In Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird she tells us that after we think we’ve tucked our story into bed, it will jump out and demand a drink of water or one last before bedtime song. Those aren’t her words. They’re my interpretation of her words.
Guess what? Today the last chapter of my novel came tiptoeing over and demanded a re-write. Helping to push her out of bed were two readers who said, “Oh, that was quick. I tried to turn the page and read more, and it was over.”
Again, my interpretation.
So, final chapter, you win. One more try before I tuck you in again.
While I’m doing that, here’s a picture of me with my new glasses, and a slightly new haircut. Back to the modified mohawk for the summer. My neck feels so cool and breezy.
Oh my. Look at all those books in my ‘gotta read’ pile. I better get cracking.’ Wait no, my chapter is calling. Maybe I’ll just catch up with my Facebook friends. Or do a load of laundry. Or finish that invoice.
No the little brat… I mean darling needs my attention.
Yes, those are interpretations of other things Anne Lamott and Bird by Bird taught me.
Here’s an actual quote from the book:
“E.L. Doctorow said once said that [tweetthis] ‘Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.'[/tweetthis]