The Id and the Whale

I'm doing a lot of research on the American Indians of the Southwest. In the second arc of my book, the protagonist visits an Indian reservation in a fictitious town called Spruce, Wyoming. And, well, I can't give away anymore here. You'll just have to read and buy the book someday!

Native Americans believe we are guided by the spirits of our ancestors and by animal totems. When I was younger, I read quite a bit about Native American philosophy and religion. I found that no matter how much I tried to ignore it, I seemed to have lots in common with the spirit of the whale. Our societal interpretation of the whale is big with blessing. She is bloated and beached.

But, in the Native American faith, the whale represents the record keeper. She is haunted at times by the images of the past. She must record each new day, each birth and death, and even the most humdrum of experiences. She glides through the ocean on the waves of history.

The idea is that time never stops for us. But, if we follow the whale, we can leave a mark for future generations.

I've heard people say that writing is a selfish profession, but looked at from the tradition of the whale, how could it be? The record keeper takes any assignment. She's the perfect reporter. She'll sweep up after closing hours. She does not think of fame or fortune. She simply tells the story.

So, with the spirit of the whale at my side (god, she's heavy!), I'm beginning to write today. Trusting. Gliding. Sweeping up.