my new new novel

About five minutes ago, I sent the first three chapters of my new novel to my editor at Random House.  It doesn’t have a title yet, and it won’t come out until Spring 2012. But it’s a crazy thrill to have the beginning in solid shape, and to send it off for feedback.

I’ve been watching this new story unfold in little pieces in my head for a long time.  I know a lot already about where it’s going in a broad way (though the details are always one surprise after another).  But it’s pretty thrilling to see it all actually happen.  Does that make sense? It’s one thing to know a character goes for a walk.  But it’s another to actually write the scene and BE THERE.

Here are some photos of the writing I’ve been doing over the break.  Just for fun.

This is my process:  I type the story, then print it out and carry it in a binder like precious cargo wherever I go.  Then, as I re-read, it sparks other ideas in my head, and I write them all over the margins and on the backs of pages.

I edit things out and add things in at the same time.  Then, after a bit, I type all the changes in and print it out again fresh.  I love the pages when they are newly-printed and pristine.  But I love them even more when they are scrawled and scribbled all over.

Usually I’ll use plain-old vinyl binders in black or white. But, for this one, I gave in to my love of pretty office products and bought a flowery binder at Target.  At least, until the story gets too long to fit!