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| Junot Diaz |
In order to write the book you want to write, in the end you have to become the person you need to become to write that book– Junot Diaz
While writing, a short story does not take you over like a novel does. It can influence you to an extent as you write it, stay like a strong memory of people you once knew.
But a novel is a different beast. Taking apart my first draft, I find myself grappling for the story, and I find it has changed me. For the better or worse, I do not know. I only know that I’m not at the same place as a writer and a human being as when I began to write it.
Has this happened to you? Did you become the person you needed to become to write your book?
I've never written a novel….and in future also I would not be able to write novels because my Grammar is very poor. Though I have written many short stories…. Technology News and Updates
I've absolutely had this experience. Not that what I write is necessarily "autobiographical" (far from it, actually) but I do draw on things that I've either experienced or lived through in some way, but then blur it all out of proportion from my own life. However, if I think about it, the themes & ideas definitely reflect certain issues I'm trying to work through – and feel changed when coming out the other side.
My novel is far from autobiographical, as well. But I find that I'm examining the issues/ themes/ emotions I'm writing about, and in a way I can't really put my finger on, I'm changing with the book.
In my own experience, I believe you're quite right about this. The only way to write a true (and therefore worthwhile) book is to walk a true path. That is likely to change you.
I don't know if I'm writing a worthwhile book. But I'm trying to be honest in my emotions as I write, and that seems to be changing me.
I've never written a novel. But I did some short stories. First, I would get a spark and cud chew it for months on end. Finally, when I finished writing a piece, I always find it pedestrian not the one I had envisioned. So, I end up not becoming a person I very much wanted to be. It happens many times.
I feel I've managed to capture a few of those sparks, but you're right what's in our heads doesn't translate very well on paper. I just have a waking dream and let my hand do the writing most times, and that ensures a somewhat greater degree of success:)
I agree with Sherry. I think it all has to do with the time you invest in such a large project. It's bound to change you.
I guess you and Sherry are right. I'm living eating breathing this thing, and it is making me question my beliefs and fears.
I've never written a novel, so I haven't had that experience. I can imagine that because of the time invested in writing one, it does have more of an effect on you.
This is my first time, so I guess the length of time is affecting me.
Maybe in the sense that I find out more about what I believe and need to say, and who I want to say it about. Interesting question.
Maybe in the sense that I find out more about what I believe and need to say, and who I want to say it about. Interesting question.
I'm not sure i want to say anything when I'm writing a story. I just feel the need to shape a story, so I do. But during this novel, I feel parts of myself shaping as I shape it.