Jesse Andrews
writer's block is a lot of things for a lot of people. for me it's not any lack of stuff to write about but just the fear that the thing i'm about to write isn't any good—the worry that whatever i want to say, i don't know how to say it yet. but what i've learned is that the first draft of anything i write is ALWAYS terrible. so over the years i've gotten more comfortable with writing the bad version of something first, in order to learn from it what the good version will be. it's not pleasant but it no longer keeps me staring at the blank page in horrified paralysis.
More Answered Questions
Carrie Goodall
asked
Jesse Andrews:
Not a question? But I wanted to say that I love how true the portrayal of grief was for Greg, Earl, Rachel's mom, and Greg's mom. Sometimes it is "just a stupid, meaningless loss," a loss, loss, loss. Yes, it is. Seeing it written down like that really resonated and was oddly comforting. Thank you for being willing to admit that sometimes there isn't meaning in the loss.
Carrie Goodall
asked
Jesse Andrews:
As he was writing the book, was Greg aware that the whole process would be cathartic? There are a few points at the end of chapters when he says he hates writing about all of it. I guess what I'm asking is if, in your mind, Greg realized the process was cathartic or if he was just forcing himself to do it for the Pitt admissions people? He wasn't incredibly self-aware about his grief before Rachel died.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more