A couple of inspirational links for writers this morning, whether published or determined-to-be.
Junot Diaz details his difficult years behind what would become a Pulitzer winner:
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Junot-Diaz-Talks-About-What-Made-Him-Become-a-Writer
Literary couple Alice Sebold and Glen David Gold discuss the fear of success:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2utVLR-JxQw
In case you're wondering why I find inspiration in these -- I've been working on this one very special book for three years, averaging a chapter a year. They are the best three chapters I've written in my life, ones I can truly reread and say "I've struck gold"; yet striking that gold has been more akin to panning for it a flake at a time. Maybe I'll knock out the remaining twenty chapters in another two decades. Yes, it involves gay romance; no, it probably wouldn't be considered M/M, although it's certainly informed by my work in that genre. I'll probably post about it again in another year or two, after I've finished chapter four...
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing those links! I've read Junot Diaz's book, so it was really interesting to read about his (5-year) dark night soul centered on it!
As for your book, I hope we'll one day get to read it! Even if it's not m/m, it could definitely find its place in mainstream literary fiction. Definitely keep it coming since it's you writing at the top of your game. :)
Val ~
Diaz's story is quite the inspiration. I also look at David Guterson, who spent 10 years writing Snow Falling on Cedars during his mornings before work.
And thanks for the encouragement. I hope to one day devote the time needed to finish "The Book". (Funny, I used to think my first novel was "The Book", but no, it turns out to be this other one...)
I did not know that about Snow Falling on Cedars! Now, I feel like I should at least read it. :)
ACK, it just occurred to me what books Sebold and Gold have written! I own, have read, and loved Carter Beats the Devil, and of course have heard of The Lovely Bones (not read it, though). No wonder the names sounded familiar!
Diaz's story reminds me a tad of John Kennedy Toole, but with a considerably happier ending.
How wonderful that you believe your best work is in progress and will some day see the light of day! I've given up that dream. I think the death blow was struck when Acts of the Saints tanked. (And now, adding insult to injury, Samhain has put me on their "inactive authors" list, which means any future submissions from me are automatically consigned to the slush pile.)
Keep at it, kiddo. I hope you soar!
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