Thursday, July 23, 2009

Revision and Perfectionism

I recently read somewhere about an author who was known to go into bookstores, pull his books off the shelf, and pencil in changes. I fear if I am ever published, I could become that author. In a publishing climate where the words "outstanding" "exceptional"and "perfect" are the standard for submission, it is hard to know where to draw the line. Honestly, I could probably tweak just my first page for the next ten years and have fun in the process. I believe my first novel is done. I don't believe I could make it perfect in my lifetime. I am satisfied, but I could always find things to make it better. Sometimes I just have to let go and move on.

WHAT I'M READING THIS WEEK: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perlilous Journey (Trenton Lee Stewart)

Thursday, July 16, 2009

What a Great Book Does

I just finished Justina Chen Headley's North of Beautiful.

It is a great book.

What makes a book great for me?

A great book introduces me to people I'd like to have in my living room, takes me somewhere I've never been, makes me think about things I've never thought of, and teaches me something I knew nothing about. A great book also makes me say, "Yes, life is like that!".

What about you? What makes a book great?

WHAT I'M READING THIS WEEK: North of Beautiful (Justina Chen Headley)and Along for the Ride (Sarah Dessen)

Thursday, July 2, 2009

The Strangest Thing

Everyday I fire up my laptop, Bertie, eager to work on one of my novels and everyday I must battle the powerful force field that prevents me from opening my works-in-progress files. It's the strangest thing, I have no problem opening my e-mail, no problem checking out my favorite blogs, no problem reading the latest headlines. But when it comes time to click the button that opens the manuscript, I spend at least five minutes fighting to break through the invisible barrier.

Once I'm in, hours disappear faster than a package of Mint Milano cookies. With joy and satisfaction, I close the files, eager for the next writing session (and often scrambling to eat, get dressed, and make it to work without being more than fifteen minutes late).

Learning that other writers experience the same powerful force has brought me much comfort. Are there any writers out there who don't? I'd love to hear from you.

Now, it's time to break on through to the other side!

WHAT I'M READING THIS WEEK: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover (Ally Carter)