|
Setting aside commentary to write a new novel
After much reflection, I have concluded that this is a good juncture to set aside commentary so that I can write a new novel. Before I explain my thinking, I want to thank everyone for all the encouragement and support - knowing that you were there was a tremendous source of inspiration. I'm beyond grateful.
I also wanted to say how much I have valued my last two- plus years at The Bulwark.
It' founders and editors have built a top-tier site for smart, original, and quality writing on a range of subjects, a go-to place for readers who care about political, social and geopolitical issues. For me, it was the best place to write commentary I have ever experienced, which provided an opportunity to publish essays which represented my best thinking about a range of subjects, and to receive superb editing and great leeway for my efforts. I have been continually proud of, and grateful for, my association with The Bulwark.
I’ve been in the commentary business for almost 6 years now. During that time events drove me to an increasingly Manichaen view of our political world: that the fundamental battle is not between ideologies, but between democracy and autocracy. In my construct, that means between the Biden administration and a Republican Party which is fundamentally tribal and authoritarian. So I think it imperative for the country that Biden succeed in restoring our faith in the future. Given that I’m in fundamental sympathy with this administration on most of the big things, it’s pretty easy for me to get there. And it left me wondering whether I can say that any better or more clearly then I have or my last few essays pretty
As I reflected on this over the past three weeks, I realized how much I missed writing fiction. Relatively swiftly, an idea for a novel formed: dealing with our racial tribulations through a narrative driven by the killing of a white sheriff’s deputy by young black voting rights worker after a suspicious night time traffic stop in rural Georgia. I am now well launched on the research, interviewing, and reflection required to shape the narrative, and feel very excited about the project. Because of the commitment required to write a quality novel, I need to focus on that for the next year.
So that's It for now - except to say, yet again, how much I appreciate your kindness in reading me
As ever,
Ric
| 
