I'm sure many of you might be thinking that my kitchen contractor has killed me. Given his shoddy track record with power tools, it really wouldn't be a stretch.
It's been nearly a whole week and I've been atrocious about posting, and I apologize to each and every one of my 10 fans, because the last post frankly wasn't that funny and didn't deserve a whole week of being out there, on the front page, just begging to disappoint you.
I hate to say it too loudly because I don't want to jinx myself, but I've actually been writing. It's a shock, I know. I'll give you a moment or two to let the thought of me actually working sink it. I should also warn you that the fact that I'm actually talking about writing on a blog that supposed to be writing-related instead of blathering on about Tom Cruise, my Russian Kitchen Friend or and my July 4 hangover, might also be one of the seven signs of the Apocolypse. I'm just warning you now in case I get lawsuits after the end of the world.
I'm finishing up the new book, "I Did (But I Wouldn't Now)," which is not, as my husband says is what I said after I got food poisoning from The Catfish Shack on one of our drives through Texarcana. It's the spin-off to "I Do (But I Don't)." Think "Joey" but funny.
I'm in the process of writing the ending, and it's tricky. I always find endings the hardest part of a book to write, namely because it means that if the previous 270 pages sucked, it's highly unlikely that the last 25 are going to make up for it. On the other hand, if you've got 270 outstanding pages and you blow everything in the last 25, then your entire book will still suck. No pressure or anything.
Also, I don't like endings because they mean that I'm supposed to know what the hell happens, and typically at this stage, I don't know. Does my main character get married at the end or does she fall off a cliff? Does she find the love of her life or does she end up guest starring on Fear Factor? Who knows? It's a mystery. I guess I'll just have to buy the book to figure out how it all ends.
Hello, and welcome to my blog. I'm Cara Lockwood, the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen books. I've written chick lit, young adult, suspense, and most recently, I'm dabbling in romance, because I think the world could use more happily ever afters.
6 comments:
Cara,
I'm glad you are writing. I also appreciate you sharing your struggles with regard to the ending of your next book. I have been meaning to ask you if you plan everything out BEFORE you write the book, which is what some "experts" say you should do. I have been doing this and it seems I spend so much time mapping out the story that I don't have time to actually write it. :o(
Hi Terri,
I do plan everything out, but I've found I just don't have the discipline to stick to my outline. The finished product usually looks a lot different than my original outline, which can be a good thing, depending. I think great books are some combination of thoughtful planning and creative spontaneity. So while planning is definitely important (you need to have some idea of where you're headed when you start!) I think it's equally important to spend some time just writing, and seeing where the story and the characters take you. I'll write more about this topic next week. Good luck with your writing!
Car
stumbling upon your blog has been delightful. I can't wait to read some of your other work.
Dear Cara Lockwood,
I just finished reading Dixieland Sushi and I loved the book so much! I don't know what it is about your writing but I just couldn't put that book down. I wish it never ended. You have great talent! I can't wait to read your other books.
Sincerely, Monica
Hi guys!
Monica, I'm so glad you liked the book. Do you mind if I call you next time I'm feeling down? You made my day.
Morgan, glad you liked the blog. I'll keep writing if you keep reading.
Thanks again!
Cara
That's a great story. Waiting for more. » » »
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