So. You finished your book?
[casual tone to hide true thought: About
time: you have damn all else to do and how can a mere YA novel take that long?]
Yes. Well, there’ll be more
edits when my editor sends it back to me – she says it’s not quite there yet [careless tone to pretend am totally fine
with that] but for the moment, yes, all done.
So what happens now? Are you
taking the summer off [not that you
deserve it]?
No. I’ve started a new book.
What – already? So it must
be a series? [God, they really do just churn them
out.]
 |
| first book |
No. It’s totally different.
How can you have another idea
already? [Still, it’s only YA; isn’t it all the same book?]
Oh, I’ve had this story in
my head since December. I’ve had an outline since March. The characters have been
talking in my head for ages.
That’s a bit weird. [More than a bit.]
Not to me. That’s kind of
what I do. You know, being a writer and all.
Ah – so you must have a
really tight deadline? Is it one of those three-book-deal thingies? [impressed tone: maybe she is a real writer
after all.]
I wish. No, I haven't got a contract. I'm writing it on
spec.
 |
| second book |
What, you still have to do that, even when you’ve
had a few books published and they’ve done OK?
So you could take the summer
off if you wanted? Nobody is actually
waiting for this book? You’re just kind of – hoping? [oh dear; that's a bit sad.]
Well, I have a deadline for myself. I suppose the
characters in the story after that
would be a bit pissed off if I kept them waiting round for too long.
That’s definitely weird.
Maybe. Now, I have to go and
write this book. Have a good summer.
12 comments:
Oh yes, Sheena! I've had this conversation, and ones very like it, many, many times.
That eternal question will surely be spoken soon: When are you going to write a proper book?
If I had a pound for every time I've been asked that, I'd have earned a lot more than I have by writing for the past 6 years.
They just don't get it, but we do - consider yourself hugged!
I winced, reading this. So familiar!
And then there's 'Wow, I do admire the way you manage to keep churning them out!' From adults who'd never dream of actually reading one of my books.
That person gets everywhere, doesn't he/she? I often find it hard to manage the friendly smile while biting the tongue.
I must be one of the lucky few who haven't had any negative comments about my writing. People have been enthusiastic and supportive and dead impressed that I a) wrote a book and b) had it published. Many of these people have known me for years and know what a struggle it's been to get to this place. Another thing to feel grateful for! Sad that it's not the same for everyone....
Heh. Spot on.
Thanks for the comments, everyone. I have to say it was meant to be fairly tongue in cheek! But after a week at Charney, where everyone just does Get It, this is what was in my mind. I must say I also have lots of supportive chums -- but they do tend to be fellow writers! Even lovely people think, deep down, that what we do is Weird.
Brilliant. Spot on. And the reason why it's so lovely to hang out with other writers who understand all the weird things we do!!
Lovely! I've had many similar conversations - and you'll know what it's like if you say you write horse & pony stories, too! Good luck with your book, and I hope we'll meet sometime soon.
Well, I totally get that, but the irony is that those who don't get us, don't get this either! (If you see what I mean). Loved the conversations we had at Charney!
All those reactions boil down to one thing: envy.
Which is even sillier when you think about it.
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