful. Here are my signs of hope:
- My neighbor, who had a Tr**p sign in 2016, has yet to erect any sign.
- I’m writing postcards and texting with swing state voters.
- My son is now a registered voter and he and his friends are excited to be active informed citizens.
- I feel like writing again.
Please vote and if you have the time, volunteer to work at a polling station or engage with swing state voters. Let’s imagine a world after the Tr**p presidency, a world with President Biden and Vice President Harris in charge. A world at peace where artists and writers can reengage in creative pursuits that fill the soul and bring levity to the world.
Elle MacNab 