Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Back to Writing!

I have recently read two great books, worth noting here and one interesting but not so great and a bit disappointing.  My local library has been a wonderful support to new and local authors and have sponsored a few author book signings (one of which was mine).  I met the authors of these two great books at the library and purchased autographed copies. "The Charlestown Connection" by Tom MacDonald has interesting characters and holds your attention.  I believe this is his debut novel and he did a great job bringing you through the streets of Charlestown and Boston.  The second book, "Defending Jacob" by William Landay, his third novel, is gripping.  This novel is also situated in the Boston area.  "Defending Jacob" is on the NY Times Best Seller List.  Mr. Landay certainly earned that honor with this novel.  It is full of suspense and keeps you turning the pages.  I had a difficult time putting it down.  The third book I read was disappointing.  I won't mention the name or the author but she is a well known and accomplished writer.  The story was good, the writing wasn't and it surprised me.  Maybe after reading the other two books, I was spoiled by the new authors writing styles. 

I have discovered that I cannot read a book and write a book at the same time.  For whatever reason, my brain doesn't have enough room in it to be both creative in my writing and to have imagination in my reading.  So, I have to discipline myself and stop reading and get back to my writing!

In writing my sequel to Papa's Farm, I developed writer's block.  I never had that issue while writing my first novel.  I didn't believe that it really existed.  But, I "caught" it and am working through it.  Even though I had written a plan, chapter by chapter,  I couldn't get past Chapter 5.  I was lost in how I would end the book.   One night while trying to get into Chapter 6, the ending of the book "came" to me.  I wrote the last chapter!  I found my ending!  Oh, happy days!   So, it's back to writing for me.  No more reading.  I need all the creative and imagination areas of my brain to work on my novel! 

4 comments:

  1. Good luck writing! It's fascinating how differently people write. I can't write unless I am reading too! Reading helps me keep my perspective. Diversity is a blessing, right?

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    1. Thanks for dropping by Katie. I am going to stop in on your new blog. It is fascinating how each of our imaginations work so differently.

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  2. It's almost worth getting stuck, for the euphoria of getting going again, I find. Nice post, Elizabeth!

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  3. Thanks, Jackie for stopping by. I'm on my way to check out your blog too!

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