The process…
Wouldn’t it be great if I had some knitting photos for you? I don’t. I’ve barely been knitting at all. There’s been two big rows of progress on the Madli shawl, about an inch of progress on the back of the Corset Pullover, and a completed sock and a half. Partly I haven’t been knitting much because of the heat, and then only knitting socks while watching a movie and planted in front of the AC. But mostly, what’s kept me from knitting is the thing that’s been pretty much consuming my waking thoughts.
The next novel.
(pause. deep breath. secret little smile because these beginning stages of a project are the best bit.)
I learned countless good and useful things from MC over the course of the MFA program, one of which was this: It’s best to be well under way with your next project by the time a book comes out. That way, no matter what happens with that newly published book, you don’t take the criticism (or neglect) to heart or the praise too much to your head. See, you’ve already moved on to something else and are absorbed in that. Good in theory, yes?
Well, the good news is that I’ve found that the best way to stop obsessing over one novel (Drowning Practice) while it’s doing its best to win over the agent of its dreams is to launch myself fully into the next book. And that next book, an idea I’ve been noodling with for over a year now, fully snapped into focus last week. I know very clearly now who the main characters are, where they’re coming from, their motivations and all that good stuff. I can see them both very clearly in my mind now, and will probably start doing sketches or paintings of them soon, as that helps me think about them. I know the setting, I have a roughed-out skeleton of a story. And very important, as this was something I struggled with in the writing of the first book: The structure it needs is very clear to me, and completely organic to the narrative… so…
What does this mean? I’m in good shape, and confident about where I’m going. Which feels pretty damn good. I was speaking with my novelist/knitter/mfa friend Emily about this the other day. She’s about to send her first novel out to agents now, and has started thinking seriously about the next. Both of us are finding that the second book isn’t nearly as scary as the first. With the first novel, you’re intimidated by how much space you have to fill, how there are no boundaries. You have no process yet, as the process you use for short stories probably doesn’t translate (it really doesn’t). It turns out, though, that there really isn’t limitless space in a novel. You can’t actually include everything. There’s really only room to deal with a few things effectively. See? Less scary.
I’m excited about this next book. I can’t share the story, because if you tell it before you write it, it loses all its juice. And who wants a juiceless novel? Not me. It’s a bit of a historical fiction, in a way, because it’s set in the recent past and deals with a specific time and place and political issue (no, not another 9/11 novel. Lived it. Don’t want to write it.). It’s a little bit political (in my mind so far) but mostly I’m interested, as always, in human relationships. How we interact. How we fail to interact. What we hide. What others see when we think we’re hiding. All that stuff.
I’m doing a lot of research right now (fun! the last book didn’t really call for any) and I’ve written the first chapter. I want to share this process with you, to some degree, but please be patient with the fact that I can’t tip my hand too much or get into detail about the story. It’s just that what works best for me.
As far as the knitting… there’ll probably be a pair of socks to show in the next post. Does anyone really want to see another pair of socks from me? We should rename the blog: Dogs Fall Asleep Watching Owner Knit Socks
well, i, for one, would love to hear about the process that you take in writing your second novel. it might jump start me to finally start writing the idea that i have had sitting in my head for over a year! it’s interesting to hear that you sketch your characters. do you do other things to inspire as well? make lists? but i think that my burning question is: do you write longhand? or do you type? 🙂
Posted by: gleek
As happy as I am for you, I’m really just jealous. God I miss that feeling.
Posted by: Cara
Enjoy the research and the process of this next book. Good going!
Posted by: Gina
well, i, for one, would love to hear about the process that you take in writing your second novel. it might jump start me to finally start writing the idea that i have had sitting in my head for over a year! it’s interesting to hear that you sketch your characters. do you do other things to inspire as well? make lists? but i think that my burning question is: do you write longhand? or do you type? 🙂
Posted by: gleek
As happy as I am for you, I’m really just jealous. God I miss that feeling.
Posted by: Cara
Enjoy the research and the process of this next book. Good going!
Posted by: Gina
Oh boy…another one? I have to start thinking about reading another one before I’ve even read the first one??????? Torture!!! How can you do this to me!!!!!!????!?!? Anyway, dramatics aside, it’s fascinating to read about one’s process in any artistic field. And the fact you combine setting with personalities and paintings and sketches is all the more mouth-watering. If we could be joined at the hip, I would secretly sew you to me while you AND your dogs slept.
xoxo
Posted by: john
Very cool to learn about how the process unfolds; what you think and how it takes shape. Thank you!
Posted by: Kathy
It’s so exciting that you’re starting a new novel. I hope you enjoy it that whole way through as much as you seem to be right now. 😉
See you soon!
Posted by: Jenn
Good going, jump in with both feet!
Posted by: Faith
No no, “Drugged up dogs fall asleep watching owner knit socks and cackle in glee whilst typing” seems more like it 🙂
Posted by: Amber
How exciting!!! I think it’s so cool that you will be doing drawings/paintings of your characters. Are you allowed to show us those? Does that count as revealing too much? Thanks for sharing the process, please continue to do so!
Posted by: melanie
It IS the process whether writting or knitting. Good luck with the book! We ‘live’ to see socks here, there and everywhere;-)
Posted by: margene
Oh boy…another one? I have to start thinking about reading another one before I’ve even read the first one??????? Torture!!! How can you do this to me!!!!!!????!?!? Anyway, dramatics aside, it’s fascinating to read about one’s process in any artistic field. And the fact you combine setting with personalities and paintings and sketches is all the more mouth-watering. If we could be joined at the hip, I would secretly sew you to me while you AND your dogs slept.
xoxo
Posted by: john
Very cool to learn about how the process unfolds; what you think and how it takes shape. Thank you!
Posted by: Kathy
It’s so exciting that you’re starting a new novel. I hope you enjoy it that whole way through as much as you seem to be right now. 😉
See you soon!
Posted by: Jenn
Good going, jump in with both feet!
Posted by: Faith
No no, “Drugged up dogs fall asleep watching owner knit socks and cackle in glee whilst typing” seems more like it 🙂
Posted by: Amber
How exciting!!! I think it’s so cool that you will be doing drawings/paintings of your characters. Are you allowed to show us those? Does that count as revealing too much? Thanks for sharing the process, please continue to do so!
Posted by: melanie
It IS the process whether writting or knitting. Good luck with the book! We ‘live’ to see socks here, there and everywhere;-)
Posted by: margene
I’m glad you are inspired and on your way to your next novel!! Good luck & happy writing.
Posted by: stephanie
Or, the title I’ve always been fond of: Dogs Eat Yarn. I still to this day think of your blog with that title…don’t ask me why, coz I have absolutely NO idea.
But, my dear girl, I tip my hat to you and am thrilled that you’re onto your next thing already! I’m so proud.
Posted by: Vincent
Congratulations on being on your way with book #2. Fantastic! As for socks, hey, we’re knitbloggers, we’ll look at anything!
Posted by: Carole
How inspiring! A second novel. Yippee. You sound very positive and excited, which must be good. Thanks for sharing the process with us (because it’s all about the process, isn’t it ;))
Posted by: Stephanie
That’s just so freakin’ cool. The academic in my can’t wait to hear about whatever research you’re willing to share. The knitter in me says you can never show enough socks.
Posted by: Em
I have to admit…I have been lurking here for almost a month. Your dogs are so cute…we have a chocolate lab who is cute to look at, but completely and utterly neurotic.
I had no idea you were a writer. I am currently finishing my very first completed novel. (“completed” to distinguish it from the 56 that are in various states of incompleteness and lazing about here and there)! It is nerve-wracking–the thought of finishing this last draft. Because then it’s time to find an agent, and then try to get it published. In other words, rejection. I don’t deal well with rejection. (Actually, does anyone?)
Anyway, wanted to let you know I really enjoy your blog and that I wish your book(s) well out there in the world.
Posted by: Jaimi
I’m all for juicy. I’m all for socks.
Just not together.
Posted by: claudia
I’m glad you are inspired and on your way to your next novel!! Good luck & happy writing.
Posted by: stephanie
Or, the title I’ve always been fond of: Dogs Eat Yarn. I still to this day think of your blog with that title…don’t ask me why, coz I have absolutely NO idea.
But, my dear girl, I tip my hat to you and am thrilled that you’re onto your next thing already! I’m so proud.
Posted by: Vincent
Congratulations on being on your way with book #2. Fantastic! As for socks, hey, we’re knitbloggers, we’ll look at anything!
Posted by: Carole
How inspiring! A second novel. Yippee. You sound very positive and excited, which must be good. Thanks for sharing the process with us (because it’s all about the process, isn’t it ;))
Posted by: Stephanie
That’s just so freakin’ cool. The academic in my can’t wait to hear about whatever research you’re willing to share. The knitter in me says you can never show enough socks.
Posted by: Em
I have to admit…I have been lurking here for almost a month. Your dogs are so cute…we have a chocolate lab who is cute to look at, but completely and utterly neurotic.
I had no idea you were a writer. I am currently finishing my very first completed novel. (“completed” to distinguish it from the 56 that are in various states of incompleteness and lazing about here and there)! It is nerve-wracking–the thought of finishing this last draft. Because then it’s time to find an agent, and then try to get it published. In other words, rejection. I don’t deal well with rejection. (Actually, does anyone?)
Anyway, wanted to let you know I really enjoy your blog and that I wish your book(s) well out there in the world.
Posted by: Jaimi
I’m all for juicy. I’m all for socks.
Just not together.
Posted by: claudia
Oho, this is far, far better than totally stressed-out Cari last seen running barefoot down the street, yarn hair flying everywhere, muttering under her breath about doing some severe damage with a red pencil…
Wicked cool 🙂
Posted by: Lee Ann
How exciting about the second book! As to whether anyone wants to see more socks from you, the answer is a resounding yes. Geeky as it is, I am a major fan of your socks. As I type, I find it hard to believe that I could write something like that, but I assure you, I’m sincere.
Posted by: regina
I understand about being intimidated by the space to fill. Right now I’m finally organizing and typing up my research notes for my MA thesis, the longest thing I’ve had to write to date–and I’m already up to half the wordcount with notes from only three books, with oodles more to go. Either I take far too detailed notes or this may turn into a bok after I turn in the paper, which now seems too short.
Posted by: Nina
I came across your site by accident, and I love it. I have a super-sized greyhound, but I love the IGs too. I am glad your pup made it through the surgery and I hope its mouth is better now. I too am knitting socks, and my dogs (I also have a corgi) also get quite borde watching me knit them. Good luck with the novels……
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy
It doesn’t matter if there are socks, shawls, or no knitting whatsoever. Really. We love you regardless.
Posted by: Cassie
Oh HURRAY for process posts! And yay Cari for jumping so gracefully into that second novel.
ps: I can’t help but read ‘MC’ as Michael Chabon each and every time, and then (gently) slap my own fingers no no no it’s Michael Cunningham, that very wise man.
Posted by: marrije
Wow, it sounds like you’re well on your way — wonderful you hear you feeling so confident about the new novel. I’m thinking you’ve definitely, clearly crossed some line between “writing” and “being a writer.” How exciting.
And I always want to see more socks!
Posted by: alison
Oho, this is far, far better than totally stressed-out Cari last seen running barefoot down the street, yarn hair flying everywhere, muttering under her breath about doing some severe damage with a red pencil…
Wicked cool 🙂
Posted by: Lee Ann
How exciting about the second book! As to whether anyone wants to see more socks from you, the answer is a resounding yes. Geeky as it is, I am a major fan of your socks. As I type, I find it hard to believe that I could write something like that, but I assure you, I’m sincere.
Posted by: regina
I understand about being intimidated by the space to fill. Right now I’m finally organizing and typing up my research notes for my MA thesis, the longest thing I’ve had to write to date–and I’m already up to half the wordcount with notes from only three books, with oodles more to go. Either I take far too detailed notes or this may turn into a bok after I turn in the paper, which now seems too short.
Posted by: Nina
I came across your site by accident, and I love it. I have a super-sized greyhound, but I love the IGs too. I am glad your pup made it through the surgery and I hope its mouth is better now. I too am knitting socks, and my dogs (I also have a corgi) also get quite borde watching me knit them. Good luck with the novels……
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy
It doesn’t matter if there are socks, shawls, or no knitting whatsoever. Really. We love you regardless.
Posted by: Cassie
Oh HURRAY for process posts! And yay Cari for jumping so gracefully into that second novel.
ps: I can’t help but read ‘MC’ as Michael Chabon each and every time, and then (gently) slap my own fingers no no no it’s Michael Cunningham, that very wise man.
Posted by: marrije
Wow, it sounds like you’re well on your way — wonderful you hear you feeling so confident about the new novel. I’m thinking you’ve definitely, clearly crossed some line between “writing” and “being a writer.” How exciting.
And I always want to see more socks!
Posted by: alison
You’re such a tease, you know that? All that new novel stuff, and no details. Pfft.
Posted by: Iris
Umm – I’ve started reading your blog as much as carrioke. Haven’t read your first book (it will be!) and now I’m already looking forward to the second. Give your poor baby hugs, hope he’s doing better. I’ve had my Sadie’s teeth cleaned but not Molly’s – they both eat the same food, get the same treats, but Sadie’s teeth always look worse. If yours are like mine, they’re perfectly content (not bored) to relax and watch you knit – just so they can be with you.
Posted by: Robin
Congratulations on all the book progress! I can’t wait to read your first book. Amazing how long the process is from finished manuscript to book on the shelf. And I’m so glad that you’re fully inspired to start book #2 now. Those creative vibes are buzzing all around you!!
Posted by: Karma
great post. 🙂 glad to hear things are swimming along… it’s been one of the longest work weeks of the summer, my eyes are about to fall out of my head, and i think i’ll go home and practice drowning…
Posted by: carolyn
Love the new blog name 🙂
I’ll be buying the next book too, just in case you were wondering.
Posted by: Alison
excellent! mazel tov!
bon voyage on book 2…how excellent to have it all gelled in your head already.
Posted by: amy/squib
You’re such a tease, you know that? All that new novel stuff, and no details. Pfft.
Posted by: Iris
Umm – I’ve started reading your blog as much as carrioke. Haven’t read your first book (it will be!) and now I’m already looking forward to the second. Give your poor baby hugs, hope he’s doing better. I’ve had my Sadie’s teeth cleaned but not Molly’s – they both eat the same food, get the same treats, but Sadie’s teeth always look worse. If yours are like mine, they’re perfectly content (not bored) to relax and watch you knit – just so they can be with you.
Posted by: Robin
Congratulations on all the book progress! I can’t wait to read your first book. Amazing how long the process is from finished manuscript to book on the shelf. And I’m so glad that you’re fully inspired to start book #2 now. Those creative vibes are buzzing all around you!!
Posted by: Karma
great post. 🙂 glad to hear things are swimming along… it’s been one of the longest work weeks of the summer, my eyes are about to fall out of my head, and i think i’ll go home and practice drowning…
Posted by: carolyn
Love the new blog name 🙂
I’ll be buying the next book too, just in case you were wondering.
Posted by: Alison
excellent! mazel tov!
bon voyage on book 2…how excellent to have it all gelled in your head already.
Posted by: amy/squib
That’s great about your novel–I’m so jealous! I have a finished one that’s apparently given up on making its way in the world and just sits upstairs, playing on the computer and telling the other books, “I could have been a bestseller, you know, but who needs that kind of pressure?” I think it’s just trying to justify its lack of success, frankly, but am so glad that yours is a go-getter!
Posted by: –Deb
That’s great about your novel–I’m so jealous! I have a finished one that’s apparently given up on making its way in the world and just sits upstairs, playing on the computer and telling the other books, “I could have been a bestseller, you know, but who needs that kind of pressure?” I think it’s just trying to justify its lack of success, frankly, but am so glad that yours is a go-getter!
Posted by: –Deb