As of right now, it’s a little over two weeks until All These Steps Lead Down is released. There is a sense of accomplishment that this book is even coming out at all, and although I’m nervous, I’m also relieved. So many things have happened since this collection was kicked into motion. There have been harsh endings and new beginnings in the five years it has taken for this to be a tangible book.
Children that didn’t exist that are now saying their first words. There are things rapidly approaching and things getting further away. Old friendships made new. New friendships feeling like old great friendships. Lousy friendships given the boot.
There is also a feeling of not emptiness exactly, but more of loss for the folks that were important to me that are no longer here. I was going to say that I feel empty, but honestly, I’m not. I’m full. Not of regret, but of a feeling of gratitude for having known them for however long or short of a time they were in my life. I do not believe in luck, but I do believe in gratitude.
But before I get way too melancholic, let me bring this around…
This book exorcises a lot of personal demons. Demons I’m letting go of and things I’m embracing. It’s like a cleaning out of the drawers and finding some fun among the horror.
We are absolutely rounding the corner-I write this on 10.13.2024. This book will be out on 10.29.24, and I need to not put so much pressure on this book. No need to make it something that it isn’t. Yes, it’s a collection of short stories and essays, but it’s a book. It’s entertainment. It’s spooky fun for everyone who digs that stuff.
For me, it’s an extension of therapy. It’s a love letter. It’s blood, revenge and love.
And I hope you like it.
Get ready to come on down…
Nelson
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