You're at a big scene, just nearing the end of a chapter. Your voice is on point, your material's spilling out faster than you can move your fingers to type it. And you see your deadline on the horizon and you think it is entirely possible you will even beat it. But, wait. What's happening? … Continue reading How to Make Real Progress on Your Novel
Month: September 2008
The Novels in You
Ever wonder how many novels you have in you? Sometimes I'm sitting on the subway, watching the stations pass and hoping I get to work on time, and a novel I'd forgotten I wanted to write bubbles up and buzzes around my ears, trying to get my attention. A new title will come, a new … Continue reading The Novels in You
Novel Questions
How do other people write novels? I'm at that point of the novel where I'm so deep in I must keep going as I have been, but I wonder: Am I doing it right? Is there a "right" way? This isn't my first novel, but it feels like my first novel. Novel #1 (adult): written … Continue reading Novel Questions
Like Buttons?
So did you see this? Anyone and everyone can show their support for Obama, including your friendly neighborhood bus driver, the breakfast on your plate, and, of course, unicorns and pirates, a good mix of extremes, I think. Now, as for me, I've never liked to pin buttons on my jacket (sharp points + clumsy … Continue reading Like Buttons?
Writing Without Paper
When I wrote my first and second novels (the under-the-couch novels, the up-on-the-top-shelf-of-the-closet novels) I would print out after every chapter. Then I'd line edit, enter the edits, and print again. If I changed a sentence on page 10, I'd print out page 10 again instead of having the handwritten edit on it, and if … Continue reading Writing Without Paper
Contemplating Time Travel, as Usual
I have an unhealthy interest in time travel. I like to be practical about it, as practical as you can be when you're contemplating time travel instead of doing the dishes. Like, for example, if I were to go back in time and do this one thing differently (not go to that grad school, take … Continue reading Contemplating Time Travel, as Usual
Cascade of Chairs
You know that point of the novel well about halfway when you start looking around wildly, flailing your arms, going where are we? how much longer? are we there yet? Maybe that's just me. Okay, so you know that point of the novel where you want to print out your pages just to bury yourself … Continue reading Cascade of Chairs
Vote!
This is not a political blog and it's not about to become one. But I will say this: If you are an American citizen caught up in this election storm, please consider voting for Barack Obama this November 4. Why? I am not a registered member of a political party, not even the Democratic Party—I … Continue reading Vote!
Headache
I was felled by a headache—not only did I miss work, but I couldn't write, which, in my mind, is far, far worse. I think I'm overwhelmed. I think I'm having trouble facing life. If it were just me and the novel, I think I'd be fine. But who has a non-busy life leisurely walking … Continue reading Headache
City of Noise
I'm listening to silence right now. Or the closest I can get to silence. I'm at my weekend writing spot with my earbuds popped out. I hear police sirens, now coming closer, now someone shuffles papers at a desk nearby, a honk, another honk, the air-conditioner's hum, a cough, my own fingers on my own … Continue reading City of Noise
