The Problem with Writing as an English Teacher

English teachers spend their time digging through novels looking for symbols and motifs -- things their students usually don't care about. Most readers just want a good story.

This search for hidden meanings is a hard habit to shake. And when English teachers turn to writing, they want to weave in those universal themes and hidden symbols.

This is the problem I'm having with Old Friends & Other Strangers which is why I'm on my fourth revision. I'd be better off creating interesting characters, giving them a problem to face and a chance to interact with each other. If I do this right, I should be able to step out of the way and see where the story goes.

I'll let you know how it turns out.