The New York Times arrived soaking wet a couple of weeks ago and I called too late to request a replacement. Not wanting to go out in the pouring rain for another copy, I pulled out the laundry drying rack and carefully hung my favorite sections up to dry. It took all day but the essay, Why Do Writers Abandon Novels by Dan Kois, on the last page of the Book Review was worth the wait.
Kois interviwed successful authors about books they've abandoned - pages that never would and in the author's opinion, never should see the light of day. The reasons vary but the outcome is the same - countless hours and words wasted. Or, maybe not. Writing, like any great profession is a practice, right? Every author interviewed went on to another successful project. A few even found a way to repurpose the abandonded material into another novel years later.
Something to think about when I wonder if the novel I'm writing is worth anyone's time and energy. If it sells it was worth it, if it doesn't then it was great practice and a head start on my next novel. Either way it's a win-win.
Never! I'm in it, on it, around it and through it until published!
Posted by: Donna | 03/23/2011 at 11:31 AM
Don't you dare abandon Provenance.
Posted by: Kelly Hand | 03/19/2011 at 11:52 PM