Only towards the end of this process are any of the chapters in fully readable condition, a state of affairs that used to alarm my wife. But Joan's got used to it.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Every time I see a film about Joan of Arc I'm convinced she'll get away with it. It's the only way to get through life.
I did know that the book would end with a mind-boggling trial, but I didn't know exactly how it would turn out. I like a little suspense when I am writing, too.
I just have to proceed as usual. No matter what happens, nothing helps with the writing of the next book.
I thought my book was done, then we went to Hawaii and the whole last chapter happened.
If pregnancy were a book they would cut the last two chapters.
Sometimes female characters start out as the wife or girlfriend, but then I realize, 'No, she's the book,' and she becomes a main character. I surrender the book to her.
Every book for me is a chapter in the long book which will finally be closed on the day of my death.
I gave up the notion of writing the life of Joan of Arc, as I found that there was absolutely no new material to be gleaned on her history - in fact, she had been thrashed out.
I'll never have so compelling a figure within my embrace as Joan of Arc; there will never be a book whose last chapter is so very hard to get right.
Books and marriage go ill together.