7 Comments

Thanks for this, I know how tough it has been for you anticipating the result. And I really like what you say about the power of narrative....in my day job, I feel like the challenge is very much to stay curious - not slump into comfortable binaries - to pursue the grey areas, and I suppose those are good aims for my story too. Hope you are looking after yourself too.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Libby. All my friends here keep saying to me, "You live HERE, now" - and that really helps. Without that detachment, I'd be a wreck.

That's another couple of things you journalists have such an advantage in - the power of narrative AND grey areas.

Expand full comment

Thank you for your healing words. The suggestion to take a trip through a redwood forest -- either literally or simply sitting in front of our computers imagining it -- is very wise. I always appreciate your guiding spirit!

Expand full comment

Hey there, George. Sending sympathies from across the Atlantic. We're writing lots of scenes in redwood forests right now but going there for real would be pretty powerfully healing. Forest walk. Tree bath. As much Nature as possible.

Expand full comment

Alexandra is a genius thoughtful thinker and writer. I had the pleasure of meeting her at Book Expo America at the Javits Center in NYC circa 2007. She graciously took the time to chat with me and understand me, just like James Patterson did at the same event. As a result, I always felt like I am empowered to continue writing (and even performing) comedy with the American Comedy Institute and also to continue writing a horror movie, that has been my life. I finally feel like I can understand two sections of my brain: comedy and horror. Thanks to these special artists. So grateful to both.

Expand full comment

Donna, I'm so happy you were empowered by our talk! I've always thought comedy and horror have a lot in common - both genres take readers/audiences on a rollercoaster that delivers an experience of being out of control. The genres also rely heavily on manipulating emotions (but I guess all writing does that!)

Those BEA events seem like a million years ago. Thanks for the updates on your career!

Expand full comment

Also: can anyone recommend any novels written in the third person limited? All my go-to crime fiction seems to be in third person omniscient but I'd really like a few examples of the limited viewpoint as that's what I'm trying - doesn't have to be crime though - many thanks

Expand full comment