Jan Donley

Retreat - Take Two

20 March 08

Okay—someone tell me—why am I so compelled to write?

These last few days, trying to solve the problem of my novel, have forced some hard work out of me. I might even say I’ve come face to face with a few demons. I might even say, I am taking a hard look at myself through my characters. Oh, to be human.

I do believe I have solved the problem; but in doing so, I am virtually writing a whole new novel with the same protagonist.

What started as a possible “cut and paste” endeavor has turned into a complete overhaul. I like what is happening. It feels truer, more immediate, percolating.

But there is still much work to do.

And then the big question: will it find an audience?

Do all writers waver in this land between hope and despair, as I do?

While here, I am also reading Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story collection Interpreter of Maladies. What wonderful stories they are!

Comments

Jan – Glad to hear there has been some more flow to go with your ebb! Not sure about all writers, but as for myself — hope and despair? Yes and yes!

Chris Tebbetts Mar 21, 09:55 am

Thanks for writing, Chris. It’s strange going into that tunnel willingly. And moments of seeing light do seem to keep me (us?) burrowing onward.

Jan Mar 21, 06:48 pm

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