Cut, Cut, Cut, Summarize

Two years ago I finished my first attempt to summarize the events of 4 BC. Tonight, I finally finished editing it down from 33 thousand words to about 10 thousand. It will probably continue to get shorter, but it definitely looks like the final form will be a long chapter instead of a short book. I could have reached 50 thousand words with a prologue, epilogue and suppliments. But why? Seriously, there's more than enough material for someone to do a full length scholarly work on the year 4 BC - and I hope that person will call me when they're working on it - but that person will not be me. (Thank you God!)

In another sense, all this means is that 4 BC is a first draft again. (Sigh.) But this is a great step for me, personally. I am *praying* for a productive summer this year. Stay tuned.

By the way, if anyone who enjoyed my post this morning wants to read through the 30 page version, just let me know. I'll e-mail you a copy. I won't even charge you! ;)