"Framing the Wind"
I borrowed/stole this title for my next novel from a line in a poem by Irving Layton, a bold Canadian poet known for his "tell it like it is" style.
I thought that seeing as one of my former blogs was about getting off your butt and writing, I should assure you that I have done just that.
My second novel (mmmm - those words feel nice rolling around in my mind), was initially inspired by a four-month bicycle trek I took around Costa Rica after my son flew the coop - about 17 years after the adventure recorded in the novel, "Because We Could" took place. As you know, my modus operandi has always been to venture out unprepared and learn things the hard way. That trip's moldy old diary recently re-surfaced and that, along with requests for a follow-up from my readers, got me started. But, I wanted this book to be fiction, using the pages from the diary only for inspiration. The next step seemed obvious. Read some great works of fiction by inspiring writers to rev up my own creative engine while noting how they 'show' rather than 'tell'; how they develop characters; create conflict ... tell a damn good story.
Out of this reading has crawled "Framing the Wind", staring two startling characters who will boldly challenge nature and society's current ignorance and fears. This tale has what every writer dreams of - its own momentum. My Mac and I have hit the cafes and campgrounds with great enthusiasm once more!
Books I enjoyed during my inspiration phase:
"Requiem" by Francis Itani
"Cloudstreet" by Tim Winton
"The High Mountains of Portugal" by Yann Martel
Photo by Marni taken in Panama's Old City
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