On writing novels, by Barbara Kingsolver, recent winner of the Orange Prize for The Lacuna, which I am reading (along with about five other books).Well, phew, is all I can say, to this:
"I struggle with confidence, every time. I’m never completely sure I can write another book...A novel is like a cathedral, it knocks you down to size when you enter into it. I falter and fidget and worry it won’t be good enough, and then the day comes when I give myself permission: just write, I tell myself. No one has to see it, you can throw everything away if it’s terrible, we’ll keep it a secret unless or until it becomes wonderful. And then I get to work."
10 comments:
Her 'Poisonwood Bible' - now that is some catherdral! Brilliant. Have you read it?
x
Why do I get a lump in my throat when I read that? It's so so right. Thanks, Nu, for posting. vx
Thanks for the link, i loved what she said about editing, will be using it as inspiration.
I have read Poisonwood, Rachel. I loved it!
V - it is oddly comforting, isn't it?
Niamh - her site is brilliant. Full of gems. N x
love that
Ah I'm cutting and pasting this as my screensaver... Thanks for posting this!
xx
I think she's ace. Great boost quote. I think most of what I write is the thing that rhymes most with write. Keeping it to myself is what I do best!
I love it too. If that's how BK feels, then it's OK for me to feel it too!
Post a Comment