Kat’s Den

…at least for me.

My roommate recently started writing a novel of his own after reading some of my short stories, and it led me to re-read them after a long absence. Them, and the very much un-finished and un-polished novel I started, oh, 15 years ago. Ahem. I can still see running into the same problems I did then- not having enough time to stay in the world I created long enough to continue the same train of thought. But I find myself driven to try again.

My roommate also suggested trying to get the short stories published; although I’m not sure exactly where. Most of the submission guidelines stress “New and original treatments only!” How original is yet another werewolf story? Never mind that I don’t normally read books or magazines in this genre; so I’ve really no idea where to start.

The novel is currently hovering at 40,000 words, 181 pages.

The National Sheriff’s Association sent faxes to agencies around the country last Friday, asking which ones could send officers to New Orleans to help out in various areas. I jumped at the chance to put my name on the list. Out of some altruistic urge?

Well, not really…

See, I have a very developed sense of order. The world runs a certain way; people who violate that order- robbery, murder, assault- need to be punished. Society depends on order, and society is the most important aspect of our civilization.

So, when I heard new reports of police in New Orleans being shot at, looters breaking into pharmacies and hospitals, snipers shooting at doctors and patients, two-thirds of of the NOPD deserting their posts- it pissed me off. New Orleans became the antithesis of order, anarchy. It brewed in me a mute rage, a desire to be there with a rifle in my hand stopping those bent on fomenting that anarchy.

So, my desire to put my name on that list wasn’t born out of samaritism, or charity, or good will towards men; but on restoring order to salve my own sense of propriety.

Does this make me a bad person? Bad intentions behind charitable deeds? Or does the final outcome of my actions outweigh my internal agenda? On this, I must muse.

The NSA said they would let us know if we were needed after Labor Day.