Sunday Scribblings: Smorgasbord

Thanks to Laini and Megg for digging into the archives for their fabulous Sunday Scribblings list. I may end up writing on a few topics. But the one I chose tonight is …

The Books I Would Write

Most people think anyone can write a book, but we all know it’s not that simple. Writers spend endless days and many nights fretting over the right line or line break, forcing the words onto paper. We walk around pleasantly tortured by the great stories in our heads, the ones that take us away from our kids and our lovers, our friends and coworkers. I think the whole process makes writers some of the luckiest and unluckiest people around.

So the best way to describe the book I would write is by describing the reader.

I write for the woman (or man) who comes into the neighborhood bookstore on a rainy afternoon. Maybe she’s had a bad day at work or an argument with a friend—the reason doesn’t matter. She’s rain-soaked and needs something new. So she meanders to the poetry section and finds the spine of my book standing out from all the others. She notices the title and is intrigued. That’s when the fun begins.

She slides the book out from the others with her damp fingers, taking a long look at the title—like nothing she’s ever heard of before. Then she considers the cover, thinks of its creation and how it might play into the book’s theme. At that point, she can’t help but thumb through its pages, and happens to select the poem that makes her feel as if someone understands. The poem has captured her emotion. And in this moment, I understand how she feels. All she wants to do is slip away between the folds of my pages and get lost.

That’s the type of book I would write.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I would gladly read. I would like to know more about her. Why is she like this?

I know I have not been visiting but I saw your post at rethabile's and loved it.

BTW, I too wrote about The books I would write!
Anonymous said…
I love it! I could totally imagine myself as that woman! In search of words to escape a miserable day! Some of the best loved books are definitely the ones you discover by chance just because you happen to be looking and need them most!
January said…
Thanks. I know I've certainly been that woman on more than one occasion.
January said…
Gautami, thanks for your comment about the poem on Rethabile's blog. Sorry I haven't been around as often. Hoping to visit more in the future.
paisley said…
what a gracious way to approach the subject... i like that.. writing for the reader...
Linda Jacobs said…
You saw me in Wonderland Book Store in Gorham, NH didn't you? But you forgot to mention that I riffled the pages and smelled the book!

Just from reading this, I'm sure I would enjoy the book!
Anonymous said…
A wonderful intimate fantasy of the reader you may never meet.
Tumblewords: said…
Well written, writer! Where's the book?
January said…
October 2009 is the scheduled release date of my first collection. So with any luck, I may have written that book already.
Odessa said…
ah, i have been this girl so many times before. there's something about standing in the middle of the poetry aisle in a bookstore on a cold and dreary day that warms my heart. of course, finding that perfect poem that speaks to you in that moment in time also helps.

i can't wait to read your book! :)
to not nowhere said…
I would also be that woman, I love to read in book stores.

=]
Anonymous said…
Nice post! Enjoyed visiting your blog. Please stop by
Ananda said…
okay sistalove, i love the way you describe who you are writing for. my favorite passages are:

I write for the woman (or man) who comes into the neighborhood bookstore on a rainy afternoon. Maybe she’s had a bad day at work or an argument with a friend—the reason doesn’t matter. She’s rain-soaked and needs something new. So she meanders to the poetry section and finds the spine of my book standing out from all the others. She notices the title and is intrigued. That’s when the fun begins.

She slides the book out from the others with her damp fingers, taking a long look at the title—like nothing she’s ever heard of before. Then she considers the cover, thinks of its creation and how it might play into the book’s theme. At that point, she can’t help but thumb through its pages, and happens to select the poem that makes her feel as if someone understands.

Popular Posts