Whenever I have doubts, I think of these, they are my mantras for finishing the novel, because whatever I am feeling is a process that every writer has to go through, even the best.
Author Archives: Yan Sham-Shackleton
Second Draft Rewrite. The Painstaking Sentences. -Diary of Novel Writing
Today I did my eight hours in front of the computer, and just completed one scene, totalling about 2000 words. There are times, when I just am not expressing what I am feeling, and it takes time to fix the sentences until it makes sense. I wonder if other writers go through that, if they rewrite sentences over and over until it sounds right to them. I think for me, it’s really the difference between me being okay and being good.
Daunting…. -diary of novel writing…
It’s completely daunting, not because I don’t think I could write like that, because I think I might, but I don’t know how many hours, months or even years I need to put in before my book has as much texture and depth as the books I love.
The enlightening Plot Arc
I was curious what my book looked like if I made a plot arc. As I feared/had a hunch there were a lot of problems with it when I looked at it this way. There were stories in there that had no forward momentum. And subplots randomly placed when no one knew the character.. SavedContinue reading “The enlightening Plot Arc”
Today I start on the second draft.
Today I start on the second draft. I feel no exhilaration. Writing is work. I said I would wake up and write as many days as I could, even if I don't want to. Today, it feels as dull as writing an analysis in an office. In order to achieve my March deadline where IContinue reading “Today I start on the second draft.”
Homemade Asian Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
What’s nice about it, is it takes away the sharp spikey taste of cheaper Balsamic Vinegar, and unlike the supermarket brands it’s not doused with sugar making it too sweet. It’s also not expensive like the higher quality vinaigrette you get at specialty markets.
Interior of a Home Kitchen: How to Cook (Nearly) Everyday has Moved.
My cooking project has a new home: Come Cook (nearly) Everyday With Me. Interior of a Home Kitchen http://glutter.typepad.com/homekitchen/
Potato Salad, and Frozen Bread. Leftover Night.
Thursday. We just had the potato salad I already made yesterday, and then toasted the leftover frozen egg bread to go with it. We ate a bunch of carrots and cauliflower leftover from yesterday and with hummus. Finished the smoked salmon, the prosciutto, and corn. It's good to remember to check your fridge andContinue reading “Potato Salad, and Frozen Bread. Leftover Night.”
Interiors of a Working Kitchen: Burnt Honey Roasted Nuts: Don’t Always Believe the Recipe.
As I always say, pay attention to the food, and don’t follow the cook time of recipe blindly.
And know plenty of mistakes were made, before beautiful food photographs are posted.
Interior of a Working Kitchen: Grilled or Broiled Eggplant with Cheese
*Usually you do not want to burn things, except eggplant if Grilled eggplant you want it to be soft, juicy, smokey and edible. It has to be blackened and burnt on the outside. Remember if it’s not cooked through.. put it back in!
Yan Sham-Shackleton Online 