2.06.2012

In other news...

I am really working on my children's book.  Presently, and for as long as I could form words with a pencil, have such a hard time with plot. Actually, it was going on long before then when my best friend always wanted me to have a clear story and reason to our games and I was just blowing about, going with whatever fancied me in the moment. How anyone knows what they are going to do or say beyond a paragraph is difficult for me to fathom.  When I hear that someone is writing a novel, with twists and turns, and an ending where everything is accounted for, I nearly shiver and I hope I am never called upon to do the same.  

Despite my inability to give these characters a perfect story, things are coming along.  So far, a buffalo, a fox and some other secret animals are nuzzling their way into my heart, and I have a very good feeling in my gut.  I was totally the kid all growing up who covered her paper during art and writing time because I was too embarrassed to let my neighbor see, most likely because the most inevitable response would be, "What?!" "Ha ha, what were you thinking?!" and then attention I very much did not want would be rocketed to me and I would have to explain myself, as I realized that I was doing something in fact, a little bit strange.  That is why I must keep things mostly a secret about this book, lest I get too embarrassed and shove all my papers under my closet door.  

However, if you want to give me any words of encouragement, I have no shame.  I could use them.  Turns out, doing the things you most want to do is a little bit terrifying, and also terribly exciting.  Sort of like getting seat belted into the seat of a roller coaster. (which I actually did recently, and unbeknownst to me, until I got off at the end, I apparently screamed 'Nooooooo!!!!' the entire duration of the ride.) 





Here is Remy and me, not taking naps.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

You really were ready. I have a good feeling in my gut about this too. And I was also that child covering her work. I couldn't show others kids what I was doing, only teachers, and only when I was all of the way finished. It took me a very, very long time to show anyone else anything.

Michaela said...

Those animals are adorable! I can't wait until I have names to go with them.

Though I agree. I can manage all the details, but when people read prose I write they look at me blankly and say, I loved that imagery, but... nothing happened. It's the big arc I can't manage.

You will do wonderfully though! It will be a beautiful children's book.

S.A.R. said...

I LOVE what I'm seeing. These pictures are so awesome! I hope I get a first edition copy. :)

melimba said...

awesome! I love love your buffalo and fox! You can do it! You can do it! (this is me cheering you on!!)

Shelly said...

A fox AND a buffalo?! What could be better than THAT??! I can honestly say I've never seen those two put together and I LOVE it! GO, Ashley, GO!!! I'm already in love with this book.

emi. said...

oh you know i love that buffalo and fox!!!

kathy w. said...

Your fox and buffalo are gorgeous. And I'm so pleased that they're doing some nuzzling.

Can't wait to meet them and hear their story. I'm sure it will turn out just right.

Rachel said...

I totally want to have your book when it's done! It's going to be beautiful! Erin Morgenstern, http://erinmorgenstern.com/blog/ always makes me feel better about not having a plot. She is very visual and writes out of order.

Lia said...

dearest ash, and remy who is not taking a nap: here are a few words of encouragement, or if you're ready to take them in, about a thousand words of encouragement. you are wonderful. i love you.