If one is supposed to write what she knows, I've only half succeeded: my story is set in Napa Valley. But it's a fantasy piece, and fantasy is not my area of expertise. So why oh why did I turn to fantasy?
With my first draft currently in a first (of many) round of revisions, I am reading as much time travel/parallel universe books that I can. And I'm learning a lot--a lot about pacing and imagination and what works and what doesn't. I'm learning that there's plenty of good writing outside of what is strictly considered "literary."
Here's what I've read so far:
The Time Machine - HG Wells: Classic, truly. Ground floor time travel writing. Lovely use of suspense. And sexist, in a way I imagine was common in the late 1800s.
Outlander - Diana Gabaldon: Riveting in spurts, but then there's long stretches where the characters wander around and don't really seem to know where they are going or why. (Which made me think perhaps the author didn't, either. Good take-home lesson there.) Also noted that when the plot was thin, we were treated to another sex scene. All well and good, but not how I want my book to operate. (Favorite part: the abbey chapter, for the philosophy.)
The Magicians - Lev Grossman: Enjoyed very much, especially as it had more of a literary bent. At times wondered if this book came from a Nanowrimo project because some elements were so unexpected. They felt like devices to move story forward or get out of writers block. (Wish I had taken notes on which elements, exactly.)
The Golden Compass - Philip Pullman: Loved this book--great imagination. Enjoyed the way it was written and cannot think of a thing I didn't like. Would loved to have read this book when I was 10--but since I didn't, I'm happy to have read the book now at 30(muffle) and will read the next book for sure.
The Gunslinger - Stephen King: My first King novel, and I was pleasantly surprised. I know King fans don't consider this one of his finer novels, but I came to it with no expectations. I liked that it is the classic hero's journey but told in a way I hadn't heard before. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
[Unnamed book] - [Unnamed author]: Twenty pages in and this is going to the donate pile. Authors, do not have your characters do something so ridiculous (without good reason--or without realizing their ridiculousness) because I and every other thinking reader will toss your book. That said, this author is a fair success, so … grain of salt. Also? Just say no to cardboard characters. No, no, no.
Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman: Just picked it up. Love, so far.
It's an adventure, all of it. From the writing and revising all the way back to reading the books I never made time for. Look at me go!
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