Outcomes

Some things you have to plan for

October has meant several days of author-related travel. Most of my speaking revolved around book removals, and included keynoting for a Book Ban Con in Wisconsin, addressing a school board in MI, two school presentations, a community talk, and another keynote to the Michigan Librarians Association. Championing every person’s freedom to read the books they want to read without interference by others seeking to “protect” some undefined others.

Most of you know how I feel about censorship, and make no mistake, removing books from libraries is censorship. Every attack I’ve weathered, and there have been many, comes back to “so you want THIS [insert the same two pages of GenderQueer illustrations] available to ‘our children’?” Never mind the lack of distinction between elementary and high school kids. Never mind we’re no longer talking only school libraries, but also public libraries. Never mind the illustrations, while indeed explicit, are CARTOONS. Especially never mind that my kids are not their kids.

My answer is yes, the book should be available for whoever needs its valuable perspective. And so should every other book on the targeted-for-removal lists being circulated by a handful of individuals. No book is right for every reader. And no book is wrong for every reader.

That said, including to teachers, librarians, parents, young people, community residents, fans, and school board members, I returned home to discover autumn has finally arrived in earnest here in southeastern Missouri. Which meant there was work to do.

I’ve composted most of my garden, though I still have tomatoes and a variety of peppers thriving outside. The temps haven’t tumbled toward freezing yet, though I hear a frost might happen next week. The roses are still blooming, and I can’t believe how well they’ve grown since I planted them only months ago. I’ll be applying beneficial nematodes to thwart some of the native pests (stupid Japanese beetles and squash bugs) next year. Some things you have to plan for early.

That includes planting fall bulbs. It’s only of those things that truly requires faith because it’s a lot of hard work that will see no reward until spring. If then. So many things have to go right before April. First, you have to plant them at the right depth. Six inches for tulips, daffodils, and jonquils, and that’s quite the task in Missouri clay. That drill-powered awl was an exceptional investment! Bulbs require cold winters, including freezes, and El Nino might make for warmer winter months. And then, there are squirrels . . .

Hopefully, I’ve planted deep enough, and close enough to the house, that rodents leave them in the ground. I also planted alliums between the roses. Those are only 3 inches deep. So far, I haven’t noticed digging in the beds, and with luck those garlicky purple flowers will discourage spring insects from feasting on the early buds. The thing about gardening is, you can be informed about things like companion planting, or bulb depth, but other things, like the weather or hatchings, tend to be random. There will always be an element of luck to outcomes.

Meanwhile, the well-amended soil is tamped down and watered. And as the leaves turn auburn and fall from the trees, I’ll wait for the spring bloom, satisfied despite the uncertainty, that spring will bring a beautiful outcome.

Over those approaching months, I’ll work on a new book. Maybe two. And the ugly attacks will continue. In the last few months, I’ve been called some truly despicable things. Sick. Pervert. Groomer. Pedophile. Day before yesterday someone watched a recorded anti-ban message of mine and said I was demon-possessed. Pretty sure that isn’t accurate. Regardless, as I craft my stories I will continue to illustrate truths. They aren’t always pretty, but all deserve acknowledgment, exposure, a light beamed on them.

Though it might be easier, I won’t censor myself, won’t bow to those who insist their beliefs are the only ones that matter. I’ll continue to turn new ground, augment poor soil, plant seeds and bulbs and roses with an eye toward future beauty. Outcomes can only improve if we utilize knowledge and perspective, and toil diligently.