Saint Johnsbury? And a question for you.

Just finished reading The Witches of Eastwick and there’s an issue in there about the re-naming of a town square to honour a Vietnam war “hero.” Very interesting way to develop characters, getting them involved in local political matters such as the renaming of streets/places. But it did make me wonder if Updike had researched that scenario, if it really happened that way. He also talks about the inconvenience to pedestrians of a bank drive-through teller installed downtown. I haven’t read an author who mentions everyday brands and objects quite so much in a long time. I am totally unfamiliar with his writing though. Maybe he doesn’t like to invent worlds on the day to day level, so uses what’s handy. But one novel is no way to judge an author.

… and, having said all that, I realized that I’ve made a lot of structural decisions already in a subterranean kind of way … I already take them for granted.

I guess it’s the embellishment phase that I see as a later step.

Fascinating subject… When i am reading a novel or piece of work, i tend to prefer the writer that weaves in all the details into the story rather than the one that leaves them out or rushes in a paragraph to describe something, or makes one feel like they are being shot out of a canyon, when reading the ending, to where you end up disatisfied with the ending. I get the feeling that type of writer really does not put much into research or thought into the whole story.

Just as in ArT, or Theatre, you want to research the subject thoroughly so you can give a clearer and more rounded picture of what you are portraying or conveying to others.

I’m just a reader!

I’ve been writing for a long time, but just for my own pleasure (no aspirations of publication). I visit the site primarily as a reader, though if I pick up some useful craft knowledge along the way, all the better.

Ditto as Beth.

Yep, just reading right now. I would like to say however that I once entertained the thought of writing fiction on a daily basis, and blogs and websites have opened my eyes to the reality of writing for a living (see your light humour a few posts later here). Now I’m thinking strategically about writing fiction, and I’d suggest your blog and those of other professional writers make that possible. So thank you!

Aspiring writer. I have two novels I’m working on, one a time-travel historical romance, the other a fantasy novel. I really look forward when you post tidbits for writers!

I’m a reader/writer, it took forever for me to even have the guts to say yes I am a writer.

Another reader here ;)

I love to read! Alas, I find that I have more success finding the time via books on CD. I fondly remember the days of flopping down on the couch and reading for hours. These darn kids, they want dinner and rides two and fro. Sheesh!

Lonesome Dove was the first BIG book I ever read. I love every one of the characters. I was uncomfortable in my skin for days after the Irish boy died in the river with the snakes. I cried the UGLY cry when Gus, oh so stubbornly, died. I bawled my head off when Call woke up to find the crow picking at his body, or when he floated off down the river. Geez!

I learned to love big books and big series. I was lucky when a Gabaldon group suggested your series. I know and love all the Lake in the Clouds people. They are my friends. I wish Curiosity lived in my neighborhood, she cracks me up! I love a woman who doesn’t let the “menfolk” get away with anything.

I started coming here to find out about the upcoming books. I’m one of those pea-brained readers who wants the next book the second I’ve finished a new book. ;-) I’ve stayed because I enjoy the way you talk about writing. It makes me appreciate the writing process and how stories are formed. I like that you’re life isn’t perfect just like mine. I like that you turn me on to new authors. I like that you care about what we think. I wish you lived in my neighborhood, you are Curiosity, aren’t you? ;-)

Lisa F.

i’m reading and writing.

grettings from germany!
sjoe

I’m a reader and also a writer — unpublished, as of yet, but almost finished with my 5th novel. I’ve been asked to submit a manuscript so I’m happy about that, though I know it may mean diddly squat in the end.

I enjoy coming here to check out words of wisdom about writing and have discovered quite a few “tricks of the trade” which have helped me to understand and fix some of my bad habits.

And, of course, it’s always good to know that I’m not the only one who hears voices…

Lynn

I’m a writer, working on the third draft of the first novel I’ve written that stands any chance of publication. I don’t read you daily, or even weekly, but you’re on my sidebar and I drop in when I feel in need of inspiration. I usually find some, in your archives if not in your most recent posts.