9 Comments
Aug 18, 2022Liked by Jami Attenberg

“Turn it upside down!” Yes, absolutely. Right there, right now. Novel-in-progress in full headstand. It’s amazing the lose change that falls from pockets, the way a blouse rides down, hemline brushing the main character’s chin, her hair splayed on the floor. So much uncovered and revealed. Thanks, Jami! Happy Thursday!

Expand full comment
Aug 19, 2022Liked by Jami Attenberg

“It needs tending to, though; even if I can get it to the next place, the end of this draft, it will need so much more work, layers of rich details, connecting of all the dots. I need time and perspective. I need to gaze at it from multiple directions.”

This is where I am. The book is written but needs polishing, brightening, dot connecting for interest and for integrity. I’m living the process. Thank you, Jami, for your inspiration!

Expand full comment
Aug 18, 2022Liked by Jami Attenberg

“All the things that need to be written, they will be written…”

This morning I slept late—unintentionally late. But in that “liminal state between sleep and wake,” one of my book’s characters appeared in a short dream-scene in which apologized to her, telling her that I finally understood how hard she had worked all her life.

Not sure if this insight will end up in the book…it might. Who knows? I’m beginning to feel as though my characters are in control of the story, and not me. I love that that’s happening.

Thank you for these craft-talks, Jami.

Expand full comment
Aug 18, 2022Liked by Jami Attenberg

As always, moments of pure gold in the Craft Talk. “How I feel about my book is that it’s mine, it’s wholly mine….” —that is a phase to relish. And turning the book upside down: I cannot WAIT to do this!

Expand full comment
Aug 18, 2022Liked by Jami Attenberg

I will do that today! Thank you! Day before yesterday, I had such a "bad"writing day; yesterday, I had a "good"one. So I think now is a perfect time to consider my "feelings" b/c they are clearly evaluative & full of "how'm I doing". The book probably deserves better--maybe I do, too. Your ability to come up with just the right thinking/writing tool is supernatural--did you get those skills in the mysteries of NOLA?

Expand full comment
Aug 18, 2022Liked by Jami Attenberg

Thanks Jami for giving me the prompt I need today as I Re-enter my novel after a short break. I needed to getaway and rest, now I’m back and anxious to begin again. Today I miss my novel in progress so much I’ll drop everything to return to the page.

Expand full comment

And, after some writing & reflecting, I will say that I have faith in, I feel faithful towards, this book I am, have been, writing. And I have time to be with it right now--write now--and try to find, & give it, what it needs to grow. Thanks again for this way in, Jamie!

Expand full comment