11 July 2001

I was going to write a big, long journal entry about the kinds of books I want to write. David asked me that question yesterday, and it was a really good question, and I've thought about it further since I answered him. (While I don't pick my friends solely on their ability to ask good questions, it's certainly an appreciated trait.) It's still a good question. But today I really only want to write one kind of books: the finished kind.

That is, the rough drafted kind.

I have three scenes yet to go. I know if I wanted to kill my back, I could finish this book today. Maybe I will anyway. But I want to take some significant stretch breaks, probably even go for a nice long walk up in the hills. Get out of the house, keep my brain going in quasi-sane pathways, not mumble about Anton's actions and Moira's reactions and how to defeat the evil forces with action and still have an emotional climax to the book.

I will say one thing, though, about the kinds of books I want to write. Joe Haldeman writes better and worse books, within his own spectrum, but he always tells a good story. You can count on him for Story.

I'll be trying to emulate him. I'll let you know how it goes.