Matthew Munson: A new story and a column break

My word, another week since I penned my column? Huh? It feels like only yesterday I was ranting about the price of a first-class stamp, and then last week I was preparing for the onslaught of the Easter holidays and my excitement about a half marathon Bryan and I are working towards in September. And now, blink, and the first week of those very  Easter holidays has already vanished into the ether. Tme has a way of going stubbornly quick when you least want it to

We’ve had an initial flurry of activity, a couple of slightly looser routines, and the promise of extended daylight – it’s all conspired to move in a heartbeat. Bryan and I managed to carve out some much-needed quality time together amidst the holiday bustle. These moments are the ones I truly cherish,

As the week progressed, Bryan embarked on three days of holiday camp, which he thoroughly enjoys. I’m not a very active person – I prefer quieter pursuits – so I love Bryan being given opportunities it wouldn’t occur to me to give. I retreated to a quiet corner and got the chance to write, which is one of my own pleasures.

I’m currently wrestling with a story about a child, hidden away on Earth, who grows up believing himself to be entirely human. The first part of my story revolves around him discovering his true origins, and the second half will cover a prophecy that is meant to control his entire future back on his original world. But here’s where my storytelling inclinations take a turn – I’ve always been drawn to stories that challenge expectations. So, my main character will refuse to take part in the prophecy, and will actively fight against the pressure put on him. It’s taking up a lot of my brain power at the moment; it’s a story I’ve been trying to write for a few years, but only now do I feel that I’ve got the confidence to try and do it justice.

The second week of the Easter holidays stretches out before us, promising a different kind of rhythm. It’s earmarked at Casa de Munson for more family time – to spend time with my son and make sure he’s content and happy. I’ve promised an Easter Egg hunt – but, as he knows a lot of my hiding places, I’ve promised to come up with some riddles and problems to solve instead. I’ve got a week to think of them, and I’ll need every second of that, I think. My parents are also doing their annual Easter Egg hunt for Bryan, so by this time next week, we’ll be positively overflowing with chocolate.

And, of course, I’ll want to carve out time to work on my work. It’s really burrowed its way into my consciousness, this story, and I want to do it justice. Which brings me to a little announcement. As the summer months approach, and with the manuscript demanding more and more of my focus, I’ll be taking a break from my column for a while. The hope – the dream – is to wrestle this story into a shape that might appeal to a publisher. The world of publishing is notoriously challenging; I succeeded before, with a small publisher, and I would like to see if I can succeed again. I might not but, regardless of the outcome, I’d regret it if I didn’t give this my best shot. Whatever happens, I’ll know I’ve tried.

This isn’t “goodbye”, merely a “see you later”. I’ll be tucked away, lost in the world of my fictional Earth-dweller with a rebellious streak, while you’ll be off doing your own thing. I’ll be back, undoubtedly towards the latter part of the summer or early autumn. Until then, enjoy the summer, cherish your time with those you care about, and keep supporting this brilliant local paper. From both Bryan and myself – see you later.