Writing is a very solitary act. It’s just you, a screen, and a keyboard. Or a page and a pen. Or a fetal position and a cocktail. Even if you do it in public (you exhibitionist, you), it’s still not exactly a cooperative effort.
WHAT I WISH WRITING A BOOK WERE LIKE
FADE IN
INT. HOME OFFICE – DAY
WOMAN
I’m going to do it. I’m going to write this novel.
Woman sits down at her desk, facing the camera. She sets a mug of coffee to the side and opens her laptop. She starts to type.
A year ago, on a chilly Saturday night, I started this blog with a Jerry-Maguire-style mission statement of a post. And the tens of onlookers met it with a rousing cheer of “oh, ok, sure, I guess!” And over the course of the year I was able to put up a whole SIX POSTS.*
National Novel Writing Month started today, and I’ve sort of half-assedly joined it.
Guys, Boston Book Festival is here. I finished reading The Heart Goes Last, in by far my speediest read-time this year, so I’m fully prepared for Margaret Atwood’s keynote session tonight. I have my dogeared, marked-up copy of A Handmaid’s Tale on me in case I get the opportunity to get it signed, but to be honest, I’m nervous. The last time I came face to face with a real live novelist, I sort of blew it. Let’s learn more!
Writer’s block happens to everyone, even amazing writers like me who find it super easy to write. Here are some things you can try when writer’s block is the only thing stopping you from getting a fourth post up on your blog, or whatever.
When I say “lovesick” I mean I’m sick on Valentine’s Day. If you think about it, it’s pretty romantic, because I caught the cold from my Valentine, my future-husband, who has been sick all week (awwwwww).
So, today, instead of working on my novel, I put together this lovesick playlist in tribute to my romantic cold.
An Open Letter To The Author Of The Book I Was Supposed To Read For Book Club
It’s the maiden voyage of my shiny new writing vessel. Let’s crack a bottle of Moët & Chandon on this bad boy and see if it’s seaworthy, shall we? Drinks for everyone!
Here’s the first thing I want to say: I am a writer.
And here’s the second thing: I am not a writer.
NOVEL EXCUSES 