The lovely Laura Lutz recently asked a question on Facebook that I couldn’t help piping in to answer: Do authors like it or not when you ask them, “What are you working on now?” Me? I’m one of those who do *not* like it. Nothing against the asker, but it’s just not something I want … Continue reading »
Monthly Archives: January 2010
confessions / freakouts / novels / writing
The Fear
It’s a funny occupation to go after, writer. You live in your own head so much of the time it’s virtually impossible to know how you come across to others. I barely see myself most days, if you want the truth. Sometimes I’ll walk past a mirror and stop and go, That’s what you wore … Continue reading »
distractions / favorites / fiction / novels / other writers / reading / writing
Why I Write YA
In two weeks I’ll be turning my (first-ever!) YA novel in to the publisher… I can’t even tell you how nervous I am. Also excited! So excited! I can’t stand how much I love this book, and much of that is because I loved writing it. It’s also about sisters and I absolutely adore my … Continue reading »
dayjob / distractions / fiction / novels / revising / writing / writing spots
The End Has No End?
I’m working up some plot changes and new developments to the novel before I turn it in Feb. 1—nothing too drastic, just stuff I wholeheartedly think will make the thing better. I just called it the “thing”—I worked too long and hard to call what I’ve done a thing. But what is it? In no … Continue reading »
Evidence
Wrote it. Rewrote it. And now took the plunge and printed it. Next up: More work on it before the official due date to the publisher (February 1st). But also? The next book! How soon is too soon to dive in? Continue reading »
The True Story of My Imaginary Manuscript
I was too tired—flattened, exhausted, completely drained—to tell you the details before, but, yes, I did complete the first draft of IMAGINARY GIRLS, my first YA novel. I did it on Thursday night. There were points when I thought I’d never get it into shape, and there were points when I felt so close to … Continue reading »
Yes!
I finished the first draft, really and truly! A novel exists! Recovering now. More soon. Continue reading »
confessions / distractions / first-drafting / freakouts / novels / writing
What Not to Do
This morning, you’ll find me at a desk, smoothing out the first draft of IMAGINARY GIRLS into readable feedback-ready form, my hair braided and my mocha at my side, my hopes really on the line here. A bad thing to do while getting a first draft ready for the eyes of other human beings whose … Continue reading »
It’s Official
The last chapter has been line-edited and can now be called done*. It’s official: I’ve written a book. I’ve also just realized the book needs work. Like work-work. W O R K. So now that’s official too: I haven’t written a good enough book yet. I sort of want to cry at the fact that … Continue reading »
How I Sorta Finished My Novel and Other Semi Accomplishments
I wrote to the end of my book yesterday afternoon. Technically, if you were being generous, you could say I finished my first draft on the final day of 2009, as I was really really hoping I would. I admit I celebrated as if I had, but in reality the final chapter is rough and … Continue reading »
