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Hello GentleReader,
I have a little book on my desk called Mindfulness on the Go that I turn to when I want to consider something thought-provoking. When I say little, I mean it, the book fits in my palm. I bought it on tour back in January to have as a travel companion, something to keep me focused and grounded. I’ve found that it’s a fun way to start my writing day—opening the book at random and reading the selection within. Today, the message was an interesting one—the chapter is entitled “Secret Acts of Virtue.” The concept is a simple one—do something nice for someone without drawing attention to the act itself.
This is something 2020 has made abundantly clear—even the smallest actions have lasting consequences. Wearing a mask. Buying a book by an author of color. Respecting opinions that don’t match your own. Loading the dishwasher when it’s not your turn. (This last doesn’t necessarily affect anyone but your partner, but you get the idea.) This is a moment in time that needs careful attention. Change is always difficult. There are growing pains. Feeling are hurt. Relationships severed. Lives and livelihoods are sadly destroyed. But we exist in this world together, and together, we will get through this. Be kind to one another. Grant grace to strangers. Hold up your friends. Practice your secret acts of virtue. If anything, it will make you feel good.
Enough of the meditative stuff!
I managed to get a few much needed weeks off between turning in my book and getting the revisions back on HER DARK LIES. I read, a lot. I walked, a lot. I bought a bicycle, and rode her, a lot. I thought, a lot. I wrote some, too, a short story that will be out next year, and did copious amounts of thinking about What’s Next.
Revising really is the art of writing, and this book needs heavier revisions than I’m used to. I’m rebuilding it slowly, chapter by chapter, plot point by plot point. I’m changing some of the characters, dropping a subplot entirely. And altering the timeline. So yeah, basically creating a whole new book. It’s scary, this level of restructuring, but I hope in the end, it will be worth it. If I’m quiet out in the world, that’s why. I’m here, working hard, trying to create a story you will love.
The worst part? After all that time off, all that walking and reading and biking and thinking, I know what I want to do next… so let’s get this revision DONE already, yes?
Two bits of news:
Our little literary show, A Word on Words, has a brand-new facet—the full interview transcripts are now available for all our shows for Season 5, and will be available for all shows going forward. I think you’ll love reading the entire interview between hosts and guests. I know I loved editing mine! We've been busy taping "At Home" editions with luminaries like R. Eric Thomas, Emily St. John Mandel, Julia Alvarez, and more. Tune in!
Starting this month, if you open this email, you’re automatically entered to win a $30 gift card to the bookstore of your choice. Consider it my little kindness to you, my way of saying thanks for being here. I’ll announce the winner in the next monthly Smatterings!
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