Josh
asked
Paul Tremblay:
Hello, Mr. Tremblay. I just finished A House Full of Ghosts and was completely floored. It is my favorite book I've read in the last 3 or 4 years. I can't wait to delve into more of your work. I was wondering what kind of writing process you go through when writing a novel and if it varies compared to your short fiction?
Paul Tremblay
Hi, Josh,
Thank you very much for the read and the kind note.
To state the obvious, novels and short stories, in their construction, are quite different. With short stories I generally take a few notes, character sketches, and then make it up from there. A short will take 2-4 weeks for a completed draft, sometimes more. With more than half of my novels I spend time outlining or writing a 10-15 page plot summary along with all sorts of notes and random thoughts on characters, before sitting down to write the first page. But every novel/story is different and I try to find what method I think feels right for the story. I didn't write a summary for A Head Full of Ghosts (I kept a little notebook; otherwise, I just dove in) but I did for The Little Sleep and Disappearance at Devil's Rock.
Thank you very much for the read and the kind note.
To state the obvious, novels and short stories, in their construction, are quite different. With short stories I generally take a few notes, character sketches, and then make it up from there. A short will take 2-4 weeks for a completed draft, sometimes more. With more than half of my novels I spend time outlining or writing a 10-15 page plot summary along with all sorts of notes and random thoughts on characters, before sitting down to write the first page. But every novel/story is different and I try to find what method I think feels right for the story. I didn't write a summary for A Head Full of Ghosts (I kept a little notebook; otherwise, I just dove in) but I did for The Little Sleep and Disappearance at Devil's Rock.
More Answered Questions
Patty Abarno
asked
Paul Tremblay:
hi Paul- So, I just finished "The Cabin at the End of the World" and I cannot stop thinking about this novel! Can you give me some incite into how you wanted the reader to interpret the ending? I read the book cover to cover in one day at the beach! It was so intense and well written, while also so full of twists and doubts. I'd love to hear back from you if you have the time! Thanks! Patty
A Goodreads user
asked
Paul Tremblay:
First off, just wanted to say I loved Head Full of Ghosts. And damn you for writing such a psychologically twisted book that kept me up for hours! Do you have any idea if the movie will be shot in a found footage (Cloverfield, Blair Witch) type way? I really enjoyed your book, and will definitely read more of your novels.
John
asked
Paul Tremblay:
Hi Paul, I love your books. I've noticed a LOT of movie, book and music references in them. Many I am familiar with but some I'm not. Probably some go right over my head. I think I added about ten books to my "to read" list while reading A Head Full of Ghosts. Has anyone ever compiled a list of these references that you know of?
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