Sandra Gulland's Blog, page 46

Charting the writing process

..I love this chart on the writing process, posted by Sarah Eve Kelly on Twitter:

Right now, I'm making the editorial changes I scribbled onto the 1st draft a few weeks ago. It's a tedious mechanical process, but it suits me right now: lots to do, lots coming up, a persistent cold (life!).

Books: Miss you already

..I'm already feeling nostalgic about books, now that the ebook is so fully upon us. When reading, I often pause, and regard the book itself: the lovely ragged edges, the cover, the author photo. I love a book-lined room, love glancing over the books on my shelves, reveling in the memories that the books evoke. I love book clutter. And now I'm loving all this even more, with advance-longing against a time when all this might change.

Consider all the social aspects that have to do with books! ...

Dear Reader: a letter

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I've been organizing my computer files, and in the process found a letter I sent to the two book clubs that critiqued the "final" draft of The Last Great Dance on Earth. I was surprised to learn that I cut 100 pages from Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe after a book club critique.

That's a lot, but it seems to be what I do. I cut so much from The Last Great Dance on Earth I sent it back to my publisher in a larger type size, hoping my editor wouldn't notice. I cut quite a bit from Mistress of ...

On figuring out characters: What's Wig-Girl doing here?!

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My husband and I have been at the beach for a week. Every morning I have been reading and editing the first draft of The Next Novel. Some days I was pleased, other days the verdict was more "Hummm." The last pages, which I read yesterday, made me shed a few tears (always a good sign). All in all, I think it's a good first draft, and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and dig in.

There is one character (Wig-Girl) who puzzles me, an invented character I haven't figured out yet. (Most of the othe...

How to promote your book (without giving up writing)

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Stephanie Cowell, a wonderful novelist (click here to see her titles), wrote to me this morning:

I keep up my website and blog there, keep up my art web site, keep up my Amazon page, twitter, Facebook, reconstructing mailing list (!), answering many lovely e-mails….  What else do you do? I am afraid if I try much more I will not be able to submit my next book for hopefully a contract late winter. I'd appreciate advice. I also have not scheduled many in person signings. This is all so much...

Letters from readers

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The New Year has been a bit challenging so far, but my angels must be looking over me because I've been getting some of the most moving emails and comments from readers. I quote snippets from two of the emails here (without names):

 I am 12 years old. When I was 11, I read your Josephine Bonaparte series, and it changed my life.

I devour your writing and I am sad when I finish one of your books. I need more! ... Thank you for sharing your gift.

Humbly, I thank you. So much! A writer works in...

Editing sings the blues

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For writers in the throes of revision, this is a wonderful You Tube author video.

(Thanks to the Twitter suggestion of writer Ami McKay.)

On rust and viral attacks, virtual and otherwise

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It's amazing how quickly writing gears rust: over-night! I've been on holiday, sick (for weeks!), dealing with serious computer problems, and now only gradually emerging out of the I-will-never-be-able-to-write-again-despair that so quickly sets in.

I begin by making visible piles: the manuscript to be read, the untouched notebook in which to record daily progress, files of notes, my favorite pencils.

I also begin by getting things fixed: me, first (yet a work in progress). My computer glasse...

Jane Austen: "I must keep to my own style"

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This is a charming letter, written by Jane Austen, April 1, 1816:

You are very, very kind in your hints as to the sort of Composition which might recommend me at present, & I am fully sensible than an Historical Romance, founded on the House of Saxe Coburg might be much more to the purpose of Profit or Popularity, than such pictures of domestic Life in Country Villages as I deal in--but I could no more write a Romance than an Epic Poem.--I could not sit seriously down to write a serious...

Renewal

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I've been absent, both on holiday and down with a nasty cold. (Don't feel too sorry for me: I'm in Buenos Aires, after all.) I'm just going to post some blog links.

First, I'm honored that Mistress of the Sun was included in Margaret Donsbach's top historical fiction of 2009 list: click here . Margaret is both a demanding reader and perceptive reviewer.

I've been enjoying reading Margaret Atwood's blog. Her "Fifteen Book Tour Packing Tips" has excellent advice — not surprising considering...