It's hard to believe that I'm still working on the third edition of Moon New Orleans. After all, it's been over a year since the process began, and I've never taken so long to complete a travel guide. For a combination of reasons – including the fact that, as a native of the Big Easy, I'm even more concerned about this book than I've been about my other ones – it just hasn't been the smoothest of projects. Whenever I feel like running for the hills, however, three things stop me: pride in my work, the possibility of disappointing my editors as well as my hubby, and my lifelong passion for this one-of-a-kind city. Taking a stroll through my beloved French Quarter – where Dan and I live for much of the year – certainly helps, too, as does listening to one of my favorite New Orleans albums, from Dr. John's Goin' Back to New Orleans (1992) to Tab Benoit's Best of the Bayou Blues (2006) to Lucky Devil (2010), the debut album of local favorite Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns (pictured above). These and seven other albums always have the power to transport me to New Orleans (if, of course, I'm not already here) and inspire me to share a few stories about this amazing town. If you're curious about my other album picks, check out the latest entry on my American Nomad blog.In the meantime, though, I have two questions: How do you deal with troublesome writing projects, and what kind of music has the power to transport you to other places?
4 comments:
Sometimes, setting a project aside can help, but with deadlines, you don't really have that luxury...Okay, so you resort to music. I do like a variety, and it sounds as if your selection is perfect!
Hope the writing is moving along! :)
Too true, Bridget. Setting a project aside can definitely help, but alas, it's not possible this time! But, with or without music, it will get done eventually!
In the meantime, I hope your own writing projects are going well - I can't wait to read the two mss you sent me, though I promise to check in before I do. :-)
(((hugs))) With a city like New Orleans, you just can't go wrong ;-). I'm sure you'll do great! Wish I could be there to take you out for a beer and some boudin to make things lighter!
Thanks, Becky - for the hugs and the confidence! I sure hope you're right about the guide - and I sure wish I could share some beer, boudin, and beignets with you! Guess you'll just have to visit us po' Southerners sometime soon. ;-)
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