Ask the Author: Cathy Carr

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Just curious as to how many drafts/how long it took to write your novel? I am working on a debut middle-grade novel and after 23 drafts and seven years, I'm setting it aside hoping to get back the initial passion I had for the project. Any advice for keeping going when you just can't see the finish line? I loved, LOVED your novel 365 Days to Alaska and can't wait to see what you come up with next. Happy writing.

Cathy Carr Hi Courtenay! How great that you're working on a novel. I rewrote 365 DAYS TO ALASKA at least 14 times, and my earliest drafts date from 2014. From start to finish it was a real haul. But when you're writing a lengthy piece of fiction in a new genre, sometimes it does take that long. I think you're smart to be taking a break if you've gotten frustrated. Maybe switch over and work on another project for a bit. As for what keeps us going--that can be a real mystery. I always think of Olivia Harrison's advice on how to stay married. She famously said, "Don't get divorced." Just don't give up. Keep trying, keep working. Writing is not a pastime where we always get a lot of external validation. Most of us have to have our own reasons for doing it, even when we can't articulate them easily. I hope this helps a little, and thanks for your good words about 365 DAYS.

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