It took me the first six months of 2014 to actually open the file on my computer’s desktop and look over a couple of chapters of my book The Mompos Project. That’s just looking over it too mind, it was a week or so afterwards until I was able to start writing again.
The Plaza Santa Barbara where the Casa Amarilla is located
the market stalls in Mompos
Why so difficult?
I guess I was procrastinating, I suppose I was focused on paying gigs too but there was something lurking behind my reasons to not write. Having completed the Specialism in Conflict Resolution and graduated in early 2014 I found myself far more informed about the realities of life and politics in Colombia and I was at a stumbling block as to whether I should continue.
Would the Mompos Project remain a glib narrative of life in a small Colombian town punctuated with twee real estate observations and risible anecdotes of how to restore a colonial house in the middle of nowhere? No, I couldn’t do this any more. This would not be a travel novel, this would also include realities of Colombia and some of the real issues faced by those like me based in more remote places in the country.
So, I am 45,000 words in now and the chapters are flowing well. I am going to have a few days breathing space as I collect some thoughts whilst here in Mompos. I owe to the people of Mompos and to those people wishing to visit Mompos to speak the truth about some of the here and now.
For those curious, so far I am following this template, which is of course, subject to change.
The Mompos Project
1. Opening
2. Macondo
3. Why Mompos?
4. Witchcraft
5. Costenos
6. Feudalism
7. Ghosts
8. Dona Manuela
9. Restorations
10. Presidential
11. Uribe and Me
12. Paramilitaries
13. Guests
14. Cleaning Ladies
15. People
16. Traditions
17. History
18. Dictionary
Some of these titles are deliberately obscure and misleading, others not so. I hope to be finished by September and before my October visit to London at which time I’ll decide how to proceed with this manuscript.
Thoughts are always welcome and greatly appreciated.
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I really want to read it!
The book sounds fantastic. when i visited Mompos in December 2011 you were talking about the idea. The river was in massive flood at that time and the water was breaking through the levee banks and flowing through low lying houses. Herbert Penaloza took some fabulous photos of the town. Mempos would have to be in my top 3 places I've travelled to – I don't know when but i have told my partner from Cuba that i will take her to visit. will definitely make a reservation at Csa Amarillo. Hope your book is in its home straight.
Thank you so much, now the town and affected areas of the riverfront have all been restored by the government, the town remains a true jewel still less visited and very authentic, so….we await your return visit! Thank you for the comment.