“I am an all or nothing person.” So says Danny King, the protagonist of my novel, That Changes Everything, and so says I. Has it really been a month since I’ve written a blog?
I’ve been writing! A lot. I finished the first draft of my novel, all 73,000 words, and for about two days I was so excited and happy with it. Then, like the devil perched on my left shoulder, whispers of doubt invaded my head. What about this scene? What about that scene? Is this character entirely believable? Totally sincere? So even before I print off copies or send out query letters, I’m back to writing, and writing, and writing. And reading.
A wise young man I know, also a writer, has an ongoing debate, with himself or anyone whom he can engage: Is it better for a writer to read other great writers, or is it better for the writer in question to just get out there and live life, then write their own story in their own voice? Ooh, good question.
The answer has many arguments, but like nature vs. nurture, I absolutely think it should be a combination. No great stance, or position there, I realize, but how could one argue differently?
Off to read and write, not necessarily in that order.
Best wishes, Karolyn
