I was going to make a list. You know, do it up right. Use bullet points. Set target dates. I was going to set out viable, approachable writing goals for myself. No goals like “sign with a literary agent,” because I have absolutely no control over whether I can get myself an agent in 2009 … Continue reading »
Monthly Archives: December 2008
distractions / fantasies / favorites / novels / writing
Hey, You. Wanna Write a Book?
Here I am, reading over my book, working on finishing it and turning it in even though, in my secret heart of hearts, I could be easily convinced to keep going with it, a draft as long as my arm if you’d let me. Once this is done, I’ll be working on a new novel. … Continue reading »
“You deserve better.”
Above is advice an old friend got months ago that propelled him to change his life. Last night, he stood me up in the bar. Took my face in his hands. Said he will now say it to me: “You deserve better.” Another friend was basically telling me the same thing earlier the same day—had … Continue reading »
Do Books Ever End?
By that, I mean when you’re writing them. I am almost done with my revision. Right on time—I’m sending the revised manuscript to my editor Monday morning before I go to day job. What I’m doing now is reading over everything I’ve done, adding in an edit here an edit there, changing a word here, … Continue reading »
memories / novels / revising / writing / writing spots
Still At It
Still going strong with the revision! Up early, out in the cold, but my favorite café wasn’t open when they said they would be (yes, again), so I walked instead to my weekend writing spot, shivering with cold by the time I reached its doors. While on the elevator, holding a fast-food coffee, I thought, … Continue reading »
Isn’t It Nice When You’re Too Busy to Wallow in Rejection?
Forgot to mention my latest rejection: no on a short story. I’ve just been so busy that it hit me—stung for a few minutes—but no whiplash and I went on my way. Busy with my revision. Busy at home, no time for housecleaning and so stressed about it. Busy at work, basically killed myself to … Continue reading »
Trouble
Yesterday morning my usual attempt at stumbling up in the early-dark to be a writer turned into me lolling about on the couch with a splitting headache (moaning softly to myself till the pills kicked in). Clearly I would have to give up on writing, so I slept till I had to get up for … Continue reading »
If
If I don’t answer your email Or return your phone call If I don’t want to go anywhere Or have a conversation Or say hi If my door is closed If my light is off My hoodie up It’s because I’m just trying to stay afloat over here. Working hard, need to focus. Job: everything … Continue reading »
I Have No Idea What Day It Is I’m Just Revising
Working my way through. I’d like to take a breather on all things life while I focus on this but I can’t do that can I no one would understand would they so here goes another week at half capacity and I hope no one asks me for anything this week maybe better not to … Continue reading »
When to Stop Revising
…When you start feeling lazy. At the point when you think, Huh. Do I really have to make this change? What if I just cut the whole paragraph?, close your document and walk away. Put it aside for tomorrow and come at it fresh. I’m halfway through. Continue reading »
