Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Me and my writing

Hi everyone,
First off, I'm sorry to have disappeared unexpectedly. I was at a (science) conference in Rhode Island last week, and though one would expect that wireless internet would be provided for the 70-something university professors that were there, it was not. Bygones.

After the conference, I had the chance to spend the weekend in New York to attend a wedding--the bride in a beautiful traditional wedding gown and the groom in a tuxedo and monkey cap. I also went to a Broadway play called "Red" about artist Mark Rothko, whom I've mentioned before.

Since I don't feel like I have a proper post today, I thought I'd briefly describe what I've been working on writing- and publishing-wise. In writing, I've been focusing mostly on my cannibal novella. Given that I was traveling last week, I ended up handwriting a dozen -or-so pages, and I'm quite pleased with them. I'd say I'm about 80% of the way through my first draft. I like it so far. I think I'm writing this one with the right amount of restraint and the right amount of showing. And, even though the situation is a bit extreme, I'm finding more opportunities to write about myself in this story than I have in the past, which is interesting and scary.

In publishing, I recently sent a partial of my novel Rooster to an agent who requested it several months ago. I hadn't been in the mood to deal with publishing for awhile, so I initially ignored the request. But, after a few months of "rest" I sent it out. After having been sick of this book for awhile, I finally did reread it, and I'm happy to say that I liked it more than I thought I would. Getting the manuscript ready for this latest mailing also forced me to do the last polishes on the book. Even if this agent doesn't want to represent it, I feel like it's finally ready to be published, so I'll be getting it out soon.


13 comments:

  1. Do you have any idea how intriguing the phrase "cannibal novella" is? I am insanely curious about this new work of yours...

    No internet access at a conference. Wow. There are no words. But glad you got away for awhile and enjoyed yourself. :-)

    Good luck with Rooster!

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  2. Reading your own work after being sick of it, and putting it away for an extended time, and liking it: that is priceless. So glad for you.

    It is very strange where we find we can write about ourselves, isn't it? Still, a cannibal? Hmmm. I hope you'll let me read it.

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  3. I like your news--making headway on the new one and liking the read of the older. That is satisfying. Sometimes I think we're too hard on ourselves, which creates it's own obstacles.

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  4. Davin, I'm so glad to hear you're happy with your work and putting it out there again. It's intimidating and scary not matter which level you're working on.

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  5. I've only read about 10 pages of the cannibal story, but I know that it's very cool. I also believe that someday "Rooster" will find a good home.

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  6. Congrats on getting your work out there!

    Now, what's with this novella thing? You. Michelle. Me. Is it contagious?

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  7. 70-something...those are some old professors. Probably aren't good with the Innerwebs anyhows.

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  8. I'm sorry the conference wasn't next week, I'll be in Rhode Island, we could have met face to face. Next time, let me know, I've got all my family there and could possibly fly up for a day or two if the timing was right.

    Congrats on Rooster getting a showing. I hope it goes well for you.

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  9. a cannibal novella that you are finding opportunities to put yourself into? now that has me curious...

    sometimes we need those forced internet breaks...glad you are feeling a bit refreshed after yours.

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  10. Jamie, I'm glad you're interested in the cannibal novella. My fear at the moment is that in my efforts to be subtle I've managed to write an entirely boring cannibal novella.

    Yat-Yee, thanks! I'd be honored if you ever wanted to read my cannibal story, or any of my stories for that matter. With putting myself into it, this has sort of become and inside joke for me. I put myself into it, and then I giggle when readers say how creepy the characters are.

    Tricia, a lot of people tell me I'm too hard on myself. It does feel nice to like something for a bit, even if it's only temporary!

    Michelle, thanks. I guess intimidating is the right word. For awhile the thought of publishing just left a bad taste in my mouth. You probably understand because I know you've been thinking a lot about this type of thing as well.

    Bru, thanks!

    Scott, I'm glad you liked what you've read of Bread. I'm liking it, and it has been interesting to handwrite some of it. I'm remembering that I handwrote several sections of Rooster in the beginning.

    Scott, the novella is the new black. What can I say? :) I've had my going for several years but just haven't managed to finish it. Too many cannibal associated nightmares.

    Rick, ha, I meant there were more than 70 professors there, not that they were all over 70. My fault. Writing clearly is hard!

    Anne! I would have loved to have gotten to meet you! That would be so cool! They have conferences there every year, so I'll try my best to remember that you are over there next time!

    Tess, it's a little weird that I give my own habits to the cannibal character and readers find them so odd. It really makes me question myself. Of course, I don't eat people. That often.

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  11. hahaha...good to have you back,Davin.

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  12. Fantastic life, isn't it, my friend? You like your first draft--awesome feeling. And cannibal/ Davin no less. COOL!

    And an agent request! On a book that you like more than you thought you would. And you know in your heart of hearts that it's ready for publication. Isn't it lovely?

    All this + a monkey cap on a groom. Who could ask for more? I'm happy for you. :)

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