Q&A with Garth Stein discussion

Okay, here you can ask me about writerly stuff. If you have any questions. Like what a semicolon is really used for. How to actually use the first person singular pronoun correctly. Where ideas come from. Techniques, theories, styles, strategies. Have at it!

Actually, I'd like to know what a semicolon is used for! I'm sure I've used it improperly before...

Hi again, Garth. What is your "schedule" for writing. I've been lucky enough to meet some of my favorite authors (not you yet, though) and many of them seem to do their writing primarily in the early morning hours, starting at about 5 a.m. What about you?

Joy wrote: "Actually, I'd like to know what a semicolon is used for! I'm sure I've used it improperly before..."

Easy: Two independent clauses that could be separated by a period, but they just feel connected in some way; they belong together. It's almost like a period is too much; the writer wants to create a sense of unity. When that happens, a writer will use a semicolon; however, don't use them too frequently; you'll drive your reader mad!

Diane D. wrote: "Hi again, Garth. What is your "schedule" for writing. I've been lucky enough to meet some of my favorite authors (not you yet, though) and many of them seem to do their writing primarily in the ea..."

My friend, Jim Lynch (The Highest Tide, Border Songs) says his "schedule" is "haphazard." That's pretty much mine, too.

I do find myself asleep at 5 am, for the most part. Sometimes I find myself writing at midnight. So I guess I tend toward the later hours....

Hi Garth! I wonder how you found a publisher for your 1st book. Did you get an agent first? It all sounds so daunting.

Did you start out getting short stories published or was it straight to putting out a novel? Have you always written, even at a young age or did you start later on in your life?

When you give writterly advice do you ever say "Write what you know?" ;)

Have you read "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves?" And I am very curious what advice you have for young writers just getting started-- how to find a publisher, etc.

Hi Garth. Do you use an outline when you write. Do you know how your book is going to end when you start or do you find your way while you're writing?

Hi Garth! I'm a school librarian, so it's rare that I get to read a "grown up" book. Fortunately, I read "Racing" and absolutely loved it. I passed it on to my principal when I finished. Have you ever thought about writing a young adult novel? I'd love to be able to introduce you to my students!

Your book "The Art of Racing in the Rain" is an amazing novel. I loved it!

Do you believe that reading is an important part of being a good writer?

Hi there Garth!

Where do you do most of your writing? At home or someplace else?

Hey Garth,
So my question isn't so much about, but about editing. I figure many established writers edit their manuscript before letting the pros take it from them. Do you use a method(s) or a process to self-edit your work?

SO- i'm not a writer, but am in awe of those who have the talent. As a premed major i took rhetoric pass/fail, and still have dreams that i'm failing. I read for entertainment, and escape, but over the years have realized that my favorite books are those that cause me to consider relationships with others.

Its important that i know how to gab while examining people (im an obgyn) just so women dont dwell on the exam. Reading is a common topic, and the best book tips are from my patients. I just read "the art..." and keep telling people that this great book was written by a dog! How silly is that? This message is really meant to thank you for writing a great story. Looking forward to reading the others.

Mikenliza wrote: "Hi Garth! I wonder how you found a publisher for your 1st book. Did you get an agent first? It all sounds so daunting."

Yep. It's hard to sell a novel without an agent. But it isn't impossible. I sold my second book myself, to Soho Press. There are a few small presses that take unagented manuscripts. Yes, it's daunting, but if you write a really good book, someone will want it! The writing is the hard part!

Shelly wrote: "Did you start out getting short stories published or was it straight to putting out a novel? Have you always written, even at a young age or did you start later on in your life?

When you give wri..."

Short stories are extremely difficult to write, and I don't find the medium suits me. I'm too long winded!

Joan wrote: "Hi Garth. Do you use an outline when you write. Do you know how your book is going to end when you start or do you find your way while you're writing?"

I do use an outline. I do know the end. Or at least, I have an idea of the end.

I believe I have to have a place to aim for. I'm willing to change it, discover new things, adapt, go on detours, etc. But I like to have a target. It's part of my goal-driven personality, I guess.

Jane wrote: "Hi Garth! I'm a school librarian, so it's rare that I get to read a "grown up" book. Fortunately, I read "Racing" and absolutely loved it. I passed it on to my principal when I finished. Have y..."

There will be a tween version of ARR out soon. "Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog." That might be appropriate for your students.

I have thought of writing YA and may do so!

Jay wrote: "Your book "The Art of Racing in the Rain" is an amazing novel. I loved it!

Do you believe that reading is an important part of being a good writer?"

Yes. (That was easy!)

Taryn Brittany wrote: "Hi there Garth!

Where do you do most of your writing? At home or someplace else?"

I work at home sometimes, but kids distract me. (Much more fun to play than to write!) So I rent a desk from a pizza restaurant near my home, and I write there. (It's true!)

Gio wrote: "Hey Garth,
So my question isn't so much about, but about editing. I figure many established writers edit their manuscript before letting the pros take it from them. Do you use a method(s) or a proc..."

Yes. She's called my wife. She's a fantastic editor. Every writer needs a trusted friend/spouse/partner/consultant he can depend on for solid, genuine, straight-forward advice.

My friend, Alan Rinzler, is a fantastic freelance editor in San Francisco, and he helps me, too. You can google him.

If you could change anything about your book (The Art of Racing in the Rain," what would it be?

Garth wrote: "Jay wrote: "Your book "The Art of Racing in the Rain" is an amazing novel. I loved it!

Do you believe that reading is an important part of being a good writer?"

Yes. (That was easy!)"

It doesn't feel like an extension of work (as I imagine that chefs don't like to cook at home- perhaps I'm totally wrong here)? Are you able to read without "re-writing" it the way you'd have done it? And if your answer to my questions is "no", how do you avoid those things?

Jay wrote: "If you could change anything about your book (The Art of Racing in the Rain," what would it be?"

Enzo would be a squirrel. They're so cute!

Linda wrote: "Garth wrote: "Jay wrote: "Your book "The Art of Racing in the Rain" is an amazing novel. I loved it!

Do you believe that reading is an important part of being a good writer?"

Yes. (That was..."

Well, reading is an important part of learning the craft of writing and of seeing examples of good writing and getting ideas of things to steal. It's hard for me to read novels when I'm writing a novel. I find the voice bleeding into my narrative.

I enjoyed The Art of Racing in the Rain so much that I ended up saying yes to my kids pleas for a dog way too early!

Anyway...Hi, Garth! I don't really have a writing question. Just wanted to say how much I loved your story, the whole idea of Enzo, a lovable dog, doing the narrating and your good-hearted characters - both master and animal. I believe in good winning over evil always. Always. And I believe you are a very good writer!

Thank you. :)

Happy writing

So I just returned from the bookstore with my mother-in-law, who bought How Evan Broke his Head and Other Secrets for me, and a copy of Racing in the Rain for herself (I sort of highly suggested it). Usually I am too poor to buy books, and it got me to wondering if you make enough money to support a family on your writing. I don't need details, and it's ok if you don't want to answer. I am just wondering. I see ARR everywhere here in Bellingham and hope you are raking it in :)

Racing in the Rain is the first book of yours that I've read (I promise to read more) & I wonder if as the voice of Enzo, did you read other novels or discuss with their authors the uniqueness of being the voice of a beloved animal? I loved Sighthound which has many animals as narrators but primarily Dante & in both novels, the voice of the dog was spot on. I assume you have a dog but still that's quite a talent - channeling the thoughts of even the brightest of pets.

I came across “The art of running in the rain” by fate. The first page sold the book:I read the first 50 pages while waiting for jury duty to start, sitting in my car, crying and laughing at the same time. With just those first 50 pages something changed in the way I thought about the dog’s voice in writing and how to live and train my dogs. It was now so clear. My training and attitude towards the dogs has changed so that I'm looking for what they are trying to say, rather than what they are doing. As for writing in the animal’s voice I have the same questions as the previous poster. I think what I pick up from Enzo’s character is that you keenly observed what many of us over look. What is annoying behavior is their frustration at trying to communicate with us. I publish Alaska Dog News and I think of any of the writers I have found you may teach me more than any of them. Excellent work. I put a piece I wrote a year ago but never published on the "share your story" in the communty page on your web site.

I loved Enzo. He spoke with such a real and convincing voice- I imagined hearing him talk! When you write, do you start with the characters and then let them tell the story? Or, do you start with the plot and place the characters in it? What is the most effective way to create believable and strong characters?

Tovansteve wrote: "I loved Enzo. He spoke with such a real and convincing voice- I imagined hearing him talk! When you write, do you start with the characters and then let them tell the story? Or, do you start wit..."

Good question. That's sort of the art of writing. I can only speak to my experiences..... for me, it's about the character in transition. So it's not just the voice of the character, but the voice of the character trying to figure something out. Then, the character and the plot become one, because the plot is the investigation (internal or external) that the character undertakes, if that makes sense.

I mean, it's sort of a chicken or egg question. Which one came first? Neither could exist without the other, therefore, neither came first. They just came.

Thus, with a story, character or plot first? The plot wouldn't exist without the character and the character wouldn't exist without the plot...

That probably doesn't help much. Maybe this will help: whichever inspiration comes to you first, plot or character, listen very carefully to what it (or he or she) says. It's the sensitivity with which a writer handles that moment of creation that allows the book to grow.

Dear Garth,
First off, I must say "The Art of Racing in the Rain" was one of those books. I'm a huge reader and, although usually I enjoy the books I read, only a few books have really impacted me and made me fall in love with literature all over again. That's what "Racing" did. I could not put it down, not only because Enzo and the other characters were so real, but because the writing was amazing. So, thank you for that. It automatically became one of my favorite and most recommended books. My question is this: I also love to write and, although I tend to do well on school essays, my creative writing never seems to be where I want it to be. I have so many different ideas for stories, and I am currently trying to write a novel. Do you have any suggestions for how to become a better creative writer? Are there any techniques that you use when writing that would help me? Thank you so much for your time. I look foward to reading all of your other books in the future.

Hello Garth,
Not a writer, but a librarian, avid reader, and certified (or certifiable) dog lover. After the 1st 2 pages where Enzo is trying to communicate his desire to "die with dignity", I knew here was someone who truly loved and understood our incredible canine friends. Your writing is from the heart and pulls us in completely.

I almost feel a bit hypocritical in introducing this since I was initially drawn to the book because of Enzo and my curiosity of how well that would be written. However, and despite the fact that we've spent considerable time discussing Enzo here, the book was so much more than Enzo for me. It spoke to me about being human and provided me with many words of wisdom that I needed when I needed them without sounding preachy or overly philisophical. Yet, it was the depth of the philosophy I found that made me immediately add your other books to my TBR list.

Do readers respond to the book as you had hoped (with such interest in Enzo) or were you hoping for a different response? And, did you ever consider narrating it from another persepctive? I know you said that the plot and the characters develop for you essentially simultaneously, but was there any moment when Enzo had a lesser role?

Finally, you mentioned that Evan didn't find it's audience. Any ideas why that might have been?

Linda

Garth,
I always imagined writers starting at the beginning and writing forward. I’ve tried it , chapter one, page one but run out of steam, get lost and rambling. I want to put a story together about our dog Daisy, a tricolored, fawn mantle, chocolate masked, blue eared Great Dane, possibly mixed greyhound. She is very stunning looking and smart. She was found running loose in the woods in a remote area of Alaska and we assumed she had been dumped. Long story short her owner lived in the area but didn’t want her and we have had her for almost 3 years. I have parts of stories I compiled in blogs and dairies and now have recently put the pieces of her first 11 months together from the point she was dropped at the shelter at about 6 weeks of age.
I’m thinking Daisy’s story could be told from her view, previous owners view, shelter workers view and ours. Can you describe a process to compile various parts of a story?
Thanks
A different Linda

Thank you so much for this discussion!!! I loved The Art of Racing in the Rain (during vacation last year, my mom came to me after she had finished it and said, "You have to read this.")

I was just wondering if you could help me with point-of-view. I have a bad habit of writing from the first-person point of view, because (for me) it's the easiest to write from, and it makes you feel closer to the character. But I also have the bad habit of making too many characters to keep up with, resulting in a confusing, "3 *'s mean this person, 2 *'s mean this other person" system. I've practiced writing in third person, but I think I could still use some more knowledge under my belt.

Thanks!

Just Me wrote: "Thank you so much for this discussion!!! I loved The Art of Racing in the Rain (during vacation last year, my mom came to me after she had finished it and said, "You have to read this.")

I was ju..."

POV is all a matter of touch and feel. Each book or story will have a different way of telling. It's like a sculptor looking at a block of marble: the artist "sees" what the marble wants to be. If you have a lot of characters coming and going, you need third person to avoid the confusion. A nice fit for you might be a third person limited pov. That's what my second book, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets was written in. It gives some of the intimacy of first person, but allows some of the latitude of third omniscient.

But, honestly, Just Me, this is all bicycle riding stuff. Until you get on and pedal, you don't really know what all the advice is about. So try a few different pov's and see what suits you and what suits your story! Good luck!