Saturday, March 3, 2012

Reading Myself

As I’m working on Red is an Attitude, I’m re-reading the first in the series, Red Mojo Mama. Oh what fun I’m having!

It is absolutely great how after a year, I’ve forgotten so much of the story. Oh, not the basics, but all the little characterizations of those who people Red’s life and the details for the village of Nuggetville, where the novel is set.

I’m sure all writers experience the wonderful joy of reading something they particularly like and realizing that – yes, they did it. They created this thing and being enthralled with the tale all over again. Reliving a life you built within your mind and crafted so lovingly has got to be one of the all-time thrills in this life.

I’m really ecstatic about this one because I’ve had such fun with Red, my main character, in the other blog I write – Red Mojo Mama Musings. As some of you will know, we have bantering conversations with each other and she is as real to me as my own sisters.

Of course, I stumble upon things I could have written better, realize it and wish I’d seen the possibilities at the time. But mostly, I’m happy with it. It isn’t great literature. It wasn’t meant to be. But there is a moral backbone to the story and a heroine I admire. Oh, that there was a real Lydia “Red” Talbot! (Sorry, I sound a bit like Jane Austen there – you’ll see why soon).

I have the sequel largely completed but I have a few remaining chapters and the polish to do. I like Red in this novel just as much, but the fun in this one is that she’s gotten her mojo back and she’s pretty much hell on wheels.

I’m on a Jane Austen kick as well and have read four of her novels within a couple of weeks. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a heroine so adored as hers have been for so many years. However, I have the small satisfaction of a few people who have read RMM and loved Red.

For that, I will always be grateful.

10 comments:

  1. This is scary. I'm reading, Fourth and Forever, my first, and having the same reaction you're having with Red.
    OK, that enough. Quit reading and finish the sequel.

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    1. Isn't it just the most wonderful thing? I'm writing, I'm writing!!

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  2. Okay. If you and Bert can get away with it, I am going to re-read my first one, LAST ONE CHOSEN. Last one through is a rotten egg.

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  3. I love the Red who wrote the novel - so there!

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  4. I used to feel guilty about enjoying my books. I was always told a writer shouldn't feel that way. When I'm in a blue mood I pick up one of my books and find it hard to believe that I wrote it.

    I know a few authors who refuse to read what they wrote. They don't know what they're missing.

    I think it makes you want to do better and lets you see you can actually do it.

    Great post, Kathy!

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    1. I can't imagine the sourpuss who would tell you a ridiculous thing like that. Of course, we should experience joy! I'm glad to know that someone else reads their own work and have that same feeling.

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  5. Thanks David - I still have two novels tucked away that are too raw for publication. I pet them every once in a while.

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  6. I've been re-reading my book to find errors (there are still some! before I go to a print edition. I find myself loving some passages, then feeling guilty like Bert did about admiring myself overmuch. Then I fiind a phrase I don't like or an extra adverb and cringe.

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