1. I’m envious of those who write to playlists, soundtracks,
and symphonies. I wrote one book to Tchaikovsky and Borodin, but since then,
prefer silence. So I can hear my characters speak. On the other hand, after
years of subbing, I can write anywhere. Yes, I can tune you right out.
2. As you may know, I was born with a book in one hand and a
passport in the other. I always had my nose in a book, when I wasn’t memorizing
a script, or delivering someone’s lines on-stage. I didn’t study writing in
college, but did develop the ability to plant my butt in the chair and focus
for six or eight hours. Also to make connections between seemingly disconnected
ideas and worlds. After that, I spent many years living many lives.
3. I began writing scripts with my husband, often plotting
on 3 x 5 cards, each card a beat, or scene. I learned to make the motivation
fit the needs of the story, artificial but practical. A good skill, just in
case. Along with dialogue, writing tight.
4. At the same time, I was writing travel articles and
discovered that my strength is in setting. This helped when I turned to
narrative writing, learning to paint a scene.
5. In my work, setting often comes first and research is the
best part, the open-ended freedom of it all. I used to take notes on paper,
then laptop, then iPad. Now I love Notes on my phone—which thank you, gods of
the Mac, also show up on my computer.
6. I write to see what I think. It’s like sculpting in clay.
Shaping the words, reshaping them, waiting to see what is revealed. Very
physical. Arduous. (I just spent a week on a three-page chapter.) My goal is
for my work to look tight and effortless, but don’t be fooled. There is blood,
sweat, and tears in every paragraph.
7. I have three novels I’ve been working on, one for over
twenty years. I’ve made a commitment to give birth to them within the next two
years. And then, who knows? Maybe I’ll be freed of this writing curse, but I
doubt it.
Read more about my writing life here: https://www.facebook.com/DianaChambersAuthor
