next book
What's next?
01/24/09 11:38
Here I am, mostly at the end of a project. So what
comes next?
I need to talk it over with Agent Extraordinaire Amy, because I’d like to know what she thinks will sell. Writing with eyes fixed on the market doesn’t work (IMHO), but it’s still important to glance at it more than once. So her opinion will make a difference. But what do *I* want to write? I’m not sure.
I’ve thought about a girl in the Black Hills, sent there without her consent, and what might happen. I’ve thought about Ian and Ivy again. I don’t think about the verse novel, even though I’d love to, because I don’t think it’s the right time for a verse novel---I need a couple more regular novels out there first. I think a lot about a boy novel---a crazy boy, a streaking boy, a boy interested in saying what he feels and thinks to the detriment of his life---and I’ve thought about the phrase “jerk off for peace,” plastered across a wall of a vacant building in town (for a cultural reference, see the “bong hits for Jesus” Supreme Court free speech case from last year). A kid who idolizes Lenny Bruce and what he stood for: free speech and openness.
But can I really talk about jerking off? I’m not sure I’m that brave. Sure, I can write about it, but can I talk about it with kids someday? Don’t know. Despite my imaginary pink mohawk, I’m still a relatively reticent Midwesterner about some things. But I’d bet I can get over it.
And yes, I know these things may contradict the “in progress” page of my web site. I’m still thinking.
This is an odd place to be, in between things. I love the idea of not busting my ass for a while---2008 was about busting my ass, and I am TIRED. At the same time, the images and ideas keep creeping in, even when I tell them to leave me be for a while. They never listen.
I don’t think I can *not* write.
I need to talk it over with Agent Extraordinaire Amy, because I’d like to know what she thinks will sell. Writing with eyes fixed on the market doesn’t work (IMHO), but it’s still important to glance at it more than once. So her opinion will make a difference. But what do *I* want to write? I’m not sure.
I’ve thought about a girl in the Black Hills, sent there without her consent, and what might happen. I’ve thought about Ian and Ivy again. I don’t think about the verse novel, even though I’d love to, because I don’t think it’s the right time for a verse novel---I need a couple more regular novels out there first. I think a lot about a boy novel---a crazy boy, a streaking boy, a boy interested in saying what he feels and thinks to the detriment of his life---and I’ve thought about the phrase “jerk off for peace,” plastered across a wall of a vacant building in town (for a cultural reference, see the “bong hits for Jesus” Supreme Court free speech case from last year). A kid who idolizes Lenny Bruce and what he stood for: free speech and openness.
But can I really talk about jerking off? I’m not sure I’m that brave. Sure, I can write about it, but can I talk about it with kids someday? Don’t know. Despite my imaginary pink mohawk, I’m still a relatively reticent Midwesterner about some things. But I’d bet I can get over it.
And yes, I know these things may contradict the “in progress” page of my web site. I’m still thinking.
This is an odd place to be, in between things. I love the idea of not busting my ass for a while---2008 was about busting my ass, and I am TIRED. At the same time, the images and ideas keep creeping in, even when I tell them to leave me be for a while. They never listen.
I don’t think I can *not* write.
|