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 Why I Don’t Talk
Month: January 2010
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 The Fear
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 Why I Write YA
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 The End Has No End?
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?
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 The True Story of My Imaginary Manuscript
Yes!
I finished the first draft, really and truly! A novel exists! Recovering now. More soon.
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 What Not to Do
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 It’s Official
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 How I Sorta Finished My Novel and Other Semi Accomplishments
