I woke from a dream so vivid, so intense, that for an hour or so after I'd awakened I couldn't decide if I was still alive. My dreams are like this. It is why, perhaps, I rarely sleep, for when I do I am crushed by color or chase, by diving bells, as was the case last night, and deeply distorted perceptions.
It was 1:30 in the morning. I had to decide whether to trust the night again with sleep or to work, in the dark, on a novel.
Novels are like dreams. They crush you differently. You're sure of where you are going—you left that tag for yourself just yesterday. But when you come downstairs to your glass office, something new stirs. A scene you didn't see coming. A sign that the book has turned. You don't have much to go, and still you don't know precisely where you're going.
Do you write against an outline? I've been asked.
No. Never.
Do you know how your books will end?
If I did I'd have no interest in surviving the crush that is the crush inside which all my books are written.
I found her in La Jolla. They mummy wrapped her, sent her home. She stands guard, as you have now seen—with me, above me, near me, as muses must, especially on days like these, when all the skies will offer up is rain one single degree above freezing.
Snow would have been better. (Much.)
WASHINGTON D.C., September 22, 2008 -- Kane/Miller Book Publishers has been selected for the 2008 Best of La Jolla Award in the Publishers category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).
The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA):
U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association
I woke from a dream so vivid, so intense, that for an hour or so after I'd awakened I couldn't decide if I was still alive. My dreams are like this. It is why, perhaps, I rarely sleep, for when I do I am crushed by color or chase, by diving bells, as was the case last night, and deeply distorted perceptions.
A timely post, especially since last night, close in time to that of your dreams, I referenced a blogger friend (who is having difficulties with her novel) to your reflections on the writing life. (Hopefully that wasn't the cause of the nocturnal agita. :)
I have those scary dreams too. When I am alone, I leave the light on when I go to sleep so that when I wake up, I'll know I'm still alive.
Oooh, I love this post.
Beth, You've been gifted with the color of words and with this vision, dreams must surely tease you to write.
Lovely post.
I always thought it strange how dreams can either inspire a moment or cause that moment to be terrifying- completely different effects from one common cause
I've always thought dreams were interesting :) perhaps I will learn more about them in college... but then, that would take away the mystery. I wonder if it would be worth it?
Okay, I'm trying to understand the "never" write against an outline. When the book turns, you go with it but at the same time steer the story back to where it needs to head?
I should look to see if you have any posts about your outlining process, as I'd like to know more.
Thank you for your comment on my blog!
I'm different--I need to know where I'm headed or else I can't write anything more than a wisp of a story.
Also: I reviewed Undercover on my blog. http://thecurlyq.blogspot.com/2009/03/undercover.html
B&BM, well, thank you. And I'm quite certain you are the cause of no pain. I've met you! How could you be?
Thank you, the rest of you. Note to self: Leave the lights on.
Oh, I never trust sleep after a dream that affects me so. I'd rather vacuum than immerse myself in those murky waters again.
(And that's saying something.)
:^) A.