August 27, 2009
The Cave of Revisions
This is the Cave of Revisions. Every writer's cave looks a little different, but this is mine. And it's where I've been all summer. But this week was different – this week, I barely came out.
What is it like in the cave? That's what my friends want do know. What do you do in there?
Short Answer: I write.
Yesterday, I worked from 9:00-4:00. I only got off my couch to use the bathroom and get Diet Coke. I did not: eat, answer the phone (unless it was Margie), watch TV, or hang out on Twitter. All I did was revise. I was in the Zone.
People keep asking if we're almost done, and the truth is… I don't know. It's tricky to figure out when you're done, and sometimes when it seems like we are, Margie and I tear the draft apart at the seams. We haven't done that this round, but you never know.
The only thing I can compare it to is trying to find the right song. You know, the one that expresses exactly how you feel? The one that was MADE for you.
When I read the draft & it's done, it feels like I've found that perfect song. But you're also choosing it for your readers, which complicates things.
So we stick to one basic rule: Don't give readers what they want. Give them what they need.
August 14, 2009
Vania Visits LA
The Farmer's Market
Last week, our friend (and super-talented photographer), Vania, came to spend five days with Margie and me. It just happened to be the same weekend as SCBWI, so there wasn't a lot of time for sightseeing. But we managed to squeeze in a few things between listening to Sherman Alexie speak (AMAZING) and attending workshops led by one of our editors, Jen Hunt (A GENIUS), and author Holly Black (INSANELY TALENTED & HAS THE CUTEST HAIR).
We hit the LA Farmer's Market. Margie pointed out her favorite taco stand and we had breakfast at the Farm. Margie also made us watch them make peanut butter…
We cruised Sunset Boulevard in between SCBWI dinners, and ate McDonald's hot fudge sundaes. Because we're classy like that.
Vania also got the meet the top secret Caster Girls (and Caster Boy)! Vania did a whole shoot with them and they were SO into it. Here's are some of my favorite shots.
All images copyright Vania Stoyanova & Kami Garcia. All rights reserved.
Check out more of Vania's beautiful pictures, book trailers, and photography services at her photo site Vania's Life Captures. Snap up a session before she's all booked up!
We mis you, VS. And SV, KK & NG miss you too. xxoxxo
