The book I will be writing about gun violence.

I struggle to know what words to use to describe what is going on in this country. Gun control, gun violence, mass shootings. These words have been emasculated. Hearing them ideally would spur everyone into action to put a stop to the living nightmares that happen every day, that we cannot wake up from.

Obviously, the title of what I write is important. No one wants to be beaten over the head yet again with words that have been stripped of their meaning. What has been the prevailing response so far? "Thoughts and prayers" (more words that have been stripped meaningless, and that serve more as an insult, a taunting reminder that in most cases, this is the extent of the action that will be taken in response to the people, lives that were lost). Cling tight to our loved ones, hunker down. Buy more guns. Do many of the things Alan Jackson sang about in "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning."

I am practical and my books reflect that. One thing that I can promise is that my book will not be filled with fluff, more hand-wringing, or even political mud-slinging. It will provide action steps, action plans, whether legal or not. Strategies that others have used, and used to effect results.

I do not have a publisher for this project. I have another project with a publisher, with a deadline as well. I will have to work on both projects at once. But I will do it. This is the best way I can contribute. I am a writer. This is how I can do the most good. And I must.

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