I'm always surprised to discover themes in my stuff. I never think "What do I want the theme of this to be?" I just tend to write things about loyalty, betrayal, the consequences of choice, and standing by what you believe in for good or ill. It's where the juciest plots lie.

Very much, yes. I've also found that extended metaphors will sometimes sneak into my work without my noticing. That's fun.

Is it odd that an editor is asking for a full on a non-fiction proposal? With a deadline?

They usually aren't even written at the proposal stage. Just asking for asking's sake, and also because I need to take a break for a minute.

Maybe they just want proof that you can deliver.

That's the answer I just got from someone else, Connie, and it makes perfect sense, of course. First time author and all. I had given her 8 of 12 complete, so I'm hoping that it's a postive sign that she liked what she read well enough to ask for the rest.

I just never heard of it with non-fic and am toggling between thinking I'm on shaky ground and thinking it's a good sign.

Allyson, not a non-fiction writer, but I honestly can't come up with a single good reason why she'd want to see four more essays if she hadn't liked the first eight.

Nothing to do with the drabble topic. A villanelle.

whatever

If you should see me on that dark highway
Feel free to slap some life into my face:
whisper the words my soul demands I say.

I love you. Wait, what's that? Too bad, you say;
You're just the rainbow I'm condemned to chase
If you should see me on that dark highway?

This history, this pointless game we play
Mementos of my only shot at grace
Whisper the words my soul demands I say.

I'd give the world, give anything, to stay
Rescind goodbye: please let me state my case
If you should see me on that dark highway.

So I'll keep walking, walk until I'm grey
I've lost the one thing no one can replace
Whisper the words my soul demands I say.

Ah, well - you never loved me anyway
So there's the truth, grafittied at the base
If you should see me on that dark highway
Whisper the words my soul demands I say....

I'm not here much, but I wanted to let you know I'm cheering for you, Allyson!

t waves pom-poms

Anyone around to beta 2800 words of poop?

I could do it...

Profile addie?