Just pre-ordered the book. The very beginning of your description reminds of a family story from two generations ago. I think it was in the 1940s and my relative got engaged to a man who was already married! There were monogrammed linens with their initials. When I was a little girl in the 1960s, I would ask about the initials and the grown ups would shush me. I think I learned the real story in my 50s!
Thank you! The first draft I want to say was 160k and I had to cut to 140k. It helped that it was year 1 of the pandemic and I really wasn't going out at all.
Oh man, a real DN fan! I love it. I kind of want to push that book into being again. I wrote it in my 20s, published it, then left it behind. But I like it, haha, and I don't think it's half-bad!
"You have to, first and foremost, write for yourself—not for friends, lovers, or the marketplace"
There was a famous writer (I forget who exactly) who said that he was really writing for about 12 people. That was the audience of his ideal readers.
If you're doing litfic, you're really writing for a niche audience. You might get very lucky and expand your readership outside of that. But it starts with the niche, with those 12 (or however many) ideal readers.
Yes, do it! And Birthday is great, by the way. I've got it on my record player right now. How do you feel about Van Dyke Parks' Song Cycle? I just ordered the LP from Japan, since it seems like it's not really in the US anymore.
I love 'Song Cycle' - it took a while to get into it but it may be the ultimate late-sixties Calfornia studio record. Cost tons to make but worth very penny.
Congratulations on finishing your novel. The most difficult work in writing a novel or a story or a long essay is the many alone hours you have to fall into.....not checking into the present happenings...the hard work of sitting down and doing it. I am in awe of all those who can do it......I can't ...... yet. Proud of you.....
Loved this article on so many levels!
"Treat it like the child destined to outlive you." - this so fits my perspective!
thank you, I appreciate that!
Thanks for the mention!
PS - very much looking forward to seeing Glass Century make a splash later this year. The timing feels very right on a deeply intuitive level.
Just pre-ordered the book. The very beginning of your description reminds of a family story from two generations ago. I think it was in the 1940s and my relative got engaged to a man who was already married! There were monogrammed linens with their initials. When I was a little girl in the 1960s, I would ask about the initials and the grown ups would shush me. I think I learned the real story in my 50s!
That's an amazing story, wow. And thank you for pre-ordering!
482 pages in 9 months is pretty impressive. What is it, roughly, 15-16k clean words a month? Congrats on publishing.
Thank you! The first draft I want to say was 160k and I had to cut to 140k. It helped that it was year 1 of the pandemic and I really wasn't going out at all.
Here to recommend "Demolition Night" to everyone! It remains one of Ross's best works, and I still think about it.
Oh man, a real DN fan! I love it. I kind of want to push that book into being again. I wrote it in my 20s, published it, then left it behind. But I like it, haha, and I don't think it's half-bad!
Ross Barkan says some interesting things about how he writes. And I pre-ordered Glass Century!
thank you for ordering!
"You have to, first and foremost, write for yourself—not for friends, lovers, or the marketplace"
There was a famous writer (I forget who exactly) who said that he was really writing for about 12 people. That was the audience of his ideal readers.
If you're doing litfic, you're really writing for a niche audience. You might get very lucky and expand your readership outside of that. But it starts with the niche, with those 12 (or however many) ideal readers.
Enjoyed this very much. I've had an idea for a novel long gestating - perhaps the New Year will finally get me to put it down on paper.
Yes, do it! And Birthday is great, by the way. I've got it on my record player right now. How do you feel about Van Dyke Parks' Song Cycle? I just ordered the LP from Japan, since it seems like it's not really in the US anymore.
Oh good - glad you like it.
I love 'Song Cycle' - it took a while to get into it but it may be the ultimate late-sixties Calfornia studio record. Cost tons to make but worth very penny.
Congratulations on finishing your novel. The most difficult work in writing a novel or a story or a long essay is the many alone hours you have to fall into.....not checking into the present happenings...the hard work of sitting down and doing it. I am in awe of all those who can do it......I can't ...... yet. Proud of you.....
Notification on Christmas Eve? Unsubscribed.
Sorry, I'm a Jew and a workaholic. Enjoy!
I knew without knowing. It’s not religious. It’s Christmas.
And it's my newsletter!!