Barbara DeMarco-Barrett interviews Debra Ollivier, author of What French Women Know: About Love, Sex and Other Matters of the Heart and Mind; Karen Karbo, author of The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World’s Most Elegant Woman; and Jennifer Niven, author of Velva Jean Learns to Drive.
(Broadcast date: Sep 9, 2009)
The other night in class a lovely, talented student asked how to make yourself stay in the chair when you’re writing crap (or believe you are) or you wonder if anyone will ever want to read what you’re writing.
It reminded me of something MSNBC correspondent Richard Wolffe (author of Renegade) said on the show when my brilliant co-host Marrie Stone interviewed him. He said if you think writing is a fun idea or you think you might like it, find something else to do. That’s not enough of a determination factor, not enough of a reason to stay in the chair. But if you find you must write, that nothing else does it for you quite like writing, then go for it.
That’s how I make myself stay in the chair.
Years before Pen on Fire was published, I remember beautiful days when I made myself stay at the desk. Travis was quite small then. Brian and Travis would try to coerce me in going to the beach with them. I said no, said if I didn’t stay where I was I would never have anything publishable. And this is when there was a lot of discouraging words re: inspirational books on writing. Nothing gave me any idea anyone would ever want to buy my book. Just my writing group and a few students kept me believing.
The other thing is, no one is born published. Remember that. No one comes out of the womb with a book deal.
It’s the work, the words on the page. And the way they get there is by staying in the chair.
So when the voices get to me, I just figure they’re getting to everyone and the writers who get published are the ones who don’t listen.
And now here’s something new and exciting: I can finally make my own lattes! Glory day! I bought a Moka on-the-stove espresso maker (thank you, cousin Gerry, and whoever else recommended it) and a Aerolatte, which makes the most delectable foam–better than just about any from a Starbucks or any cafe (thank you, Michele Huneven, for your advice), and there you go.
Tin House literary journal seeks submissions for its winter issue. Here you go:
Tin House is pleased to announce its Spring, 2010 theme: Games People Play. From Texas Hold ‘Em to Cricket to Mind Games, from Pee-Wee Baseball to Pokemon, from passionate participants to player-haters, we are looking for fiction, essays, and poetry that capture the essence of competition. At this stage (of the game, race, rally, inning, hand, match, set, clash, etc.) we are taking on all comers, fielding all pitches. The deadline is November 24, but please submit much earlier than this as the issue will be crowded with contenders.
Also, our Winter issue, which is not themed, has not quite closed. If you have something fabulous, please send asap.
Thank you for your continued support of Tin House.
Sincerely,
Rob Spillman
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Tin House
PMB 280
320 Seventh Avenue
Brooklyn NY 11215
Phone 718-788-1116
Fax 718-788-6866
A few of my Gotham students have asked for my book review of some of my favorite writing books. Click here to read.
The ASJA Monthly, in which the review ran, and which I edit, is full of good info for writers. Every month a Q&A interview with an agent, editor or author. Check it out.
Barbara DeMarco-Barrett interviews literary agent Betsy Lerner and Rachel Resnick, author of Love Junkie.
(Broadcast date: September 09, 2009)
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Oct. 4, Sunday, all day in West Hollywood, the book fair I attend and take part in every year because it’s a mini-LA Times Festival of Books, with great panels and colorful scenes. This year I’ll be moderating a memoir panel with Rachel Resnick, Danzy Senna, Norman Ollestad and Michael Kearns from 2 – 3:15. Come by. Should be great. Click here to read more.
Palm Springs Noir, an anthology published by Akashic Books, edited by Barbara, also features her short story “The Water Holds You Still.” Order anywhere you buy books.
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Get in the flow with typewriter music by Travis Barrett.
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