Wednesday, November 3, 2010

What is a Novel?



Writing is hard work. Sitting in front a computer with our coffee within reach and our eyes glued to the monitor. It’s easy to get caught up in our latest romance with our characters. Before we know it, we haven’t moved for…how long?

You need a break. Me, too.

I like to walk.

It’s a good time to mull over plot points and listen to my characters. I also discovered something else on my walks about writing a novel. It’s a lot like my friend, Uccello. Who is he? A little bird.

Find out why a novel is like Uccello (bird in Italian) in my audio/video blog: “What is a Novel?” I’ll introduce you to Uccello on my daily walk and show you the view from my hotel room in Venice, Italy. (I was in Venice speaking and performing at La Biennale arts festival.)

Are you ready to take that break? Andiamo! Let’s go!




What is a Novel? from Jina on Vimeo.

6 comments:

Wynter said...

I also walk and plot. It's great thinking time. Thanks for the Venice views. Always beautiful.

Jina Bacarr said...

Plotting is an important part of writing. I find that getting away from the computer is an important part of that process.

Yes, I agree, Venice is always beautiful!

Michelle Polaris said...

A great metaphor! It made me want to go bird watching as well as work harder on my current writing project. Being open to inspiration is half the battle.

Dalton Diaz said...

Yes, I definitely need to get off my ass more. Sooo many reasons!

Jina Bacarr said...

You're so right, Michelle--keeping our eyes open for inspiration everywhere is key to growing as a writer. Believing we can write anything--stretch our minds as we stretch our muscles!

Jina Bacarr said...

Dalton--it's easier than you think! Start with ten minutes--that's all. A ten minute walk everyday. You'll be surprised how much it helps. Before you know it, you'll be up to 15 then 20 minutes a day!