In Which the Writer Returns Home

Here's the thing about John Singer Sargent: He did extensive sketches, even full oil paintings at times, in preparation for his larger works. So, you'll see a whole wall full of small paintings of individuals, and then you look at the next wall, and there's a large painting containing all the individuals together in a scene. When I first realized this, I thought to myself, gah, how boring and tedious for him -- he must have been the most patient man alive. But then I remembered that in my own writing, I'll write and rewrite the same scene over and over and over again, trying to get it to the right place, and no, it's not always fun, and yes, sometimes it's aggravating, but it's rarely boring. It's something I want to do, and need to do, and boring doesn't enter into it. Most of the time I'm writing something that is a path to the final product, rather than the final product itself.
Seeing his process was inspiring. May the gods grant me the patience, the uninterrupted time, and the focus I need to get to the place I'm trying to get to with Bitterblue. If you're working on something hard, may the gods grant you all those things, too.
Guess whose bed I'm sleeping in tonight? Before you get any funny ideas, it's my own ^_^. I'm home! And I know I announced recently that all news was going behind my News link, but I hope you'll excuse me for saying that Fire has hit the New York Times bestseller list for the week ending October 10. Graceling has also popped back on the lists. I wish I could thank everyone individually who helped make this happen. THANK YOU. You make me happy and proud!
(Finally, if you're interested in interviews, check out the five questions Roger Sutton asked me in this month's Notes from the Horn Book.)
Comments
I'm not a god, I'm just a young French girl rambling, but I'm sending you a huge amount of patience and focus from France for Bitterblue anyway ! I'm sure it will be a great book.
Actually, I have a confession to make in that I originally thought I would be an artist. I got into the Main Colleg of Art in Portland. But after visiting, I realized that all I wanted was to write. The art still calls to me though...
And you're right, even though I could never sketch like Sargent, I do just that with my writing. You'll find the groove with Bitterblue. You might not ever going sailing along like Chevy Chase on his cooking greased sled, but you'll get down the hill in one piece! :)
A. Grey, I have always been drawn to art as well, and I thought I was going to be an artist too! However, I quickly changed my major to English because more than anything, I want to be a writer. But I am still very drawn to art and love visiting museums.
P.S. I particularly loved Fire's musical talents, especially the violin. (I play the violin!!)
I love Sargent too. And Winslow Homer.
I completely understand what you mean when you compared Sargent's studies to your own writing. It's really a love of what you do, isn't it, that motivates you do get up every morning and keep going at it.
Congratulations on the New York Times, that's so cool. I just finished reading Fire, and thought, "whoa. . .!"
Take your time with Bitterblue. I know it will be a masterpiece!
Avery
Random question (I didn't see it in the FAQ): How do you pronounce your last name? I am always recommending your books to people, but I am not sure I am pronouncing your name correctly!
Here is a page full of SOUND CLIPS of lots of authors -- including Kristin -- pronouncing their names!
By the power of every moment of your goodness
May your heart's wishes be soon fulfilled
as completely shining as the bright full moon,
as magically as by a wish-fulfilling gem.
Glad you're home, safe and sound with wonderful memories of twins and the purposeful joy of creating.
With much appreciation,
whitney
Thank you again for such amazing books! You're amazing!!
Cassie H.
Kristin
Trish in Australia
I also love Winslow Homer. His grave is near where I live, and last time I visited, someone had left him a seashell, which made me happy :o)
Could you reply me? I know nothing about this website (sorry, it's my first visit ^^), so I'm going to give you my e-mail account: paulacboldu@hotmail.com
Well, I think that's all I wanted to say. Just... follow writting =D
P.D.: I'm sorry if there are some grammar errors, I don't know so much English!!