The question of how long an author should be allowed to document the adventures of specific characters is one that has often intrigued thoughtful individuals. My intention to continue this practice into the new year has brought the question back into focus in literary discussions.
It has been twelve years since I began writing about Ms. Wonder, the Genome, and Princess Amy. However, some people apparently consider my blog a nuisance and believe it should come to an end.
She didn't roll her eyes. She didn't sigh. She turned to look at me with a concerned expression.
"First of all," she said. "There's much more to consider. Writing your stories brings you joy and it helps keep you away from Brunswick Beer and Cider..."
"Except for lunch," I interjected.
"Yes, except for lunch," she admitted. "Given that, I'd say the situation is still open to debate."
"Despite the confusion and heated debates," I said, "one clear fact stands out: as the new year begins, so does our thirteenth year of business as usual."
"Has it been that long?" she asked.
"And I want to stress, Wonder, that I strongly believe anything worth doing, is worth doing thoroughly. In this regard, I'm much like Shakespeare."
"Hmmm," she said, "I'm not sure about the Shakespeare reference but I get your point."
"My critics think that multiple stories with recurring characters have a limited shelf life," I said, "but I disagree strongly."
"Your comparisons," she said, "metaphors, similes, whatever, need work."
I'm sure her comments deserved my careful consideration and I will get to them eventually, but I pressed on.
"It's possible, I suppose, to read 'Coastal Camelot,' my most popular post, as a standalone effort and still feel satisfied. But I know there are individuals of a curious spirit who won't be content until they explore the entire blog, reading all ten of its most popular posts."
"No doubt," she said.
"The blog can't be fully appreciated with any less effort. Only by reading those ten will certain references become clear instead of mystifying and obscure."
"Of course," she said turning to face the computer screen again.
Now, my friend, after hearing my side of the debate, I ask you to consider the opening lines from 'Coastal Camelot':
The morning opened with a show so grand and majestic that it made me question Mr. Priddy’s sixth-grade lesson about the Earth’s rotation causing the sunrise. Gazing at this glorious start to the day, I couldn't help but think that only a goddess driving her divine sun chariot could create such a spectacle.
Not bad, right? How could anyone think it boring or redundant? And check out these lines from the post I call, 'Life is Good':
I arrived early this morning, riding the shirtsleeves of the sun, who had awakened bright-eyed, rolled up his sleeves and gotten straight to the point. Not a bad opening for a yellow dwarf-star.
And not a bad opening from a serial blog, right? And at the risk of overdoing it, let's sample this paragraph from 'Keep On the Sunny Side':
Sunshine stole across the mews from the general direction of the Atlantic Ocean, not that it was remarkable in any way. I mean, I'm damned if I know how it's done--smoke and mirrors, probably...
I make these missives available to you, dear reader, at no charge, and the method of finding them is simple. All you have to do is return to the main page of this blog, and scroll down until you see the Blog Archives in the right-hand column. Then begin clicking away to your heart's content.
Do it now is my suggestion. Make it a daily habit. I recommend beginning your morning by reading one or even two if you're feeling froggy. I guarantee that doing so will bring sunshine, blue skies, and birdsong into your inner world--and perhaps even your outer world too.