Well, 2007 is finally upon us. I say "finally," but when you stop and think about it, this past year flew by like an artillery shell fired at Fort Sumter. It seems like only yesterday that I was looking forward to 2006.
Like some of our fellow bloggers, I'm not into making New Year's Resolutions. I tend to do things (or not do things) regardless if I make a formal "resolution" or not, and to make one at my age is setting myself up for failure. I do however, like to plan things waaaayyyy in advance. I do have an OCD-like tendency in regards to scheduling and organization and frankly, I don't know of any other way to work. I've never watched the TV show "Monk," but I am told that I share some of the same compulsions as the show's main character.
One of these "compulsions" manifests itself in the form of lists. I have lists everywhere, for everything, and if it isn't written down somewhere, chances are that it's not getting done. A few of the projects on my list are long-term, others are in the to-do-soon queue, and will be completed in a matter of weeks. I'll announce those ones as they go to press, but I did want to mention a few of my long-term projects to be completed in 2007. So in reality, I guess that I am making a few resolutions… oh well… here is my list of “whatever” you want to call them for 2007:
BOOKS: Priority numero-uno is the completion of the manuscript for "The Southern Cross," which is my historical/devotional project - and hopefully (God-willing), my third, printed title. I am in the process of accumulating material (scripture, quotes etc.) and have already started on the narrative portion. My goal is to have 100 devotional essays on Christian virtues as exhibited through Confederate history. These positive vignettes will include topics such as The Angel of Marye’s Heights, and Stonewall’s Sunday school.
E-BOOKS: At the same time, I am conducting (at a much more casual pace) research for my Internet-based project “Nathan Bedford Forrest: Saint and Sinner.” This is an eBook concept that I hope will present both the light and dark sides of The Wizard of the Saddle. I continue to be fascinated by the complexity and controversy surrounding this man, and I hope to write something a little more critical and edgy than my previous works on Stonewall and Stuart.
CDs: As I have received positive critiques for the CD version of “Onward Christian Soldier,” I am now entertaining the notion of doing another for “Christian Cavalier.” This time, I would still like to narrate the piece, but have another reader, preferably with a strong-southern accent; do the quotes from the good General. Now that I am familiar with the recording, engineering, and editing process, this would be the next logical step, and would (IMO) add greatly to the current format.
ARTICLES: This year I have a wonderful list of upcoming articles, features, and reviews for The Free Lance-Star and several online publications like CWI. Some of these include essays on re-enactors, relic hunting, and museums, as well as more CW book reviews on new releases by authors like Eric Wittenberg and Charles Flood. My wish is to get my first FLS (Town & County) cover story in 2007.
APPEARANCES: One of my favorite aspects of being a writer is the wonderful people that I get to meet (in-person and online). I hope to do more of this in 2007 as my schedule and health permits. I have a web chat for the CWHC coming up on JEB Stuart: The Christian Cavalier, and I will be selling/signing books and CDs at the 2nd Annual “Gathering of Eagles” this summer. I’m still a bit shy, and not one of those authors that likes to spend a lot of time traveling and doing events. Still, I hope to add “just” a few more to my current itinerary.
WEBSITES: The Jackson Society portal is up, and I hope to see our membership numbers grow as well as the content of the web page. The goal of the JS is to provide an online forum for witnessing for Christ by cross-promoting multi-media works on Stonewall Jackson by Christian authors, historians, filmmakers, and artists. I will also continue to add more-and-more content to the Pinstripe Press site as things are completed and published. The PP still remains as my main hub of material.
BLOG: As this month/year marks the 200th birthday of one of the greatest Americans to have ever lived, General Robert Edward Lee, I hope to celebrate his legacy by posting some Christian-related material about the good General over the course of the next year.
TRIPS: For pleasure – and just a teeny-tiny-bit-of business – I’ll be visiting the hallowed grounds at Antietam, Winchester, and hopefully Lexington, and Harrisburg. I also want to spend more constructive time at a couple of our local spots like the Jackson Shrine and The Wilderness. I didn’t get to photograph as much as I liked this year, so as soon as the leaves comeback I’ll be taking a few weekend field trips with my daughter.
LIFE: Most of all, I want to be a better husband, father, friend, writer, religious-“historian”, and designer… I want to be a better Christian, a better Virginian, and a better U.S. Citizen… Ultimately, I want to be a better man in 2007. That’s my REAL resolution, and I’m praying that I can keep it.
Stay tuned…