But sometimes when I was starting a new story and I could not get it going, I would sit in front of the fire and squeeze the peel of the little oranges into the edge of the flame and watch the sputter of blue that they made. I would stand and look out over the roofs of Paris and think, ‘Do not worry. You have always written before and you will write now. All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.’ So finally I would write one true sentence, and then go on from there.
Ernest Hemingway
I have not been able publish a post all these days because the time I used to give to writing blogs is now devoted to writing my debut novel. I have been writing this fiction from some days now therefore I haven’t got time to think of something else, something unusual for the blog. It’s been around 40 days and I have completed writing around 65 pages. On an average it’s 1.6 page per day. This too when I dedicate maximum time I can to it. Out of all the things I have done its turning out to be the most difficult job to pull off. First I have to be alone for some time so that I can clear my mind of everyday routine. Then I have to think of something spectacular and unique to continue with. It’s one of the disadvantages of reading too many books. Your ideas start to get connected with some book you have read. And of course you want it to be unique. So you stress your mind to think of nothing but the book, your book.
I started it while I was reading ‘A Moveable Feast’ by Ernest Hemingway. There is no better writer to take inspiration from other than Ernest. He, in his book, quite clearly wrote that while starting a novel or a story you think of the truest idea you can think of and you start it from there. When your idea if true and different, it will reflect in your book. Your confidence will reflect in the book. And also you only think of your story when you are writing it. Take rest of the day off and observe different people, observe how they behave. Then use them in your book while writing it.
So I followed my idol and thought of a different and breathtaking idea and started writing on it. It turns out that after some days when your idea starts to soften you need more inspiration to continue with it.
Ernest Hemingway got this inspiration from hunger. So I starved myself but it wasn’t permanent and in my heart I knew it wasn’t permanent. And I could not fool my heart. I knew after these days I will get to eat whatever I wish. But what Hemingway used as an inspiration was the hunger where you don’t know how much days it will take for you to get paid and fill your empty stomachs.
Then he got inspiration from the picturesque views and places in Paris. It was utterly beautiful back in 1920’s. Living in a metropolitan you don’t really get to see rivers and gardens. So I took a 3 day trip to a hill station. I was getting used to the cold wind and sublime view when I ran out of money (You see I don’t earn yet.) So I had to return.
But this quest to write a revolutionary novel will continue with each breath of mine. Someday perhaps I will reach out to people through my words. Someday Perhaps I will complete this saga. Someday perhaps.
good luck in finishing your book sush! I write novels for fun and I know how difficult it is to finish one especially if you have a goal in word-count as well.
Thank you miles. I don’t have a goal in word count but I want it to be a consummate novel and I want my readers to have an accomplished experience. Till the time I feel that the book will bring out a particular side of the reader, I plan to keep on writing. And that is why it’s taking more time than usual.
wow!!! it’s been awhile.. i hope you are done with your book sush :).