Today I read aloud to my sophomore students from the manuscript of my new novel Bend the Blue Sky.They are quiet, still, impenetrable as far as I can see. They do not stir as I read but seem to absorb my words in a way I would not have thought possible (except the one boy who softly snores near me, for I have invited them to put their heads down, close their eyes for "story time," as it were).
It is impossible to intuit what my story can mean to them, as it is impossible to anticipate how that same story will be received by the world, but what I understand as I hear myself offer it up is this: it is real, it is the song of my self, and sans "hook" or gimmick, it is simply the long poem that has lived in me all these years and which I have breathed into a story. Even if it is never heard or read by another soul in this lifetime, it is a thing of beauty.
It is impossible to intuit what my story can mean to them, as it is impossible to anticipate how that same story will be received by the world, but what I understand as I hear myself offer it up is this: it is real, it is the song of my self, and sans "hook" or gimmick, it is simply the long poem that has lived in me all these years and which I have breathed into a story. Even if it is never heard or read by another soul in this lifetime, it is a thing of beauty.
Wow, you are on novel number two. You are incredible. If you are ever looking for readers, consider me, especially if it's this summer. I'd love to read it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gillian...it's out to agents right now, but yes, I may be revisiting the manuscript this summer. Number three is brewing, too, but I probably won't start on it until November when my schedule changes again. So many words, so little time! : )
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gillian...it's out to agents right now, but yes, I may be revisiting the manuscript this summer. Number three is brewing, too, but I probably won't start on it until November when my schedule changes again. So many words, so little time! : )
ReplyDelete