Comments on: The book: progress report

By: Fiona

Fiona — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 22:35:04 +0000

Montreal is wonderful, I was there for a few days in early April (the snow was just melting). Great punk scene, gritty atmosphere, awesome food, it’s a wonderful place. Only thing that annoyed me was that I only speak a little French (though I can read and understand a lot more) and every time I went to be polite and would ask for things in French, they would hear my crappy accent and immediately talk to me in English. Sigh.

Best of luck with the writing!

By: l.m.orchard

l.m.orchard — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 17:08:06 +0000

Last Spring, I finished my first book ever, and am now in the thick of working on my second. For what it’s worth, I know exactly how you feel. I’m still not all that satisified with my work on the first book, despite hearing a lot of very nice things said about it. And now, on this second effort, it’s all I can do sometimes to keep from sabotaging myself by worrying about how well I’m going to do.

The best thing to do is to just do it, do it the best you can, and forge ahead. You’re doing better than you think you are, and it’ll be done long before you know it. And remember, you’re writing a book. Really writing a book! Holy crap, that’s a big deal!

By: Dennie Heye

Dennie Heye — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 10:44:14 +0000

Hi Meredith,

I recognize a lot in this post. Like you, I got a book deal and then had worries about whether the book would be any good. Over the years I have written quite some articles and delivered some lectures, but writing a *real* book is something different.
For 9 months I spent at least two nights per week writing and re-writing, even when I did not feel like it. Kudos to my wife who sent me off to my computer to write, turning down every excuse I had not to write

If you have problems writing one chapter, leave it alone for a while and continue another one. And indeed, be aware of post-writing… I just spent several hours looking up the references for my book!

hang in there… regards,

Dennie

By: Dawna

Dawna — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 08:57:37 +0000

Hi Meredith! Welcome to Canada! Just a note, Montreal is bilingual (English and French). Despite what you might have heard from the mass media (i.e., Amazing Race and typical American reporting perspective of Canada), Quebec is not all French-speaking, especially in Montreal. You will find English mostly spoken in Montreal, and in fact, its prestigious university McGill (Canada’s version of Harvard or Yale) has most of its classes taught in English. The shopping definitely is better than in Vermont, but beware of the QST (7.5%) and GST (7%) which will add an additional 14.5% to the price tag. Be sure to keep your receipts from everything paid for in Canada to claim refunds on the taxes when you get back to the USA. Here is the web-site for the information and forms http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/visitors/individuals/claim-e.html#P19_295. Cheers.

By: walt

walt — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 15:40:26 +0000

Hang in there! I think there’s a point in most book projects where you’re ready to stop writing entirely…and the longest chapter of a book is a pretty likely place to hit the wall. The trip should help, particularly since you have the sense to leave the laptop at home.

By: Jill Hurst-Wahl

Jill Hurst-Wahl — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 15:26:15 +0000

A book is indeed a major big deal. Glad to see that you’re on track and making your way through the trees.

I don’t remember who you’re writing it for (publisher), but be sure that it is promoted well or all of the work will be for not.

Have a wonderful New Year’s!