It always strikes me how almost unbelievably bad are the early versions of my novels.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
My second, third and fourth novels were mistakes, essentially.
It's true that all my novels have been versions of myself to some degree.
Oftentimes when you see adaptations of books you like, you're let down. As an author, you assume that they are going to suck. A little bit of hope is dangerous.
I continued writing the bad plays which fortunately nobody would produce, just as no one did me the unkindness of publishing my early novels.
I've written 16 children's books and five unpublished novels. Some of the latter were breathtakingly bad.
The first book I sat down to write was an historical romance. It was really bad and thankfully no one ever saw it.
The older books were quite light-hearted. But I think most of my novels do end on a deep note of pessimism. Shadows seem to be closing in. The final conclusion isn't that life is wonderful and everything is bright and cheery and in the garden.
Usually after finishing a novel, I have a head full of bad ideas for the next one.
A book's flaws make it less predictable.
It's with bad sentiments that one makes good novels.