by Mary | Jun 19, 2014 | Edgar Allan Poe, EPITAPH, What I'm working on now., Writer Tech
I am officially between books. On average, it takes me three years to finish a novel. For 36 months running, I start every day the same way. Two cups of coffee, three newspapers. Into the office, hands on the keyboard. Okay, GO. Eventually, an insane drive for...
by Mary | May 6, 2014 | EPITAPH, The Cure For Anger, What I'm working on now., Writer Tech, WYATT
Some novelists start with an outline. For them, a book is like a sculpture that will be modeled in clay. In the beginning, there’s just a wire armature. They add and add and add until the story is complete and rounded. For others — and I am among them...
by Mary | Mar 3, 2014 | EPITAPH, What I'm working on now., Writer Tech
Last night at the Oscars, Robert DeNiro said, “The mind of a writer can be a truly terrifying thing. Isolated, neurotic, caffeine-addled, crippled by procrastination and consumed by feelings of panic, self-loathing and soul-crushing inadequacy. And that’s on a good...
by Mary | Jan 31, 2014 | Edgar Allan Poe, EPITAPH, Natural History of a Novel, What I'm working on now., Writer Tech
The semi-final manuscript for Epitaph went to my agency Dystel and Goderich a month ago. That was the first time they’d seen it since selling the first 150 pages to Ecco at HarperCollins a couple of years ago. If I’d asked for help along the way, I’m...
by Mary | Oct 26, 2013 | EPITAPH, What I'm working on now., Writer Tech
It’s official: Epitaph will be out in the spring of 2015. If you just groaned about having to wait so long, thank you. Personally? I’m not distressed. The manuscript was due next month and since there’s a long process between submission and...
by Mary | Oct 10, 2013 | Edgar Allan Poe, Natural History of a Novel, What I'm working on now.
I’ve moved from 87% committed to the Poe novel to “Okay. I’m in.” Here’s why: 1. The first two biographies I’ve read have kept my interest and I’m looking forward to more research. 2. I’m starting this book largely...
