To Schedule or Not to Schedule

What does your normal daily writing schedule look like?

I generally try to stick to a five-hour shift which starts and ends with a journal entry.  I don't necessarily take any breaks, just grab a bite to eat when I'm hungry, stand and stretch if I'm feeling overwhelmed, etc.  I also try to start with some meditation (qi gong) beforehand.  I alternate projects each hour, more or less.  If I'm on a tear I may go over, or if I'm in a slump I will switch over early.  Of course, some days, every hour is a slump, but it's important to realize that not every day will be like that.  The important thing is to try every day.  As I'm reading this over I realize that a five-hour stretch of uninterrupted time might seem like a luxury to people with kids and full-time jobs.  I've been there.  Don't worry.  Be patient.  These days will come for you too. 

Strengths and weaknesses

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer?

Me, I can pound out a first draft like nobody's business.  Making that first draft into a finished work is my weakness.

Universal

If your book were guaranteed to be read by every person in the world, what would that book be about?

I suppose the inspiration for this question is Mao's Little Red Book which, if I understand it correctly, is the most-read book in history because it was required reading in the most populous country in the world.  This is also the reason (population) that Mandarin Chinese is the number one native language on the planet. 

Social Responsibility

After the terrible events in Paris this weekend, the next question on my list has certainly given me pause.

If you were able to publish something that would have a significant impact on only one social issue (a la Silent Spring by Rachel Carson), what social issue would that be?

I wish I could write a book that would put an end to terrorism.  That doesn't seem likely, though.

Screenplays

What do you feel is the best written movie you’ve ever seen (or read the screenplay for)?  Not necessarily your favorite, but the best written?

I must give a not to Castaway

Very difficult to make a compelling movie out of a man and his volleyball.

Nightstand Reading

What book is on top of your nightstand/reading table right this very moment?  How do you feel about that book? Are you ashamed or proud to be reading it?  Are you reading it to be impressive or do you really want to read it?

I am currently reading Lost in the Funhouse by John Barth.  I found this book at my workplace and started reading it during a lull in business.  It is a very old (1966) collection of short-story-metafiction pieces.  It is a confusing mixture, but loaded with gems, such as: " We don't know what drives and sustains us, only that we are most miserably driven and imperfectly sustained…Love is how we call our ignorance of what whips us…"  The book is literally falling apart in my hands and I am enchanted.

Research

Today's question is about research.

What have been some of your best experiences doing research? How about the worst?

My former was finding that one of the characters I made up existed in real life.  The latter was when I realized that my main character couldn't have possibly been where and when I put him and I had to find a new main character.  Despite all that, I am a big fan of research.  I believe it enriches the story no matter what.

Three Men in a Box

I had a dream last night which woke me up out of a sound sleep.  I was trying to write my way out of the situation which my dream presented me.

Three men in a hospital room.  There is a monitor at the nurse's station which goes blank for a moment.  When the monitor comes back on there is nothing but a blood-smeared sheet on the screen and the three men have disappeared from the room.  I woke up thinking, how do I write my way out of this box?

What would you write?

Mondays

Do you find it strange and annoying that I love Mondays?  How do you feel about Mondays?  Do you have a best day of the week?

I once dated a man who was born on a Thursday, and that was always his best day of the week.  Perhaps I love Mondays because I work weekends, and Mondays are actually my Saturdays.  Or maybe it's only because the Eagles won yesterday. 

The Bust

Do you own a bust of any writer?  If you could choose one, who would it be, or does the idea of a bust turn you off?

I, myself, do not own a bust of any writer.  If I could, it would be the bust that Rodin did of Rilke, but never told him about.  I'm writing a book called The Bust, so I guess that's where this question came from.

Memorable Inspiration

What was your most memorable moment of inspiration?

I ask this question because I was listening to an Elton John song, "Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters," and I noticed that the end of the song was the beginning of the song.  This gave me the idea to end my novel in the place where it began.  It was perfect.  Although this was not my most memorable moment of inspiration (that came at the PMA before a Rodin sculpture), it was a big one.

Generations

.If you could pass your talent for writing on to your child, would you?

And with talent for writing, I mean the compulsion to write. 

First Book

What is the first book you bought, were bought, or would you buy for your child?

I guess this is kind of a memory thing.  I can most vividly remember having Madeline and Babar as a child.  My three daughters all had Madeline and Babar, and often when I buy books for friends having babies, they are included.  However, some new favorite, must-have children's books now include Dear Zoo and Chicka-Chicka-Boom Boom.  Both of my grandsons got those as first books, and became addicted to them, I'm proud to say. 

Up all night...

Have you ever had a book keep you up all night?

I recently had this experience with the novel Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon.  I did get about three hours sleep, but I couldn't decide if my insomnia caused me to read on, or if the book caused my insomnia.  In any case, it was a memorable experience and a memorable book.

Secret Stash

What is the subject of that one piece of writing that you will never show to the world?  And if you have such a piece of writing, are you amenable to having it published after your death?

Hey, just because I pose the questions doesn't mean that I have to answer them all as well.

Earliest Book Memory

What is your earliest book memory?

I remember two or three things-being read Madeline and Babar, (which is where I think I developed my fascination for French), and I also remember my mother joining a children's book club where, each month, we received a collection of stories in a sort-of Reader's Digest format.  I remember that the Georgie the Ghost stories were always my favorites.

The Moment of Gestation

For what literary work would you like to go back and experience the moment of gestation?

The first words of a great work set down?  I think I would have liked to be present at Oxford when Tolkien wrote these words: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit."  I imagine it was a cold, rainy night, or a cold, grey dawn, and Tolkien was sitting at the solid hulking desk in his study surrounded by his books.  He looked out the leaded-pane glass windows, which were diamond-shaped.  A small fire burned in the fireplace, and he imagined the comfort of the hobbit hole.  That is how I imagine it happened, and so much of that picture enters into my consciousness as details of the writing life: dark, bookish, secure against the elements, contemplating the world outside, but mentally being elsewhere.  Something archaic about the scene, connecting the past to the present and future.  I could go on, but I have other things to write... 

Genre Jumping

In which genre other than your own would you like to develop your abilities ?

I think, if I were to choose another genre, it would probably be fantasy.  I would probably end up writing historical fantasy, something that resembled quasi-medieval Tolkien or Martin, or perhaps, since I write ancient history, Egyptian, Greek or Roman-type fantasy.  Any good authors on that score that I should be reading? 

Time Travel

If you were capable of time-travel would you go forward or backwards?  When and where?

I, of course, would go back, since historical fiction seems to be my thing.  I always thought I would have liked to witness The Sermon on the Mount, because, I mean, it's Jesus!  But nowadays, since I'm working on a story set there, I'd like to spend a day in Ancient Caria (modern-day Turkey).  That would be mind-blowing.

I suppose I would most like to have the ability to go back to the places I am writing about, which would include such times and places as 18th century England, 19th century France, 4th century Alexandria (whoa), and early 20th century Russia.  I would have quite a time-traveler passport.

Flesh and Bones

If you could design a special course that would enhance your ability to write, what would that course be called?

For me, it would be "Putting In the Details."  I am one of those writers who rushes to get the bones down and often overlooks the flesh.  Of course, flesh can always be added later...

Learning Experience

What was the most important educational experience that contributed to your abilities as a writer?  This can be a program, a person, a work you read, or even a realization you achieved yourself.

My top two both happened when I was in my early twenties.  I lived in France for a semester, then I worked in a bookstore for a couple of years.  Living abroad expanded my view of the world, and working in a bookstore taught me about literature and the book business.  I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but those two experiences actually got me started.

Second Language

I have always been grateful that English is my native tongue.  It is the hardest, largest, most confusing language on the face of the earth, therefore, the most difficult to learn.  I think of writers like Nabokov and Brodsky who not only wrote in English, a foreign tongue, but wrote in that language better than native speakers. That has always amazed me.

If you could suddenly develop the ability to write fluently in any language other than your native tongue, which would you choose?

I would choose Russian, not because of Nabokov and Brodsky, but because Russian readers idolize their writers and poets (as well they should).

One book

Here's a horror story in the making:  you have been somehow forced to be able to read only one book for the rest of your life.  I suppose you could be stranded on a desert island, and that's the only book you have with you.  What book could you go back to over and over again, and still find something new in it each time you read it?

I suppose I would choose the Complete Works of William Shakespeare (of which I have owned three copies), but who would be heading for a deserted island with that huge tome in their suitcase? 

Your Life's Story

"If freedom of conscience has the right to exist anywhere, it must be in matters of love."-Victor Hugo.  And that is my answer to today's question:  If you could choose any writer to write your life's story, which writer would you choose?  Or, would you choose to write your own, rather than have someone else write it for you?

Where in the world?

I always thought my dream setting, not just for writing, but for life in general, would be a cabin in the mountains on a lake.  Water and mountains were the key ingredient.  I saw this place once.  It was  in a painting by Maxfield Parrish called "House at the End of the World."  But over the years I've come to realize (mostly due to financial challenges) that the setting isn't important for getting the work done, it's the solitude.

Describe your dream writing setting: cabin in the woods, house on the beach, up in the mountains, down in the valley?

Writing and Food

Does anyone else experience this?  After a couple of hours of writing, even after a big meal, I find myself starving.  Writing makes me hungry.  What’s your favorite snack to keep you going when writing?

Time won't give me time

I suppose all of this week's questions have to do with the nitty-gritty of being a writer.

Early riser or night owl?  When do you write? When do you write best?

I have recently discovered, by putting myself on crazy writing schedules, that I seem to work well early, late afternoon, and late evening, after 9 or so.  I guess it's just a matter of stopping a few times a day and trying, trying again. 

Getting it down

I use two methods to write.  It used to be three, but I could no longer find ribbons for my typewriter.  I used to compose poetry on a typewriter, because I believe that it is important to see the whole page when composing poetry.  You cannot do that very well on a computer screen.  I often begin with pen on paper.  It has to be a black, extra fine point pen, no gel ink.  I write on an 8.5x11 sheet folded in three and write sideways on each fold.  By the time I'm done I have about 250-300 words on each section.  This enables me to work on six different prompts and I can carry it in my pocket.  Then I go to the computer and type it all in, editing while I'm typing.

Pen, pencil, fountain pen, laptop, tablet…what is your preferred method of writing and why?

Non-fiction bookshelf

So, if you've been following along all week, you know that we have been building a bookcase.  Each shelf of the book case is arranged by genre in order of preference.  Today, the shelf we are building consists of non-fiction works.  This could include self-help, history, autobiography, social commentary, etc. 

I think the first book I'm going to place on the shelf is The History of the World in Six Glasses.  The funny thing is, the book wouldn't stay there long.  I am constantly lending this book to friends and fellow readers.  It's just so damn good. 

How about you?  What book are you placing first on your fantasy non-fiction bookshelf?

Fantasy fantasy bookshelf

Gosh, I suppose I would start with the Hobbit, then cheat with all three LOTR books.
What is the first book of fantasy on your fantasy bookshelf?

Biography bookshelf

Blogging from the train today.  Today we are building a biography shelf.  My first biography book would be Ernest Hemingway where I  found my all-time favorite quote: "A son of a bitch always follows the rules.
Who's bio would be first on your bookshelf?

Poetry bookshelf

Today's bookshelf will be poetry.

The first book on my poetry shelf is Near Changes by Mona Van Duyn.  The year that she won the Pulitzer and was named Poet Laureate she gave a reading at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival.  That was a long time ago, but it was an unforgettable experience to be in the audience for that reading. 

What is the first volume of poetry that you will place on your fantasy bookshelf?

Fantasy Fiction Bookshelf

This week, because I am going into marathon novel-writing mode, we're going to be building a fantasy bookcase.  Each day we will start one shelf. 

Because we are all highly organized individuals (wouldn’t that be nice?) each shelf of our fantasy bookcase will house one specific type of writing.  And our books will be arranged by shelf in order of preference.  Let’s begin with fiction. 

I have to start with Lady Chatterley's Lover. It was the first literary title that I picked up and read, not because I had to, but because I wanted to.  I remember thinking while I was reading, "I will never be able to read crappy writing again."  I credit that book with opening my eyes to good writing, so it has to go first on my fiction shelf.

What is the first fiction title that you will put on your bookshelf?

Fifth question...

Last question for the week.  We are asked and often discuss our favorite authors.  My question is who is your least favorite author and why?

I once threw a book across the room.  It was The Good Mother by Sue Miller.  The main character's daughter was possibly molested by her boyfriend.  As soon as the mother started to defend the boyfriend, I couldn't take it and threw the book.  I should probably go back and revisit that one.  I never read Sue Miller again.  I was young.

For a long time my least favorite author was Stephen King.  It had nothing to do with his writing.  I had only read two of his books, but for a time I worked in a book store.  We were constantly hauling and unpacking his books, and I came to dread his name.  I would love to hear your least favorite authors based on their writing alone.  I should probably rethink my own choices.

Question four...

For a writer, at least for this writer, a desk is a thing that can induce lust.  A beautiful desk with a large surface, just the right number of drawers, and a design that fits your writing style is a thing of beauty.

How many desks have you owned in your life?  You know exactly how many don’t you, because a desk is a magical thing.  Which was your favorite?

Third question...

Congratulations!  You have been awarded a literary prize.  Upon hearing these words, what literary prize would you choose to receive?  Or, I should say, other than the Nobel prize (we all want that), if you could receive any literary prize, what would it be?  I think I would like to win a Pulitzer.  It's such a lovely thing to say, "Pulitzer."  It sounds much better than "Pushcart," or "Mann-Booker," don't you think?

Second Question...

Pretend that you are Granger in Fahrenheit 451.  For the preservation of cultural history, you are tasked with memorizing one book.  What book would you choose to memorize and why?  I would like to say I would choose to memorize The Complete Works of Emily Dickinson.  I think I've got about a quarter of them already.  And the rhythm and cadence of Dickinson's poetry does lend itself to easy memorization.  Now, if Emily had been able to publish during her lifetime, if she hadn't been so brash with a pen, if she hadn't been a woman, etc, etc...her work may have come out in volumes, and I could choose one of them to memorize, but alas, that didn't happen. So I would task myself with memorizing all of the nearly 1800 poems in the collection (and love every minute of it).

First question...

Today is my first day back at my desk (well, my recliner and my laptop) since my wonderful week at The Rosemont College Writer's Retreat.  I was very excited to get back to work after an intense week of readings, lectures and lessons on craft.  I even woke up extra early without the help of the alarm clock.  But when I walked into my living room to prepare myself for my writing day, I saw the detritus of eight days of neglecting my space in favor of concentrating on the retreat.  Before I could even open up my laptop, I found myself compelled to empty out my backpack, file the papers I had amassed, get rid of the dirty dishes and empty the trash.  I even found myself changing the sheets and vacuuming the rugs.  It was then that I asked myself, "Is this procrastination?"  I knew that it wasn't, because I had a ton of great feedback on my novel I wanted to work on.  That was when I realized that I am one of those writers who needs a relatively clean, very neat and thoroughly organized environment in order to get my writing done.  The lack of clutter frees me from the distraction and possible excuse for procrastination that a messy environment would provide.  I know that not all writers are this way, and I would like to hear from the dissenters with different opinions.

So this is the first question:  Which type of writer are you?  Are you organized or do you need clutter?