tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post3149915323819429619..comments2023-11-05T05:14:46.231-06:00Comments on Not Afraid of the "F" Word: A Tale of Two NovelistsJudy Merrill Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675069484490433295noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-11489324014269616592007-07-01T20:43:00.000-05:002007-07-01T20:43:00.000-05:00Judy, this was a great exercise, don't you think?S...Judy, this was a great exercise, don't you think?<BR/><BR/>Some of what I read in my comments, and read here, is that some writers are fearful that creativity can/will be lost when one is writing under contract.<BR/><BR/>In my estimation, it's comes down to a matter of personal writing style/preference--and opportunity. The most important thing is to feel satisfied with wherever we are.<BR/><BR/>In my case, I've never needed great stretches of time to shape a story. The idea comes to me, and it's like catching a pass and running with it. I <I>feel</I> like I meander a lot--but then people hear how quickly I wrote and seem shocked!<BR/><BR/>So I say, look at Tish Cohen, for heaven's sake--a draft done in only two or three WEEKS!<BR/><BR/>Just like our stories, we are none of us the same. We have different ideas, different methods, different paths to forge. I wrote thoughtfully and without any idea of how well my story would be received...and will do the same again.<BR/><BR/>Glad your trip went well, and I hope you find July wonderful and productive!Therese Fowlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14947928823404887883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-36918414792366820452007-06-30T12:34:00.000-05:002007-06-30T12:34:00.000-05:00I think, for me, I really love the idea of a deadl...I think, for me, I really love the idea of a deadline now. Prior to being published, I was very internally motivated. I am now, still - but I also want to know there are other people, both readers and publishing people, wanting to know when I have the next one. To me, that means I've touched enough people with my previous books. That's important to me now, and a deadline is a tangible reminder.<BR/><BR/>But I also think it depends on the book. My sequel, which was a book I hadn't intended to write, was tough to write and having a real deadline, other people involved, was a big reason. So getting a contract for a book you hadn't planned - that's tough. Having a deadline and other people eagerly anticipating a book you have planned and dreamed of writing - that can be a good thing, at least for me. <BR/><BR/>And happy anniversary!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-66121501250396503942007-06-28T03:30:00.000-05:002007-06-28T03:30:00.000-05:00I love the image of writing on the front porch.......I love the image of writing on the front porch.......it's been very helpful read both yours and Therese's paths. Thanks for sharing.<BR/><BR/>Pleased you had a wonderful break :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02744937536946299450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-69175357821653932332007-06-26T14:42:00.000-05:002007-06-26T14:42:00.000-05:00Kat, Thanks for popping over from our google group...Kat, Thanks for popping over from our google group. Remember, we were all unpublished once!Judy Merrill Larsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06675069484490433295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-44030849727095467772007-06-26T10:28:00.000-05:002007-06-26T10:28:00.000-05:00I am asked, "Has your novel been published yet?" O...I am asked, "Has your novel been published yet?" Oh, how I hate that question *laughing* <BR/><BR/>So happy when I hear a writer who has "made it" -- yeeehaw!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-65264463357381722572007-06-26T08:37:00.000-05:002007-06-26T08:37:00.000-05:00Thanks for everyone's Happy Anniversary wishes. W...Thanks for everyone's Happy Anniversary wishes. We had a great time, but had to come back to reality too soon. We've already vowed that next time, more hours away!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for stopping by, JJ. Good to be "racing" with you!<BR/><BR/>Hey Kristy, Of course your pages will be good enough. Can't wait when we can both celebrate on August 1!<BR/><BR/>Orion/Patty--Good to have you stopping by. I do know how lucky I am/was. And your questions about where to start and what to polish are good ones. Wish I had the answers.<BR/><BR/>Patry--That "community" of writers is so wonderful isn't it. Writing can seem so solitary (and sometimes that solitude is just what I need), but it's so nice to know I'm not alone in the toiling. What did writers do before blogs and e-mail?<BR/><BR/>Larramie--Thanks always for stopping by and your philosphy--now, back to my porch!<BR/><BR/>Lisa--The idea was percolating for awhile--just as now I'm already thinking (very generally) about what I might want to do on the next book. Sometimes, getting excited about what I'll get to write next propels my current writing. Let's hope so!<BR/><BR/>Reality--Thanks for stopping by!<BR/><BR/>Amy--I admit, I'd love to know what it's like to write for a contract sometime, especially given Therese's point about having an editor working with you the whole time you're writing. That's attractive! But, for now, I'm reveling in this particular journey.Judy Merrill Larsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06675069484490433295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-50803886407007764252007-06-25T17:37:00.000-05:002007-06-25T17:37:00.000-05:00I'm with Amy. I work under time constraints all th...I'm with Amy. I work under time constraints all the time with my job, but I always know exactly what I need to do. I'm afraid I wouldn't do so well being creative with a deadline. I should have such problems!Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-41813988853083948962007-06-25T16:36:00.000-05:002007-06-25T16:36:00.000-05:00Yes, happy anniversary! Having read Therese's pos...Yes, happy anniversary! Having read Therese's post and now yours, I must admit your path would appear more appealing to me. I tend to stroll, stopping to investigate whatever appeals to my curiousity along the way. Though for years, I was a reporter writing on deadline, I always knew the beginning, middle, and end of the story, all of the characters and what they said. With fiction, I wonder if I could write on a schedule. Very interesting, Judy.<BR/><BR/>AmyLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-37811360634557242762007-06-25T00:27:00.000-05:002007-06-25T00:27:00.000-05:00Happy Anniversary,Fun reading your and Therese's c...Happy Anniversary,<BR/>Fun reading your and Therese's comments. Pros and cons both ways. I wouldn't know which way to sit if I were offered a multi book deal. <BR/>Enjoy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-2625055096106866372007-06-24T23:21:00.000-05:002007-06-24T23:21:00.000-05:00First, Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful brea...First, Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful break and second, thank you so much for sharing your story. I am glad to hear you mention being an artist first. Sometimes when I read posts from people with book deals, so much comes down to the nuts and bolts of business that the creativity and the art seem to get a little lost in the shuffle and I'm not so naive as to believe it isn't necessary. But first, it has to be about the art, doesn't it? After reading both your post and Therese's, I'd have to say that both situations have their pros and cons. I am so impressed at the progress you've made on your WIP. My big question is, did you know what you were going to write for your second book as soon as All The Numbers was picked up, or did it take you a while to develop your next story idea, plot it, etc.? Thanks again and have fun!Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-89778470206545521402007-06-24T21:59:00.000-05:002007-06-24T21:59:00.000-05:00You belong on your front porch, Judy, where you ca...You belong on your front porch, Judy, where you can visit with and write about your characters. And, whenever the book is published, we'll be treated to a tale of genuine warmth and truth.<BR/><BR/>Until then...Happy Anniversary!Larramiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14788910637361812265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-33744336635254139382007-06-24T21:16:00.000-05:002007-06-24T21:16:00.000-05:00Writing can be so lonely--especially when you're ...Writing can be so lonely--especially when you're working on a second book without a contract. How wonderful and consoling and just plain companionable it is to think of you piling up pages, and coaxing your characters out just like I am. Tonight the writing life feels a little less solitary.<BR/><BR/>Great post.Patry Francishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10961915797919017179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-47032225230539066952007-06-24T17:40:00.000-05:002007-06-24T17:40:00.000-05:00Such an interesting outlook on the next stage of w...Such an interesting outlook on the next stage of writing. All of you were fortunate to sell your first book -- I have other manuscripts that I am picking up and dusting off.<BR/>Trying to pick which one.<BR/>At what point to start next.<BR/>How to edit and where to polish...<BR/>Or start completely over?ORIONhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01534064935115027523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-35268357872600913452007-06-24T14:18:00.000-05:002007-06-24T14:18:00.000-05:00HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! Have a great time :DAnd I love...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! Have a great time :D<BR/><BR/>And I loved your post. As you well know, I'm there too, and I have the same self-imposed deadline, and it IS different. But I'm rolling with it. ANd I'm even finding that maybe this is a good way for me to write, God knows I am piling p the pages. Will they be good enough? We'll see. I'll keep you posted, and look forward to you doing the same.Kristy Kiernanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17199421605225317988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117689460622632628.post-19794057152157021712007-06-24T10:33:00.000-05:002007-06-24T10:33:00.000-05:00I'm a bit behind with things because I've just got...I'm a bit behind with things because I've just got back from the UK, but I wanted to drop by and say hello.<BR/>I've been loving your stories and philosophies on writing - that's what's so great about the novel racers - all levels of writing, ideas and experience.<BR/>Best wishes<BR/>JJxJenny Beattiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00640209636605410939noreply@blogger.com