That is the name of my protagonist in the manuscript (hopefully future novel) of the same name. With two hundred pages down–single spaced size twelve font with one inch margins–and possibly one hundred more pages, it’s time to reveal what I’m writing. There’s no doubt that I’ll finish now, the story I’ve watched unfold in my mind for the past six years, as I’m at least two thirds of the way through, and pleased with how well the writing is going. One of my goals I set at the beginning of the year was to finish the book. This may be the first year I’ve ever followed through with my goal.
Up until now I have not discussed the book with anyone, but I’m taking the advice of someone who publishes books, and who may publish mine, that it’s healthy to start distancing myself a little, and talk about a story that’s played out only in my head. The story is my baby, and I’ve been nurturing it and watching it grow and mature over several years. Revealing the plot and teaser summary is much like throwing my child into the deep end of a pool when he only knows the doggy paddle.
The back of the book teaser summary follows:
Jaden Baker
These days it’s frowned upon to be conventional. To nine year old Jaden Baker, the Leave it to Beaver life has its appeal, laugh track included. When he’s adopted by an upper class couple of suburbia, Jaden believes he’s gotten that second chance everyone raves about. It comes with potato salad.
Jaden locks his memories away, protecting them and the secret he hides with them. But the skill that saved his life fumbles out of his control, revealing itself without permission. It’s a power only he has, his protection from a world he’s come to know and distrust. And it’s desired by others.
It all comes down to this: If life is a collection of experiences, and memories the tokens we take with us, why fight for a life of suffering and despair? When freedom means becoming a perpetual outsider, watching everyone as if through a mirror, why not embrace the permanence of death? Aided and encouraged by the enigmatic Seth, Jaden struggles with the purpose of it all, living blindly but still clinging to his semblance of life, searching for a reason to live.
