Another One of His Great Ideas

Chicago skyline

I have to admit, I wasn’t sure about writing fiction when I floated the possibility of The Box in July’s blog. As you may recall, it was Rubin’s idea . . . 
 
“I’m telling you, you need to write fiction,” he said from the cockpit of our sailboat one summer evening. “You could share your message about the Great Lakes with so many more people!” 

The reaction from you, the reader, was a resounding yes! And you weren’t alone. As I’ve marketed Uncharted Waters, an adventure travel memoir published in July, and been asked “what next?” by television, radio, and magazine interviewers, book club participants, people stopping by my table at author events, the idea of fiction generates enthusiasm. Lots of enthusiasm. 
 
But, as you know, my purpose in writing is to plant seeds of awareness, to generate the political will necessary to clean up and protect the Great Lakes. So, The Box (working title) is not just an adventure novel. It is historical fiction—defined as that "genre of literature, film, etc. comprising narratives that take place in the past and are characterized chiefly by an imaginative reconstruction of historical events and personages.”
 
“Will it have a murder?” someone asked at a book club discussing Uncharted Waters.
 
“Of course,” I replied, “Rubin is coaching me.” 
 
What I did not know until I started writing, is that the characters would dictate the direction and flow of the book. They speak to me constantly, demanding that I am at my computer at 5:30 every morning. Seriously! If I allow it, they will control my life.
 
I share this with you because while I hope to post a blog and a skosh of poetry every month, the nature of my blogs will most likely change as I delve into the required research for the historical portion of the book. And while I cannot share the story, partially because it is still unfolding, partially because I do not want to take the energy away from the writing of it, and partially because, of course, I want you to buy the book, I will tell you one thing. 
 
The backdrop is the construction of the two-way highway for aquatic invasive species, that dreaded canal on the southwest corner of Lake Michigan that is placing my beloved lake at risk. Before this is over, I hope to know everything possible about the construction and history of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. 
 
Thank you, in advance, for joining me on this journey.