Today I went from being a middling historian to possibly a middling historian/novelist with my first novel in kindle. It was a long-time coming and fulfills a dream I had many years ago. I've worked on this novel for decades as Alex and I raised a family and I went to school to become a scholar. I finished the first draft as I entered graduate school and so I put this away and occasionally re-read and did some tweaking. Then, earlier this year I finally decided to get it done and published.
Part of the dream of writing fiction began when I was quite young. I wrote my first short story when I was about 12 years old, and then began more serious writing when I went to Viet Nam. On my return, I applied to the University of the America's writing program in Puebla, Mexico. I got accepted just about the time that Alex told me that she was pregnant. I chose the safe route and went to school in the states and there I got back into the Chicano Movement and that led me to where I am now. I don't regret this road taken but do admit that I always wondered what it would have been if I had gone to Puebla. My Alex always felt guilty for getting pregnant and us not having gone there; but then she didn't get pregnant on her own and we've had a great ride. But because of that she has been my greatest supporter and motivator to keep writing fiction. This novel would not have been possible without her.
Like all first works it has its limitations but it is a work of love. It is based on my experiences in Viet Nam, though I admit that the truly "heroic" scenes are all fiction. So, if you'd like to help an aspiring (but old) novelist get it on Amazon.com kindle. It's only $1.50. And tell you friends even if you do use a disclaimer like "its the holiday season so I'm trying to be nice to the guy". Its title: "Can Tho: A Story of Love & War". Not a great title but you get the point.
No, I won't quit my job, move to Cape Cod, grow a beard, and wear sandals all the time. But I will be smiling for a while.
