I have a confession: the title of my upcoming book, “East of Eaton,” is not original.

East of Eaton by Robin Van Auken

No, the bookstore with the cunning name (a play upon John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden”), had been “Gateway.” My idea was to partition the store with arched gateways leading from one section of the store to another. Gateway also referred to the hero opening the sheltered, locked heart of the heroine.

But my husband, also a writer, tossed out “East of Eaton,” since the bookstore is in the fictitious town  of Eaton. I seized the suggestion and relocated the shop to the east end of my imaginary town.

We often share ideas and talk about our stories. We often edit each other’s writing. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. Writing is an act of ego.

We collaborated many years ago on a large project and I had to find my niche. It’s not easy for two creative, strong-willed individuals to work on the same content, so I bowed to his expertise on the topic, and he bowed to my expertise when interviewing and researching material. My transcribed notes and journalistic sidebars complemented his popular prose, and the result was a very good book.

Sometimes it chaffed taking the backseat, but keeping peace on the project was more important than keeping peace in our marriage. It wasn’t easy to acknowledge that my husband was the right person for the job, but we’re professional writers. When you have a job to do, put aside your personal feelings and focus on the outcome. I’m content being right only 95 percent of the time.

Hmmmm … maybe I’m still holding a little grudge.

Ready for a Challenge?

21-Day Writing Sprint Challenge by Robin Van Auken

Have even more fun when you accept the 21-Day Writing Sprint Challenge. This process is one I use every semester with my college students, so I know it can kickstart your creativity and introduce structure to your writing schedule. When you join my Circle of Writers & Authors, you’ll receive FREE writing resources, and you’ll sign up for my newsletter. I will not sell your information, or spam you. I will send you updates about new articles and podcasts I’ve created, and projects I’m working on. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Read my Privacy Policy here.

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If you love a good mystery, a romantic whodunit that will surprise you, then WEST WIND is a great addition to your ebook library.

West Wind is my third novel as an author of Contemporary Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, and Romance.  It’s FREE too, when you join my exclusive Readers Group. Members of the Readers Group receive free novels, invitations to read advance copies, as well as illustrated character profiles and behind-the-scenes articles about Eaton and its quirky residents.

Join today and download your free book, and as a special thank you, you’ll receive a SECOND FREE BOOK tomorrow! The giving goes on and on when you become my fan.

When you join my Readers Group, you’ll receive FREE writing resources, and you’ll sign up for my newsletter. I will not sell your information, or spam you. I will send you updates about new articles and podcasts I’ve created, and projects I’m working on. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Read my Privacy Policy here.