…and having reason to – that’s the trick.
I opened Writing Magazine yesterday to see my face scrutinizing me very seriously from the contents page. On page 70 Lynne Hackles reporting on MY WRITING DAY, the result of a long conversation we had months ago. Thanks, Lynne. I’ve been enjoying those articles for years and am fascinated at the varying degree of discipline and devotion that writers give to pursuing their craft.
Two devoted and disciplined writers are very much in my mind this week. One is Meg Gardiner, crime writer, (www.meggardiner.com) who is heading off to the US next week to be unleashed onto a grateful reading public. I wish her Bon Voyage. Meg’s books rip and I expect they will sit comfortably in the US bestsellers list for a long time to come.
The other is Linda Gillard (www.lindagillard.co.uk) whose new book, Star Gazing landed on my desk last week. It is everything I hoped it would be and suggest that if you found the subtlety of the love scenes between Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in Out of Africa moving, you need to get your hands on this. Have some cold water to hand.
In the article I said that the best advice I was ever given was to ‘remember to enjoy it’. I know both these women as friends as well as writers and have to say that I thoroughly enjoy having my faith in their ability vindicated by their growing fame and fan clubs. Take a look at their reviews – and the caliber of their reviewers.
It’s great not having to be biased. 
June 6, 2008 at 11:57 am
Thanks Adrienne, you are such a pal.
I often repeat your words of advice (“Remember to enjoy it”) when I’m struggling with the vagaries of the publishing world. They keep me sane. well, sane-ish.
Congrats on the WRITING magazine piece. I’ll look out for it.
June 28, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Hi from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — the final stop on my U.S. book tour. Thanks for the kind words. And, thanks in particular to you, I am reminding myself to enjoy this. Even when I’m knackered.