So I’m sitting in front of the keyboard, shivering and needing to use the facilities, but just can’t make myself go out into the cold to do it–meaning leave my office and face the world’s distractions.
The facilities are out the door to the rear
Yes, folks. It’s NaNoWriMo time. And I’m working on a novel that’s been in the works for twenty years. But it wasn’t until just recently that I had a handle on the tone I wanted to set. Enter from stage left: Dan Chaon.
You know how sometimes another writer’s work speaks to you so strongly, it feels like you’ve inhabited their body? Or maybe they’ve taken over yours? So much so, that it becomes an out-of-body experience.
I’ve been reading Chaon’s collection of short stories, Stay Awake, again, as inspiration. For good or evil, he is my mentor.
I will be steeping myself in the rest of his work this month, Among the Missing (National Book Award Finalist), You Remind Me of Me, and Await Your Reply. Let’s hope some of his mojo rubs off on me.
Hope you all are keeping toasty by the fire…
or in the case of those down under, enjoying the beginnings of summer.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
Congratulations on finding someone who sparks your own mojo and creativity. Good luck!
Thanks! Can’t wait to see how it all shakes out…
Don’t forget to eat lots of chocolate – got to keep your strength up! Good luck! 🙂
Thanks! I can’t do the full-on, dark chocolate yummy stuff because of the Meniere’s problem, but I’ve stocked the igloo with chocolate pudding. Next best thing. 😮
Summer has arrived early. Thank you for returning it. I worry every year you might decide to keep it.
Congrats on getting the feel of this novel you’ve been brewing. Yes, I do understanding the inspiration from another. Keep at it.
Thanks, Kate! Think of the change of seasons as a game of slo-mo tennis between the northern and southern hemispheres.
Now, back to writing….
Good luck with NaNo, my friend.
As for me. I am in the thick of PiBo.
I am also taking a very active role in ShSaGiThLiMyLiDeOnIt (Shill “Sarah Gives Thanks” Like My Life Depends On It).
Thanks, Mike! Have fun with PiBo, and I hope the success of SaGiTh leaves you rolling in pie crust.
Pie crust. I like that!
There’s something really exciting about finding a book/author that serves as a mentor/inspiration. I can see why you’ve connected with Chaon, in light of your previous post about him, Jil. Mine’s been William Styron, which is good and bad. I wish you well, my friend!
Thanks, Nick! I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never read Styron. What is the good and the bad? Is there any ugly? 😮 Sorry…
A writer’s igloo – I love it! write away, girl!!
Thanks, Letizia! I’m behind on my word count. Have had many family and work-related distractions. Stay tuned….will try to catch up in the coming weeks.
Family and work- always seem to get in the way, don’t they? 😉
Ooh, that fire looks so inviting. I wish I had a fireplace in my home that I could curl next to and write. Glad you found some writing inspiration. Keep it up!
Struggling. Struggling. Lots of family-related “trauma” that is taking up much of my NaNo writing time. Discouraged. Trying to make headway. Thanks for the cheer!
Hey Jilanne – that you for your heads up last month on Chaon. I bought Stay Awake, am nearing the end (only 2 more stories to go) and, oh, how fine this collection is. Sneakily, snakily, difficult to grasp but his writing and his characters insidiously burrow under the skin!
Oh, I’m so glad you’re enjoying them! I think one of the interesting things about his books is that his characters are so often mysteries to themselves. Watching them try to figure out the world and their lives is fascinating and sometimes excruciatingly painful.
An excellent way of putting things – mysteries to themselves. I think that is what gives them reality – who, after all, knows themselves, through and through, and does not at times experience themselves like a stranger. He has left me puzzling the ‘I’ of me!