How Much Reading & Writing Have You Managed?
2022 has begun with… a bang and a whimper and a moan and a sigh. At least, that’s how it feels to me. The shift from pandemic to endemic (maybe? I think? in some ways? for a little while?), the horrific war in Ukraine, inflation and supply chain woes, and myriad other disasters large and small have left many breathless to say the least. For me, reading has offered insights and solace but creative writing has been challenging. So, by way of a catch-up since my New Year’s Eve post, here are some thoughts and suggestions for you and some advice I hope that I, too, can take to heart.
Reading Into Spring: Young Adult
I picked up Ruta Sepetys’ latest YA at my local indie, Brick & Mortar Books. I could not have chosen a more appropriate read for the last few weeks. Set in 1989 on the eve of Romania’s December Revolution, I MUST BETRAY YOU tells the story of seventeen-year-old Cristian living in the dark, hungry, isolated nation of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. In his dismal block of concrete apartments, Cristian is uncertain whether his classmates, neighbors, crush – or even his family members – are government spies. Blackmailed by government officials, Cristian is forced to become an informer himself. This meticulously researched and unflinchingly honest novel is worthy of its many starred reviews. Given the situation astonishingly topical read given the horrific events happening in Eastern Europe. And, for those looking to better understand the Ukrainian viewpoint, consider EXECUTION BY HUNGER by Miron Dolot.
Some part of me continues to try to unlock the secrets of the mystery-writing craft. Perhaps this is why I continue to be drawn to that surprisingly large sub-genre of mysteries featuring mystery writers and mystery literature. Anthony Horowitz is a current master of the “meta-mystery” with both his Susan Ryeland books (MAGPIE MURDERS, MOONFLOWER MURDERS) and his genre-bending Daniel Hawthorne series, in which a fictional ex-detective (Hawthorne) is assisted in his adventures by Horowitz himself. Yes, the actor as character in the novel, is certainly a form on the vanguard of the vanguard. Herewith two recent reads of the form.
Reading into Spring: Mystery
A LINE TO KILL. Horowitz’s latest Hawthorne mystery is a classic “locked room,” well, locked island, set on the historic channel island of Alderney (real) on the eve of the publication of Horowitz’s (real) novel THE WORD IS MURDER, in which he describes his adventures with Detective Daniel Hawthorne (fictional) at a literary festival populated by other authors (fictional) each of whom lives, at some level, within their own created fiction (how meta). Clever, fun, packed with delicious red herrings and bits of fascinating Alderney history, this was a truly enjoyable read.
EIGHT PERFECT MURDERS. Peter Swanson’s compelling story is set in a mystery bookshop and narrated by its proprietor, Malcolm Kershaw. The plot is propelled by an old blog post by Kershaw in which he lists what he feels are eight perfect literary murders, including Agatha Christie’s A.B.C. MURDERS, Donna Tartt’s THE SECRET HISTORY, and John D. MacDonald’s THE DROWNER, among others. I can say little more without spoilers but, for fans of meta-mysteries, it’s a worthy read.
Writing in Complicated Times: Fears & Frustrations
I love to write. That much I know is true. But sometimes I think I hide at my day job as a marketing writer. It feels so easy and uncomplicated to write copy that always results in a paycheck, to work with a group that helps to define parameters and goals, and to have quick, accessible metrics that never make your gut roil or your heart ache. But, well, I love to write. Fiction. Still, I haven’t been spending enough time on my current (long-time) work in progress… until recently.
What made the difference? A long, honest talk with a smart editor. I’ve known Susan Chang for decades, both as a professional colleague and a fellow word nerd friend. Last week, I chatted with Susan, who recently left Tor/MacMillan to start her own editorial consulting business. She truly helped me discover key reasons I was avoiding work on my manuscript. I identified elements of the story about which I was afraid to write and remembered things about working on the manuscript that made me feel happy. Next day, I found myself quoting Susan to another writer friend who feels similarly mired in scary 2022 writing challenges. I actually began writing today’s blog post with a view to sharing some of Susan’s wisdom but she’s graciously agreed to let me interview her here on the blog — so I’ll let her tell you instead. Look out for that post in April.
Meanwhile, here’s wishing you happy reading & writing moments this spring.
