Jonathan from Naperville, Illinois, writes, “Please write another book like True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle.” One of my editors urges me to “write another book like Poppy.” My niece Rosa sends me a note, “I loved City of Orphans. Write me another one just like that.”
It is perfectly understandable why readers, having enjoyed a particular book, ask for another one just like it. There are writers who can and do replicate their work—we are living in the age of the series. I have done so only rarely.
For exactly what was going in my head, my world, my hands, when I wrote … Whatever … I cannot pin down. Even when I think I can, I cannot, could not replicate such a moment, such a book. Even if, sometimes, I might wish otherwise.
My books are more often than not the result of—I truly do not know. Yes, I begin intellectually, if you will—“This has the potential of a good story.” However, once I am engaged, it is my capacity to enter into the lives of my characters, to have them come alive as separate entities—separate from me anyway—that creates the potential to make them good stories, good books. The truth is it does not always happen.
I suspect it is the capacity to step inside characters—so as to make this turn, that turn, while stepping outside them, so as observe objectively what they might do, can do, will do, that brings life to the page.
I am a pro. Why can’t it always happen?
The fine balance between simultaneously being inside and outside your story, your characters, controlling while not controlling, seeing objectively while feeling subjectively, is what we mean when we speak of the practice of writing. It’s hard.
6 thoughts on “Writing another one just like it”
Dear Avi,
I received a lovely surprise in the mail yesterday and I am both touched and delighted by your kind gesture. Even though I was not lucky to receive an ARC of your new book, I am eager to read it when it comes out. Thank you. I completely understand your post. Not a writer per se, but sort of, I “get” the whole notion of the magic of the story and the “state” you enter when it is coming to you and flowing. Many of my poems come this way. But they are much shorter then a book. So it is a slim comparison. Your work is going to last and resonate for the ages. Once, years ago (late 1980s), we shared a luncheon table at a New York State Reading Conference and I was able to observe you as a person. I hope that you are blessed in your life as your work blesses those of us who read and learn from you. I am sure you have influenced, enthralled and reached many children. Thank you.
I just finished reading City of Orphans and I LOVED it, especially after just meeting you at the recent RMCSCBWI conference in Denver. This book gives added meaning to your fabulous quote, “Writers don’t write writing… they write reading.” It has become my new mantra!
Dear Avi,
When I think of all the writers that I have loved through my life I sometimes think about who I would most like to be as a writer. Even though I love many writers I think I would like my writing career to be like yours precisely because your books are each so different from the next. I love that we never know what topic or kind of book you will write next. And while I might really want to see another “Charlotte Doyle” I am excited by the idea that we just don’t know what’s around the corner.
Thanks for your books,
Nancy
Thank you Avi for your lovely letter I received yesterday! I have been showing it off to everyone. I am a 5th grade teacher and always try to instill a love of books in my students and my own children and relatives. I will be buying your book when released in March. Incidentally, my birthday is March 15th so it will be a present to myself! God bless you, thank you for sharing your talent with us!
I always suppose the reason why some people write books that are so different from each other is because each book is a reflection of how their life and their trials and struggles are playing out at that particular moment in time. You can’t replicate them because by the time the book is out that era has already passed.
One of my favorite quotes: “I am large, I contain multitudes.” — Walt Whitman. Life is so short, and the world is huge! I love the variety of your works. You contain multitudes. AND. I loved getting your note and card for TRAITOR! Thank you. Excited to read. I think one the best thing we can do as writers is be open to the magic. Happy day!