Making a Literary Life Friday: Moments
In the midst of all the summer heat and hurry (when did summer get hurried?), there have been so many aha! moments, on character, on purpose, on fate, on the whys of it all. We'd love to believe we notice these things because we are writers, that part of a literary life is how you look at life everyday!
Lisa
Simplicity, Framing, Contrast, Viewpoint, Balance. I've been doing research. I know very little about photography, but my main character becomes quite proficient during the course of my novel. I need to become educated and fast. I'm sharing a final (for now) draft of my YA novel with Amy, Hannah, and Lynne on Monday. It's a light at the end of the tunnel; feedback on the full work, feedback I need and value.
I'll be busy this weekend crossing t's, dotting i's, and checking that Tuesday doesn't suddenly turn into Monday halfway down the page, or that the protagonist's father doesn't close the front door three times within the same scene (I admit that happened in an earlier draft - ooops!) But the feedback I seek isn't grammatical, so much. It's character and story and setting and ....
Amy
Amy is away, but looks forward to sharing what she's discovered next week.
Hannah
I finished Matthew Pearl's The Dante Club this week. Wow and wow again. I know I mentioned it last week; it really is fabulous in terms of characters, history, as well as a gripping mystery. This should be required of anyone seeking to study Longfellow or Boston during his time, even if it is fiction. I need to lighten things up now; a few days away are coming on the calendar. I am off to the book store with a short list of books bandied about these posts and friends' blogs. Any that really stand out for any of you of late, that are (a) light and fun as well as (b) layered with interesting things to learn about some odd subject or the craft itself?
Lynne
It was publicity city here this week! Four and one half weeks to pub date and the interviews have begun. You can already listen to my first radio interview related to Negotiation Generation. Listen and let me know what you think!
As far as my novel goes, Lisa's post on character likability struck a chord with me and I was able to begin going through my latest draft softening a major character. Revision is a wonderful thing!
4 comments:
Lisa, I've been researching for my characters too. One is a musician and one is a research chemist and I don't/didn't know much about either, but learning about it from people who do has been fascinating. Hannah, Judy Merrill Larsen has a post today about a book that might be just what you're looking for -- It's called Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, by Laurie Viera Rigler and it sounds like a fun book.
Lynne, I'll definitely listen to your interview. It will be great to put a voice to the voice :)
Ah, late late late. I missed last Friday's post, we were in the Berkshires with no internet access.
So I had to come back to catch up,of course, and what do I see but kind words about Prime Time!
I tucked in a comment on the July 27th post, then realized--hey, maybe the gang won't see miss my thanks and gratitude.
Scroll back, if you have time. I'm so thrilled.
xoxo H
Lisa, what a fascinating character set-up. Sounds like you're on your way.
Hank, isn't it a terribly depressing thought to imagine your character will die without being introduced to the world, fearing no one will publish your book? But that didn't happen to Charlie McNally, oh no. A two-book deal and then another two-book deal!!! Now you can rest knowing the world loves Charlie, too. And I meant it, I want her as my bff.
Amy
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