Tell me a story and then I’ll go to bed
I finished “Perfect Day” this weekend. Less than eight thousand words and it took about a year to do, so it’s not exactly heralding the end of my burn-out (nor my sabbatical), but it is reassuring to know that I can still produce if and when I need to.
More reassuring was my enjoyment in the writing process. I worked on it when I felt like it -- mostly this month -- and when I didn’t feel like writing, I didn’t. I realized again how much I love the work. It’s almost like a drug…that feeling of sinking into an imaginary world, losing yourself for a time as the concerns and cares of these made-up characters supersede your own.
But it’s such a simple story. Really…not much happens in it at all. I like it, but is it going to be enough for readers? Because, yes, I do write for myself -- I think all writers write for themselves to some extent -- but I publish for others. The act of publishing equals the desire to share.
In this case, the narrative takes place over a matter of hours. It’s mostly reflection and dialog. It’s just a story about two guys who seem to have reached the end of their relationship. I enjoy exploring characters and relationship dynamics, and believe it or not, I don’t always need a gun battle or a high body count to do it. There is a plot and there is conflict and there is resolution. So, yes, technically this is a complete story.
But it started me thinking about what a story is. What do we expect from stories? What do we want from them?
I know it varies from genre to genre and individual to individual. I’m mostly thinking aloud here, not really expecting a definitive answer. But really why do we read? What do we look for when we turn to fiction? When does it most satisfy us?
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How wonderful. I like the stories where you explore other facets of romance and relationships than just the "falling in love part". It's like you letting us catch a glimpse of those beautiful literary wings you have.
Great news about the publication. I hadn't realized it might be so soon!I like when I'm so completely lost in a story that when I finish it it takes a while to reconnect to the real world and to know what part of the day it is or which day of the week.
Recently I finished The Starving Years and it really took me some seconds to remember that it wasn't dangerous to go outside of my home (no riots around).
Your photo and words convey such joy in victory, as well as humble appreciation. Pretty awesome Josh, congratulations!
Josh, this is terrific, especially how the process was. See, the well has not run dry! Now, keep sabbaticalling!Your last question is a profound one...let me think on it.
But in the meantime, congratulations!
Congrats! Josh wrote: I realized again how much I love the work. It’s almost like a drug…that feeling of sinking into an imaginary world, losing yourself for a time as the concerns and cares of these made-up characters supersede your own.
And this is why I read. :)
I read to escape. That's the same reason I write, actually...
Josh wrote: "But it’s such a simple story. Really…not much happens in it at all."That sounds like a perfect story (and a perfect day *grin*) for me when I know you've written it. :)
And really, your description of why you love to write is exactly the definition why I love to read. So now you know why you are making your readers so happy. :) And I'm glad to hear that you had fun writing this one.
Antonella wrote: "Great news about the publication. I hadn't realized it might be so soon!..."
The cover was done months ago and I thought I'd shave some time off and hire my regular LI editor to give it a once over, so that did speed the process.
Vivian wrote: "How wonderful. I like the stories where you explore other facets of romance and relationships than just the "falling in love part". It's like you letting us catch a glimpse of those beautiful lit..."Yes! That's exactly it. I find the dynamics of falling in love less interesting that the work that goes into building a relationship that lasts.
Antonella wrote: "I like when I'm so completely lost in a story that when I finish it it takes a while to reconnect to the real world and to know what part of the day it is or which day of the week. ..."
It's funny because this is one of the best parts about writing. Actually writing is very similar to reading in a lot of ways -- at least in the ways that makes is emotionally satisfying.
Syfy wrote: "Your photo and words convey such joy in victory, as well as humble appreciation. Pretty awesome Josh, congratulations!"Thanks, Syfy! I do feel happy about this.
mc wrote: "Your last question is a profound one...let me think on it.
..."
I think it is in a way because what we get from satisfying stories doesn't necessarily have to do with length or complexity. Sometimes a simple short story can be very satisfying.
I don't know that this one is, but of course I hope so!
Kristin wrote: "And this is why I read. :) Congrats!
..."
Thanks, Kristin.
I think what is interesting is why we do have this desire to see inside other people's lives and worlds.
Maybe this is where we are most different from other species?
Anne wrote: "I read to escape. That's the same reason I write, actually..."I think that's probably true for a lot of us.
Or to make sense of the world around us?
Johanna wrote: "And really, your description of why you love to write is exactly the definition why I love to read. So now you know why you are making your readers so happy. :) And I'm glad to hear that you had fun writing this one. ..."
I did. I think it helped that I stopped every time I started to feel pressure or anxiety. I kept reminding myself that there was no need to finish at all. And I let days go between writing sessions.
Josh wrote: "Or to make sense of the world around us?"This. Definitely, Josh. Fiction writing is a way to make sense of the world without (for me at least) having to map it all out and put it in it's place. I write (and read, sometimes, but that's rarer) and things fall into place. I can't always explain what but I feel more settled when I'm done.
Well, a while after I'm done, actually...
Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "I read to escape. That's the same reason I write, actually..."I think that's probably true for a lot of us.
Or to make sense of the world around us?"
Okay, I have to say more. For me,
Until We Meet Once More was that kind of story. It's not the only one of yours, but it's the one I most consistently turn to. I feel like it's a sort of romance-writing touchstone in my world. I remember why I write what I do, and what it does for me to write those things when I read this.
ETA: I hope that made sense...
Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "I read to escape. That's the same reason I write, actually..."I think that's probably true for a lot of us.
Or to make sense of the world around us?"
Okay, I have to s..."
Thank you, Anne. I'm proud to have written a story that triggers that kind of response.
Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "I read to escape. That's the same reason I write, actually..."I think that's probably true for a lot of us.
Or to make sense of the world around us?"
Okay..."
I'm just glad you wrote it. :-D
I love the feeling of "couldn't wait to get back to read the book" - it's not unsimilar to being in love... :-)Wonderful news about A Perfect Day, I expect it to be a perfect little story.
Yay! I'd like to be more eloquent, but yay! :)
Anne wrote: "I'm just glad you wrote it. :-D ..."
Thank you!
thelastaerie wrote: "Wonderful news about A Perfect Day, I expect it to be a perfect little story. "
Gulp.
Well, it'll be as perfect as I can make it given where I am in this time and place creatively. How's that for waffles for breakfast. :-D
Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Yay! I'd like to be more eloquent, but yay! :)":-D
That works for me.
I'm so excited! Thank you, Josh! "What do we expect from stories? What do we want from them?"
The same thing we expect from dreams. The ability to stand in one spot and travel to different places and meet different people. The ability to fly and not fall. The ability to fall and not get hurt.
Oh, Josh! This is exciting news! I can't wait! As thrilled as I am that there will soon be something new from you, the best part is how YOU feel about it. You have been up, down, and all over the place emotionally since you started writing again. I am so happy that in the end it turned out to be such a satisfying and rewarding experience for you.Also, I agree with Johanna. I could not improve on your description of why you love to write as a definition of why I love to read. No surprise there.:)
Karan wrote: "I'm so excited! Thank you, Josh! "What do we expect from stories? What do we want from them?"
The same thing we expect from dreams. The ability to stand in one spot and travel to different place..."
Oh! I do like that. What a wonderful way of putting it.
Susan wrote: "Oh, Josh! This is exciting news! I can't wait! As thrilled as I am that there will soon be something new from you, the best part is how YOU feel about it. You have been up, down, and all over the p..."I know. It's true. This is the problem with social media. This kind of craziness used to all happen behind the scenes. Now you all have to go through it with me. :-P
But that means you get to experience the moments of triumph as well as all the waaaah, waaaaah, waaaah. And this was indeed a little moment of triumph. :-)
L.C. wrote: "Iz excited! :-) I read to escape, like so many others, but also to feel something. I want to get lost in a story, taken somewhere, my mind expanded, and to be moved to emotion. Strongly. I want t..."
Yes! I love it when a story lingers. When I keep thinking about the characters. When they are real enough so that I do genuinely care what happens.
That's wonderful news! I'm happy for you, Josh, and glad that you enjoyed the writing again! 
But really why do we read? What do we look for when we turn to fiction? When does it most satisfy us?
Like most of I us I read to relax and for a little escapism. But I also like when a story makes me think and when I can learn something, not much, just a tiny bit that I didn't know before. I don't know how often I answered to the question "Where do you know that from?" with "Oh, I read that somewhere..." ;)
More important than the thinking part is, that a story makes me feel. No matter which way. But nothing's worse than a story that can't touch me. Then it's boring and I won't read on.
I read for catharsis. It lets me slip into someone else and feel emotions and live situations I can't. Feels good to cry sometimes and it always feels good to laugh.
What a wonderful story. Thank you, Josh!
Hi Edina!
I've handed it off to my editor and she calculates a fairly quick turn around so...I'm guessing next week.