Marble or wire: Two processes to writing a novel

I was just smiling over Holly Cupala's post on her revision. Chatting with authors the past nineteen years, I find there are two approaches to writing a novel. I believe it became apparent to me when I was speaking with Randy Powell.

The first is like Randy and Holly. They are like Michelangelo sculpting a large piece of marble.



They write many, many, many words (their blocks of stone) and then they begin to chisel. Tap, tap, tap. Until the story forms and stands before them.

Ah, a reason to post David. :~)



Then there are writers like me. We begin with the thinnest armature wire.

Photo by Studio Arts.

And we build layer upon layer. One word added at a time. One word, then another, and another. Until our sculpture is created like a Giacometti appears to have been formed.


What different processes! And yet both end in novels! So, which are you?

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

On our way to Western Washington University, we stopped in Skagit Valley to see the tulips!


So beautiful up close...


or sitting among them...


with someone you love.

Field after field. Can you believe this?


There is so much beauty around us!

Poetry Friday: A Nap

A Nap

A nap is a speck
in time for warm, curled bones.
Don't disturb our fur.

Catch the full roundup with Lisa Chellman at Under the Covers.

Road Trip to WWU

Getting ready to head out with my oldest daughter to explore Western Washington University! She's looking to transfer as a Junior. Got the maps, the hotel, and the food. Road trip! (which is also a writing retreat in disguise. :~)

Celebrating with James Bond and M

So how does a rgz diva celebrate the completion of TBD '09? By hanging with a girlfriend and watching:



And then, watching it the next night with her b-day husband and fam. The grandmas were squealing. Honestly.



But I tell you, my hero is M!



Thanks to the creators for giving us an older, powerful, female character! She trusts her agent. :~) Brava, Judi!

Favorite quotes:

M: When someone says that they have people everywhere, you expect it to be hyperbole. Lots of people say that. Florists use that expression. It doesn't mean that they have people in the bloody room.

Camille: So, what's your interest in Greene?
James Bond: Among other things, he tried to kill a friend of mine.
Camille: A woman?
James Bond: Yes. But it's not what you think.
Camille: Your mother?
James Bond: She likes to think so.

Poetry Friday: TBD '09

Operation Teen Book Drop,
TBD '09

One book left behind
inscribed, waiting, open
for another soul.

Catch the roundup with Becky at Becky's Book Reviews.

Natural disasters run in my family

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew took my folks' house in Miami. Totaled it.



Now for a SECOND TIME, a tree has fallen on my biological father's home in Georgia and split it in two! The second time his house has been smashed by a tree!



Our home sits at the foot of Mt. Rainier. I'm just wondering...