Sunday Smatterings
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Happy Sunday!
Most of you who read know my love of my friend Laura Benedict, who is in turns confidant, critique partner, shopping companion, and fierce friend. When things are going south, or going north, I call.
Earlier this week, when I was complaining, as I am wont to do, about my latest story, how it simply won’t behave, this is what she texted me.
“Very few easy things turn out to be extraordinary.” ~Laura Benedict
Isn’t this the most inspirational quote? It applies to every endeavor in life, creative or otherwise. Painting walls isn’t easy, but if done correctly, the results are extraordinary, just like the 100,000-word slog that is writing a novel.
But as profound as this quote is, it didn’t magically fix everything. (unfair) The story continued to give me heck from all quarters. Why? Why? What is wrong with the damn thing?
I reached out to another brilliant, dear writer friend, Ariel Lawhon, explaining the issues I was having. She reminded me that every story has a shape. “What do you see when you think of the story?” she asked.
This is what I saw:
Yep. Utter and complete chaos.
OK. As weird as it sounds, talking it through with Ariel, that “shape” sparked something for me. As we dug deeper, what we discover in that chaos was a maelstrom — a giant whirlpool of currents fighting against one another, reversing course, and swirling into a funnel. You can almost see it if you imagine that insane scribbling in 3-D.
An actual shape emerged. And the story broke free, as happens when you figure out some intrinsic truths about it.
I share this not to complain that I’m stuck, or that I can’t figure out what’s wrong. I share this because I truly feel healthy writing doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Surrounding yourself with the kind of people who will drop everything and help you break it down is a blessing in this life, one an artist can’t live without.
These relationships must be cultivated, carefully tended, fertilized, and given the exact right amount of sunlight to thrive. They aren’t easy to find, but when you do find them, they are worth their weight in gold. They are not always easy, but when handled with care, they are extraordinary.
Also, if your story isn’t working for you, thinking about it terms of shape can help tremendously.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, I’m doing NaNoWriMo this month. I’m a bit behind, but I’m already feeling the freeodm that comes with stowing the critical voice and just writing for the sake of telling a story. Such fun.
And with that, on to the links!
THE LATEST ON THE INTERNET:
The most anticipated books of 2020. I want every single one of these — the list is only missing Ariel Lawhon's CODE NAME HÉLÈNE, but luckily I've snagged a galley, and can’t wait to read it!
How to Choose a Writing Instrument and What It Says About You. A little humor for your day. And yes, I am a fountain pen. Bring me your epigraphs!
'A bit emotional,' Margaret Atwood receives rare honour from Queen Elizabeth. How wonderful! Congrats to Margaret Atwood. I interviewed her for AWOW season one (from a jail cell) and have always been a devotée.
Why I Always Visit Cemeteries While Traveling. I do this. It’s remarkable. There are some excellent cemeteries out there in the world to visit, too. Personal faves: Père Lachaise, Greyfriars, Saint Louis, Monmarte, Arlington.
A Piece of Advice I Wish I’d Included in My Book. Interesting technique from Cal Newport. I’m reading Digital Minimalism right now, actually.
50 Fictional Librarians, Ranked. Do you agree with their ranking?
An Imitation of Imperfection: A History of Deckle Edges. This was really interesting! In my opinion, there is nothing better than a book with deckled edges.
I had a wonderful time discussing TEAR ME APART with Brenda Novak's Book Group on Monday. Here's our conversation!
‘The Writer’s Map: An Atlas of Imaginary Lands’ by Huw Lewis-Jones. The perfect holiday gift for your book lover. Hint, hint.
Productivity Lagging? Here’s How To Avoid Self-Sabotage. “We must pay better attention to our attention.” Such a great observation, and great advice follows.
WHAT I’M READING:
NINTH HOUSE by Leigh Bardugo
Sigh. The evening after I finished Leigh Bardugo’s incredible novel, I sat down to read a new book and experienced an actual moment of grief that I was done with this one. What a brilliant world Bardugo has created. Smart, intricate, fearlessly crafted, this is an intellectual fantasy/horror novel that cements Bardugo firmly in the annals of the best storytellers of this generation. Immediately shoots into my top 3 books of 2019. Just incredible. 🐍👻🖤
What are you reading?
That’s it from me. I hope your November — the month of chill and gratitude — is off to a great start. Reach out to your best friend and thank them for being there for you, rake up some of your neighbor’s leaves when you do your own, give the leftover Halloween candy to the little library down the street, and I’ll see you next week!
Peace and hugs,
J.T.
