I enjoy writing fiction because I can create stories by combining my memories, observations, and experiences with the "made-up stuff" from my imagination. But I feel as responsible to facts and figures as any nonfiction writer. I must honor the truth of the place and time I've chosen for my story and make sure that … Continue reading THE FRIDAY FIVE HUNDRED: VERACITY IN MADE-UP WORLDS

"Just to let you know, I will use 'said' to attribute most of the dialog in Always Gardenia. Maybe an 'asked' here and there. The occasional 'growled' or 'whispered.' Otherwise, I'll stick to 'said,'" the Novelist said. "What?" the  Character demanded loudly. "How boring! How pedestrian! What I say deserves more description than a measly … Continue reading THE FRIDAY FIVE HUNDRED: SHE SAID

When I began writing Always Gardenia, I gave myself an absolute right to silence. If asked what I was working on, I'd answer,  "A novel, set in contemporary Seattle." If pressed for more details, I'd demur, because I have learned that if I rattle on about the plot points I have in mind, or specifics … Continue reading THE FRIDAY FIVE HUNDRED: THE RIGHT TO SILENCE

When readers discuss the themes or metaphors in a novel, I feel confused and uneasy. Is something wrong with me if, as I write fiction, I never think about themes or metaphors? Maybe other writers do. I do not. I have no idea how I would work themes and metaphors into a novel. Instead I … Continue reading THE FRIDAY FIVE HUNDRED: MAKE A SCENE

A novel needs characters. Characters need names. And I need those names too, so I can begin to  to create and understand the people in my fictional world. The names of characters in Always Gardenia -- Gardenia Pitkin, Arnold Wiggens, Hans and Milo Pitkin, Torre Pitkin, Sylvia Grant, Hamilton Dodge, Lex Ohashi, Caitlin Curlew, Laurel … Continue reading THE FRIDAY FIVE HUNDRED: NAMING NAMES

My novel Always Gardenia began with a question. Could I write a book in homage to the genius British writer Barbara Pym? Fans of Pym's novels share an affliction, "what-to-read-next-itis." When we've finished all of her thirteen novels, and have reread them, and re-reread them, we are bereft and search for books by other writers that might … Continue reading THE FRIDAY FIVE HUNDRED: GENESIS