I didn't think I could do it. I really didn't. When I first heard of it, I was surprised anyone would do it. And then a few years later, I suddenly decided I was going to write an entire novel in November of 2011. I wanted to write about a teenage girl facing an unplanned pregnancy. So I did. And it turned out... okay. Sure, it was very choppy, and so first drafty I couldn't even look at it for weeks afterwards. And I still haven't had the courage to revise it. But that's okay. Because I wrote the whole thing. And I loved doing to so much, I did it again in 2012.
And that one was awful. I wanted to write about a dystopic society that had reverted back to 1800s restrictions. But I also wanted to write a sci-fi novel. So it turned out to be sort of in between, and since I couldn't decide what I wanted it to be, it was ten times choppier than the first one. But I still loved the process. So, I did it for a third time a few months ago.
This time, it was awesome. It's been a long time since anything I wrote flowed that much. Yes, there were times when I got stuck, and there were things I didn't like about it. But I love the finished project. It's about a girl who goes into the Labyrinth to fight the Minotaur, but she's disguised as her brother. I went into it thinking it was going to be very much an action/thriller novel, but it so wasn't. It turned out to be much more about the characters, and their relationships with each other. And I love that book. I love, love, love it. I'm working on the sequel right now, and there characters are my babies. They really are.
Your first novel made me cry. And left me bursting with pride. (I know, I know, I'm your mother and I love everything you write, but still....) And, *you* inspired *me* to write a novel in a month last November and I love that book, too, even though it is choppy and awful, and not-very-well-thought out. But thank you. :) And let's get to work on those revisions.... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a cool premise, and it is fun to hear how passionate you are about what you do! Plus I LOVE the idea of you listening to music while you write! It reminds me of Rainbow Rowell, and how she released a playlist to accompany Eleanor and Park. I don't know if she actually listens to music while she writes, but music is definitely a big part of her story.
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