I have read each of Allen Eskens books, and I as pleased to find his newest, Nothing More Dangerous, at the library this week. The book makes a significant departure from his earlier books; it’s less a mystery and more a coming of age story with mystery elements.
Intrigued by this change, I returned to the author’s note at the start of the book. Here Eskens had written: “I began this novel in 1991 as a way to explore my own failings regarding notions of prejudice and racism. The characters and story line intrigued me, and I worked on the novel for twenty years before setting it aside. It wasn’t ready, and I knew it.”
I found this honesty refreshing and encouraging. Years ago a winemaker had a slogan “we will sell no wine before its time.” Eskens was echoing the sentiment as he discussed his writing. Too often I have started to write a long essay and realized that I was not ready. I have often attributed this to many factors including writer’s block, lack of discipline and various other self-condemning terms. I had never thought to have the compassionate approach to the task that Eskens stated here.
I will remain open to the wisdom that there is a due time for each piece of writing. I needed that concept and I will try to remember it the next time the gremlins of self-criticism descend.
Saved By Words 
thank you Elizabeth for the book review!
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Nicely balanced review.
Thanks, Elizabeth.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Curious about the author Elizabeth, how many of his books have you read before?
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I have read all of his books. I recommend him. Powerful stuff.
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Thank you 🙂
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Hmm, maybe that is what I am experiencing and not writers’ block after all. Get back, gremlins!
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I think it may not be a block at all. I think it is worth considering.
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Great advice, Elizabeth. Sometime, a story needs to percolate before sending to press. By the way, was that Gallo wine with the motto?
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Paul Masson with Orson Welles!
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Of course, now I remember. 👍
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This sounds like a good book, ELizabeth. I agree that there is a time for completing and sharing certain writing. I have been working on and off on a book about my two sons chronic illnesses since 2016. It is slow going because I reopen these old wounds when I write about them. I am taking it slowly.
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Your example is exactly what I was meaning by this post. I know that the time will come for the book, and it is clearly too soon yet.
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I haven’t read any books by Allen Eskens, but now you have made me curious. When I was in my early 20s and wanting to be a writer, I didn’t understand that “ripening” was something that I would have to honor – not only in things I tried my hand at writing, but in terms of my own maturity and experience as a person.
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You are right on the money with that additional observation. Of course when we are young we already know everything!
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