Tayari's Blog:
Posted by TayariJones on July 16, 2006 09:26 AM
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At the start of summer, my goal was the rewrite the first hundred pages of THE BIGAMIST’S DAUGHTERS, to get it ready for the marketplace. I went to the Gibraltar Point Artist Colony in Toronto with the idea to focus on the project. Or was I focusing on getting it ready for the market, which is not the same thing. I was thinking about making, Dana, my protagonist more “likeable” because that is what works on the market. While I was at the colony, I wasn’t just thinking about the project and the market, I was thinking about moving, selling my house, starting a new job. I was thinking about romance. I fretted about money, my hair, and I worried about my family. In short, I couldn’t really tune into my project. My book felt like work that needed doing, that I couldn’t make time for. Writing my novel fell into the same category as finally doing my taxes—something that had to be done. Wait a minute. Whatever happened to my passion?
When I wrote Leaving Atlanta, I did it in a closet. I was living in a small apartment and there was no space for a proper office, so I set up my computer on a small table in my walk in closet. This was in 1998. Why did I feel so free in that tight space while I felt so claustrophobic in 2006, sitting in a beautiful light-filled studio? It was time to take a break.
So this is why I have been sort of incognegro the last week or so. I have been deliberately staying away from “worded” activities. I’ve been ducking bookstores, not reading Poets and Writers, and trying hard not to think too much about the book biz. Instead, I have been going to concerts. I’ve chased the Brand New Heavies all around the northeast. (Get their new album and be RENEWED!) Last night, it was folk-hop group, PS 24. I’m going to New York with my best college girlfriend to see Mary J.Blige on Friday. I am just trying to get my regular self back.
I think somehow with all the readings, events, etc. that I got a little disconnected from myself. Not a total disconnection, more like a short in my wiring. So forgive me for the posting slow down. I’ll still be here, posting, but I may be a little scarce.
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Comment #1, by Michael Fischer ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
You know what they say though, even when you're "not writing," you're still "writing"...
July 16, 2006 09:42 AM
Comment #2, by Jackie
Could it be that in 1998 you had your entire future ahead of you and all the hope that goes with it? Now you are in that future, and it looks different. Eight years older and you are more of a grownup with grownup responsibilities that have a way of getting in the way of living. Not to worry, those first few lines you share with us a few months back were intriguing. Your readers will keep checking on your progress to push you forward.
BTW, how is that next book coming?
July 16, 2006 10:51 AM
Comment #3, by kpdreams
Tayari:
I wouldn’t worry about it too much. You are a brilliant writer, and sometimes like you said you just need a break to clear your head. I have not been published yet, but there are many days when I feel like I can not read another word, nor can I try to put any words down on paper in a form that will make sense.
It kind of sucks that while you are in the process of trying to tell a story, you have to think about what is marketable. Do you think that is what is making this project so difficult for you? Having to think about the business side of things? Do you think that worrying about marketability robs you of your artistic freedom?
I don’t mind you being scarce in the blog department, although I hang off of every word in your blogs no matter how “insignificant” the topic, looking for inspiration. . I admire you. I’m glad that you know when to take a break. I’m sure that when your new book comes out it will be a HUGE success.
P.S. I’m really excited that I finally get to see you read at the Flanked Conference this year! I’m looking forward to it.
July 17, 2006 02:01 PM
Comment #4, by Judy
So there you are! I'm just so glad you had sense enough to take a break! The warning signs were there, and you heeded them and slowed down. Good for you. Like the first brother in these comments said, "Even when you're not writing . . ." So all will be in Divine Order.
Sometimes we just have to be selfish enough to take care of our own needs. I'm glad you know when to do that, and I hope you really enjoy time with your sistahfriend.
I agree with the sistah above me in comments -- I admire you too. Even more after your "time out."
When you were in that closet writing, you didn't have the pressures you have now -- a job pulling at your attention, an even better knowledge of how the publishing industry works, reader expectations!
Things change. Time to nourish Tayari. We'll be waiting right here when you feel like a post.
Peace and Love,
Judy
July 17, 2006 03:05 PM