"Three Days" emerges
April 15, 2010
The new book has a working title and is roaring to life. I felt that inexplicable joy of creation last night – of having a grasp of my characters and trusting that they will find their way in the world. They know what to do. And more – I’ve done something I’ve never done before, which is, I wrote most of the final chapter of the book. It’s finished. And I have the first chapter too. So, it’s also begun.
I crawled into the bath with the first few strung together pages of the book (including the beginning, and the ending) and got really excited. The sections that are already on the page are bursting with possibility. I found myself turning the pages over and adding on – fleshing out scenes, and making notes on where other scenes will be, could be, should be. Three Days is the working title. Trust me, it will change over time. But right now, Three Days is it. I know there are quagmires (quagmire — an awkward, complicated, or dangerous situation from which it is difficult to escape) coming. I can see them. I’ve already started to ponder the answers. Today was a good day of writing.
I’m having an awesome birthday. My daughter made me a French Press of coffee this morning, and my sister-in-law made egg and cheese bagel sandwiches for breaky! I met my wife for lunch at The Hundred and the food was excellent, the wine was fabulous, and the waitresses were all beautiful to look at. My waitress was too young. Completely inexperienced and not the sharpest knife in the rack – but I’ve never waited on tables so what the f—k do I know. I obviously knew exactly what I wanted and started to order but she insisted on telling me about the lunch special (because that’s what she was supposed to do). And how hard is it to remember I am drinking the Pinot, and my wife, the Merlot? It’s two freakin’ drinks!!! Doesn’t matter. I tipped well to encourage her to be better. Though, my tip may suggest that she is very good and have the opposite effect.
5 Comments
1. Paulette had this to say: Apr 15, 2010 ~ 17:16 ~ #
“Go with what brung you.”
Bonne fete ! If I get drunk as a lord tonight, it is in your name.
2. Rebecca @ The Book Lady's Blog had this to say: Apr 15, 2010 ~ 18:18 ~ #
Happy Birthday!
And so glad to hear the new book is coming along. You know I can’t wait to read it.
3. Tanya had this to say: Apr 17, 2010 ~ 11:28 ~ #
Happy Birthday! What a great day (even with the less-than-stellar waitress!) for you AND for your fans. Congratulations on the completion of your novel (I cannot wait to read it!)
4. thomas had this to say: Apr 19, 2010 ~ 10:04 ~ #
Tanya,
Wow, did I ever step up to the plate of bad writing and dig in…. I’m not finished the new book, not yet. It’s just that I’ve written the ending…which is a new thing for me. There is much woirk to do. But I anticipate a fine first draft by July.
Talk soon
Thomas