Writing Fiction to Music, A Book Event and My Very Own Novel Podcast?!
Welcome to a special Sunday edition of Dear Fiction.
I’ve been deep into writing my fourth novel, and I’m at the point where I’m pushing forward and getting words down fast to move the plot along. I love to discover my characters by simply prodding them along on this summer island, asking the simple question at the end of each chapter: So what happens next?
I often tell other novelists that I write really messy first drafts, and that’s where I’m at as of today: Muddling through the mid-point of a giant disaster. Yet there are glimmers of hope at every corner, a nugget of emotion that I know I will go back and expand, a plot point that I didn’t expect and realize now was inevitable.
Remember how I told you guys that I often fixate on one song that helps me get in touch with the feelings deep in the heart of a story? Well, I have one for Book Four.
The song that I cannot stop listening to is “Ghost Town,” by Benson Boone. (Yes, he was a contestant on American Idol!?) For whatever reason, I’m incredibly drawn to the emotion in his voice, and it may sound a bit strange, but I love the line: “Show me everything we built so I can tear it all down. Down, down, down.” If you haven’t listened to this song, you need to. I put on my headphones each morning when it’s time to write and I listen to this song on repeat. It moves me, and somehow I stop listening to the words and musicality and go into this trance-like writing state where the music helps develop the characters. I’m sure that sounds odd, but it’s what really helps me as I’m plotting.
Right now I’m in the 1954 portion of the narrative and I’m following the mother as she tries to figure out what to do with her problematic eldest daughter. This mother has the desire to protect her daughter while she’s also struggling with the reality that she’s behaving badly. In turn, she blames herself for weaknesses in her parenting. (Gosh, can I relate to that? Your kids act out, and it’s somehow something you did wrong. Or is that just me? LOL.)
Also, today I get to meet the wonderful author Julie Gerstenblatt who is coming to the Scarsdale Public Library to talk about her book Daughters of Nantucket. Her novel just came out, and I get to interview her about this incredible story. Whee! The novel is a fascinating look at Nantucket during the 1860s when whaling captain’s wives were left alone for long periods of time while their husbands spent years hunting whales to sell for oil. Oh how lonely the whale captain’s wife!
My favorite character is Meg, a local African American Nantucketer, who is fighting for equality, not only in the schools but for the family’s business. Events tick away as we inch close to the Great Fire of 1846, which really makes the pages fly! It’s a good one if you eat up historical fiction, the resilience of powerful women, and even the New England way of life. It’s been a real pleasure walking down Orange Street on Nantucket with her characters in that time period. So cool!
On a final note, you’re not going to believe this! We recorded our very first Dear Fiction podcast! Nancy and I actually tried our hand at producing, and it was a blast. Our first podcast will air on Thursday, and it’s about using meditation to boost creativity. What a fascinating conversation we had! I truly can’t wait for you to hear the jingle I edited into the beginning. Tell me, dear writers and readers, what are your favorite podcasts?
Happy Sunday! xo
Congrats on the new podcast! Can't wait to check it out : )
I have been obsessed lately with the 'What Should I Read Next?' https://modernmrsdarcy.com/what-should-i-read-next/ podcast, which I found through another Substacker, 'All By Our Shelves', https://allbyourshelves.substack.com/p/i-was-a-guest-on-what-should-i-read
I'm also loving a newly launched podcast by Dr Kathleen Waller over on 'The Matterhorn' https://thematterhorn.substack.com/p/the-podcast-is-coming I am absolutely obsessed with listening to podcasts, so much so that I have to limit myself or I'd never get any of my own writing done...
Yes!! Messy first drafts are fantastic 👌👌👌