Jason Howell
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
People talk about "Aha!" moments. What about "I've stopped caring!" moments? Can you recall a particular instance, in writing or in life, where stopping caring was the cure? Where *letting go* jettisoned you forward, helped you get unstuck?
Chris Bohjalian
This has to be among the most interesting questions I've ever gotten. Thanks, Jason.
The short honest answer is this: No. I always care and I care deeply.
BUT I think you are on to something really interesting and really smart.
I THINK it was Jodi Picoult who once said, "It's a whole lot easier to edit garbage than a blank page." (Jodi, if I have that wrong, please jump in and correct me.) That's one of the smartest things any novelist has ever said about our craft. On so many levels it reminds us that it is easy to get stuck trying to find the perfect word or the perfect moment or the perfect scene.
But the reality is that we edit copiously. Relentlessly. Endlessly, sometimes it seems.
And when you accept that reality -- that the first draft is a far cry from the final draft -- it is much easier to "let it go" and get unstuck.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
The short honest answer is this: No. I always care and I care deeply.
BUT I think you are on to something really interesting and really smart.
I THINK it was Jodi Picoult who once said, "It's a whole lot easier to edit garbage than a blank page." (Jodi, if I have that wrong, please jump in and correct me.) That's one of the smartest things any novelist has ever said about our craft. On so many levels it reminds us that it is easy to get stuck trying to find the perfect word or the perfect moment or the perfect scene.
But the reality is that we edit copiously. Relentlessly. Endlessly, sometimes it seems.
And when you accept that reality -- that the first draft is a far cry from the final draft -- it is much easier to "let it go" and get unstuck.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
More Answered Questions
Victoria
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
Oh my! Where to start? I met you last summer, and I have to say, you are one of the kindest people I have ever met...so, thank you for that! I thoroughly enjoy each book you write. I'm amazed that you have such a variety of topics you have written about. How does the process of a story come about? Do you have tons of story ideas rattling around in your head? Lol
Laura
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
Hi, Chris. I've just finished The Buffalo Soldier, the first of your books that I've read. I loved it and to my surprise, given other art and the news, found it sunny. This sunniness seems to be located for me in the kindnesses of characters, your language (I wish there were room for examples), and also perhaps in the lack of ongoing vitriol between Terry and Laura. Was it your intention to create sunniness?
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Aug 12, 2015 08:36PM · flag