I think one of the keys to better writing is releasing all of your ideas and to not be afraid. Dream big. This could be the greatest novel in the world you know.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I quickly realised that it is difficult to get started when writing a novel. You have this dream of what you want to create, but it is like walking around a swimming pool and hesitating to jump in because the water is too cold.
A novel is a big thing. It's difficult to hold the whole story in your mind, especially when you've finished a first draft and are still giddy from the flow of creative juices.
I was very afraid to write a novel - it was a dream for a very long time, and it was one of the few things that I was afraid to try.
Before you can write a novel you have to have a number of ideas that come together. One idea is not enough.
My novels are high concept. I guess big ideas interest me more than, say, the minutiae of domestic life.
It takes a lot of energy and a lot of neurosis to write a novel. If you were really sensible, you'd do something else.
I never plan my novels because if I know what is going to happen, it bores me rigid. I let the story tell itself.
I keep telling myself I should try very hard to write a novel of about 210 pages... I don't seem to be capable of it, but I keep hoping it will happen.
I think you get so wrapped up in the book you're currently writing, it's hard to think about anything else. But I know as soon as I'm done with this book, I'll move on to something else.
I love 'Memory Keeper's Daughter,' but in some ways I think 'The Lake of Dreams' is a stronger book. I was able to tell the story I wanted to tell. That's all you can ever do as a writer. From there on you have no control over it.