Since embarking on my new book project on the Rhythm Club Fire, I’ve gotten questions about why I’d want to work on something so depressing, which is a blog for another day, but mainly they’ve been about what I’ll say. At this point, I cannot answer that question. None of us who has authored a book can, especially when we are so early in the process. So, I’ve come up with a metaphor that I think works, and one which people who’ve never written a book can understand.
“It’s like putting together a 500-piece puzzle,” I answer.
At the beginning is the idea, and all of those pieces of evidence.
In the early stages, you begin pulling together ideas that form the basic framework for the book.
Further into the project, some of the ideas begin to take shape.
Eventually, the day comes when you have figured it out and hooray!
As with any puzzle, it takes time and patience, but part of the joy is in the process–figuring out where the pieces fit. When it’s complete there’s a moment of euphoria, but it is fleeting.
Now what? Time to start a new puzzle.
Then, in May, Louisiana University Press will release the volume 
Karen L. Cox 