When is it done?

I have often been asked when I think a novel or even an academic essay is "done". When conducting research in college, I found a quote from Christopher Marlowe: "When the curtain goes up, the play is complete." However, even Marlowe would make changes while watching the performances of his plays. Were Walt Whitman alive today, he would probably still be working on "Leaves of Grass."

I guess only the individual writer can answer that question for himself/herself. For me, I polish the manuscript until I am happy with its shine.

Cheers,
AAZ
www.aazarbock.com

Summer!

How now?

I am excited about both my summer writing projects and my summer reading materials. I look forward to being massively productive as well as having considerable fun.

Cheers!

AAZ
www.aazarbock.com

Literary Agents

Any thoughts or tips out there???

Cheers!
Allan A. Zarbock
www.aazarbock.com

Why do Writer's Read so Much?

What are you writing? What are you reading? Is it important to consume books if you want to be a great writer? Your thoughts?

Cheers!
Allan A. Zarbock
www.aazarbock.com

Because?

Often I am asked, "Why do you write?"

The best answer would be because I cannot get the voices and images out of my head unless I commit them to paper. No, I am not psycho. I am a writer: That is why I write. It is not what I do: It is part of what I am.

Most writers will say the same. I think. Unless, of course, I really am psycho.

Cheers!
Allan A. Zarbock
www.aazarbock.com

Success, Defined

Good book, bad book? How does one define the success of a novel--either written by one's own hand or absorbed by one's own mind? Talk about a noodle scratcher....

Cheers!
Allan A. Zarbock
www.aazarbock.com

The Real Writing

I had a student give me a manuscript. He said he had just finished with it and wanted my feedback. Naturally, I was trilled to get this opportunity. The short story was interesting and engaging to say the least.

When I returned the manuscript, I had nothing but wonderful words of encouragement--all genuine. However, when I casually mentioned a bit of revising and editing polish, the student looked at me like my head was growing out of my bum. He assured me that he wrote the story exactly the way he wanted it the first time, so revising was out of the question. He then informed me that he did go through it once to check for typos.

This floored me. I didn't know what to say--which is rare for a big mouth like me. I know some writers (rare as they are) believe the first draft is the best draft and even a check for typos is messing up a masterpiece. However, I believe the real writing doesn't begin until the first draft is completed.

Cheers!

Allan A. Zarbock
www.aazarbock.com