Julia Glass
I don't believe in writer's block. (I probably shouldn't say this; as another author told me, "If you don't believe in writer's block, it might just show up one day believing in YOU." But I don't.)
There is nothing mystical or privileged about writing; it's work, with its own particular joys and its inevitable tedium. Some days you write well, others not. Some days you'll do anything to avoid it. Some days you will think it is utterly stupid and pointless--or you will think you are the luckiest soul on the planet, maybe a genius. Sometimes you have to just make yourself sit at the damn desk and push words out of your head for the sake of reminding yourself that you DO write--or to meet a deadline.
I mean, have you ever heard of plumber's block? Accountant's block? Scuba diving instructor's block? Did you ever show up at school for a math test and see on the blackboard, to your heart's delight, a message like "No test today due to teacher's block"?
Writing is just another job. Really.
There is nothing mystical or privileged about writing; it's work, with its own particular joys and its inevitable tedium. Some days you write well, others not. Some days you'll do anything to avoid it. Some days you will think it is utterly stupid and pointless--or you will think you are the luckiest soul on the planet, maybe a genius. Sometimes you have to just make yourself sit at the damn desk and push words out of your head for the sake of reminding yourself that you DO write--or to meet a deadline.
I mean, have you ever heard of plumber's block? Accountant's block? Scuba diving instructor's block? Did you ever show up at school for a math test and see on the blackboard, to your heart's delight, a message like "No test today due to teacher's block"?
Writing is just another job. Really.
More Answered Questions
Trina
asked
Julia Glass:
I've been told novellas are the kiss of death. Did you write the Three Junes with a unifying device in mind? Or did you publish them as separate stories, e.g., in The New Yorker? Do you plan to write any more? I was really thrilled to find out that you were the judge in the Faulkner competition for novellas - thank you for giving mine an honorable mention:)
CapeCodLisa
asked
Julia Glass:
I love your book 'The Widower's Tale'. I was intrigued to read it because I have a great uncle who's name was Percy(Percival) Darling. As I have worked on my family genealogy, I have been unable to locate where this uncle lived his life. Was this book on real life at all or is it totally fictitious? Thanks so much! Lisa
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