The Deconstruction of Art

Soooo slooow.

Sons of Adamah—I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit—took seven years to research, write, and publish. 

Perhaps the production of the novel was like the return of Jesus, taking an awfully long time but finally appearing at just the right moment? 

I dunno. But part of what slows things down (for me, not Jesus) is writing on the scale of a novel, only to have it deconstructed by a team of very good editors. 

Here’s a sample of insight into Sons of Adamah from developmental editor Matt Machin (machincreation.com)—“This section felt like a man rode by on a horse yelling something very important about the British, but since I couldn’t comprehend him and he never stopped riding, I have no clue what he actually said. And the British came and took over my town.” 

In other words, slow it down, add some detail, but not too much. 

Brilliant. But write even slower . . .? So be it. 

I’m trusting Daughters of Adamah will come together more skillfully, efficiently, and speedily, but I’ll still have to grapple with feedback and that requires time. 

Whether one is writing a novel, a devotional, or a sensitive email, involving others in the preparation ensures that what’s in one’s heart and mind reaches another heart and mind as intended, even if it takes a little extra time. 

When Jesus arrived two thousand years ago, his life, words, and actions deconstructed oppressive narratives. Since then, he’s invited us into a new and collaborative story. Maybe he’s biding his time before closing the book because the plot and cast of characters aren’t quite ready yet?