A former co-worker once gave me a tiny notebook as a gift. I loved it because the paper was thick and the leather-bound notebook had a tie, as in, “Think before you open this.” Obviously, this person knew me. I feel at home in a stationery store and will buy new Post-its even though I have every size at my disposal. All paper is welcome.
With this notebook, I wondered what I could possibly put in such a small space. Maybe a book of quotes? No, I have one of those. A tiny diary for when I travel? That just wouldn’t fly. If I did take it with me on airplanes, all I’d be writing was, “OMG, WE’RE GOING DOWN! WE’RE ALL GOING TO DIE!”
I put the notebook aside for a while until the fateful day when inspiration hit me. After untying the leather tie, I flipped to the first page and wrote a secret, something I wouldn’t want to share. Uncensored Patience, who mostly lives underground. How pleasant to unleash on this little pad. Once I put it away, I forgot about the tiny notebook until the next time I cleaned my bookshelf. Every now and then, I think this could wind up being a version of Cruel Intentions (YA Dangerous Liaisons).
The danger of putting down thoughts makes the writing even more tantalizing. So, year after year, I’ve pulled out this notebook and put down thoughts I never want anyone to know. Those feelings, thoughts, observations have to go somewhere, if not to a shrink, diary, friend, spouse. Eventually, I will destroy the notebook since why would I want to save the evidence? It’s not as if I’d want to publicize these random, private thoughts anyway.
I swear I don’t have a secret child living in Texas, and I did not commit murder or hurt anyone too badly. But everyone has things they don’t want others to know. I’m always intrigued by how people keep or reveal private information.
On another note, there are some fun books with the word “secret” in them. Here are a few of my favorites:
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
The Husband’s Secret by Liana Moriarty
Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
I won’t put that other book here, you know the one. Happy Sunday before Thanksgiving!
Patience Bloom 
I once wrote a book called the Musician’s Secret. The protagonist was happy to get a late stage cancer diagnosis because it meant he could take a secret to the grave.
That sounds like a fascinating story! I just got it on Kindle. Looking forward to reading it. 🙂
Aw, thanks! I hope you will be entertained. This story for the LA Times sparked the novel. I kept thinking what if this man had a secret his family wouldn’t forgive?
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-oct-05-wk-upfront5-story.html