Partway through the NANOWRIMO month, someone dropped me a note that included the phrase, “when you’re writing.” Now, when I have a crazy-stupid deadline like I did with Catch a Falling Star, I get hyper-focused and let lots of stuff fall by the wayside (discussed in an earlier post), which I don’t normally do. But…
Month: November 2012
How a Book Is Born, Part 16
I’m working on the book while my daughter is sitting next to me on the sofa. Jess: Are you distracted again? Me: I’m trying to figure out what comes next in this book. Jess: What’s happening now? Me: Natalie’s in the hospital. Jess (gasping): Why is Natalie in the hospital?! Me: She has pneumonia. You…
How a Book Is Born, Part 15
So I think of litttle (step)sister Natalie as beautiful, kind, and loving, but when I start putting her on the page, she also has a sarcastic streak, is extremely forgetful, and occasionally gets impatient with Brianna’s hovering. I’m loving how she’s turning out, with a little spice to counteract the sugar. Brianna reveals herself to…
How a Book Is Born, Part 14
If you’ve been a writer for any length of time, you’ve experienced the “this is total crap” moment. You’ve also experienced the existential despair of “I’m never going to finish this!” These feelings don’t magically go away when you’re published or under a deadline. In fact, you can pretty much count on battling “this is…
How a Book Is Born, Part 13
I’m getting closer and closer to the end, which means I have to figure out the best way to tie up the plot – to create an emotionally satisfying resolution. Often I have this in mind from the beginning, and the writing just drives toward that resolution. Many times I have known the ending before…
How a Book Is Born, Part 12
In which I decide to kill off a character. And then rescind the decision.