Monday, November 06, 2006

"bittersweet love"


bittersweet love, originally uploaded by patryfrancis.

*Thanks to Left-Handed Trees for the inspiration.



Speaking of bittersweet love, I got a laugh out of this list of 30 Ways Not to Write a Novel. Those who are deeply immersed in the joyful madness known as Nano should check it out. But don't take it too seriously. I indulged in an American variation of at least 27 out of 30 of these "Don'ts" when I wrote my novel, and still managed to do a victory dance at the finish line.

(The ones I didn't do? #2, #6, and #12.)

And despite my almost daily resolutions to apply the proverbial bum glue writers are always yapping about, I'm still walking the dogs on the beach or making art when I should be cranking out that extra page.

What's more, I'm not buying the assertion that the demi-gods who win the Booker Prize or the Nobel or the Edgar aren't masters of procrastination at times as well. John Banville may be more brilliant and prolific than you and me, but I'd be willing to wager he slips off for a cup of tea or three when Marla--or is it Roshni? refuses to cooperate with his plot.


Rule #1? There are no rules...except maybe when it comes to #2. Do that and you may write and sell a novel; you may even make a pile of money; but it won't matter much, because nothing you ever write will ever be worth a damn. And that's the bittersweet truth.

19 comments:

Mary said...

I'm entranced by this piece of art, Patry. You're inspiring me to do something similar. Beautiful

Patry Francis said...

Thank you, Mary! This was my favorite one yet. I hope you join us!

Sky said...

it is from living that the writing will come. good for you!! great post.

Anonymous said...

I love this heart piece. The stone you found is amazing.

Left-handed Trees... said...

Your art, again, is so wild with enthusiasm and life--I love it. Glad to hear I could inspire yesterday, even if I couldn't spell...

Patry Francis said...

sky: Your wisdom always shines.

kathryn: Unfortunately, you can't glue a stone to a piece of paper--though I did TRY. After I took my photograph, I had to trace the stone onto something else and re-do it. Amazingly enough, I like it almost as much.

left-handed: It always seems to happen that way. Just when I think I'm down to my last dollar or my last idea or my last bit of love for the world, a friend comes along and saves me. Thanks for being that friend yesterday!

susan: If only I had a nice juicy secret to go with it...though I'm sure if I dug deep enough...

The Curmudgeon said...

I don't know... I think my little toe has quite a bit of literary talent....

gerry rosser said...

Who was it that said "there are only two rules for writing a great novel, unfortunately, nobody knows what either of them are"?

Zhoen said...

(Must not want prizes for unpublishable novel. Must not want prized for unpublishable novel.)

Anonymous said...

So...writing with the bum is not recommended anymore?

Tish

Patry Francis said...

curmudgeon: What about your elbow? Actually propping my elbow on the desk, chin in hand, is a vital part of my creative process.

gerry: That sounds just about right to me.

zhoen: It's always fun to practice the acceptance speech though.

tish: Looks like I'm going to have to change my method entirely...

Darlene said...

This is the rock you were talking about...it is just as I pictures it and I love what you have done with it :)

xox
darlene

Anonymous said...

yes! i love the art, and i am still hoping to get some glue and a comfy chair....

Patry Francis said...

darlene: Isn't it a great rock?

ruby: I haven't had so much fun with glue since I was five!

Anonymous said...

What an amazing stone treasure you found, Patry. I really love the colors and quotes that you used. Glad you're still having fun with art and sharing it with the rest of us.

Shannon Hopkins said...

I think walking the dogs IS part of the process. I do my best writing then. Of course then I lose it before I get it on paper! As for the visceral art you make, I think if I could make that, I'd be happy. It's another way of finding the "source," I think.

Patry Francis said...

Tinker: Thanks, but I think I'm running out of ideas. Hoping that my copy of The Artist's Manual arrives fast!

tarakuanyin: Oh, yes. Walking the dogs. Hanging the clothes on the line. Lying in bed staring at the ceiling. It's all part of the process.

Anonymous said...

Ah! I relate to number 30. Do you ever write in your sleep? I have written at least two small poems that made it to morning. The one I posted 2 days ago is one.

Patry Francis said...

I don't think I have, but I have definitely set many a wayward story on the right course in my dreams. Going to check out your poem now!