Opening up…
There is a strange quiet space right now in my head. And I’m not sure how best to fill it.  I’ve handed in PENNY DREADFUL and (domestically speaking) our lives are kind of… (is it possible?) sane.
So the obvious next thing to do is to sit down and begin work on a new book, but I’m a little scared. I’ve decided NOT to sell the next book on proposal. I want to write it first. I want all the time in the world to get it right, before showing it to anyone. And sitting down to begin feels like it might be the first step of a very long journey.
See–here’s the thing: all three books I’ve written so far have been almost fully invented, from my ‘magination, or rooted in other, older books. But this, this new book, this book I’ve taken to calling, “The magical divorce book about seagulls” is, to some degree, my own story.
Unless it changes dramatically (it could! They usually do!) from what’s in my head, this book will be about an 11 year old girl who moves, after a divorce. It will be about being an older sister, and about missing your father, and blaming your mom. It will be about magic, and matter. It will NOT be (obviously) autobiographical, but it will draw on my own childhood experience in Baltimore. Which is something I’ve been afraid to do, until now. It may be in first person.
Also, it will likely be a terrible mess.
There is a magical breadbox in it.
Yes, a magical breadbox. And seagulls, lots of seagulls.
God help me.
<bites fingernails and buries head in hands>
August 29th, 2009 at 9:26 am
If your new book is as well-written as your others – and as your blog – then you have nothing to fear. Perhaps you don’t really need this reminder but it’s been a good thought for me to often revisit: “It’s more important to get over the starting line than to think about crossing the finish line.”
August 29th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I agree with Diane, nothing to fear. And the idea of the reality is always much bigger than the actual reality.
“If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.”
(Margaret Atwood)
PS Love your blog!
August 29th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Yes for new projects! That breadbox photos is beautiful
August 30th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Sounds beautiful. I wish you the best of luck, though with your track record and ability to write you don’t need the luck at all. I look forward to reading about your progress.
September 6th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
That sounds really lovely. Go for it.
September 6th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
OK, I officially want to read “the magical divorce book about seagulls.” Please write it!
September 21st, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Can’t decide which I like better, the name Penny Dreadful or the idea of a magic breadbox!