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Tucker Malarkey
July 30, 2006
Tucker Malarkey, author of the highly praised novels, An Obvious Enchantment and Resurrection, has an undergraduate degree from Georgetown, a graduate degree from the prestigious Writers Workshop at Iowa, and journalism stints at The Washington Post and Rolling Stone. She also has a 4-year old son.
After An Obvious Enchantment came out and was well reviewed, she thought her second book would be an easy sell.
It was not. Disappointed, but undeterred, she put it in a drawer and began another book. That was Resurrection and it was very much wanted by publishers. Now she is in talks to sell that second book. You never know how the road will wend.
Down to earth, funny, honest, and insightful, here are a few of her observations about writing:
On having her second novel rejected
I wrote a book while pregnant that was better than my first book. Random House had an option to buy it or not.
The editor of my first book said, "The time's not right for this book. You need to write another book."
I started doing other things, but I was depressed. But then I felt a stirring inside. I could feel an energy around a new subject.
It took a year. I got up early. I spent my free time thinking about it.
I wrote it, finished it and sold it.
It was the right subject and things aligned. That was Resurrection.
It was a topical book. I never read The Da Vinci Code. But now every review (of Resurrection) mentions it.
The Writing Process
There's isolation. Doubts. There's a blank mind. But you have to tune out doubts. Liberate the voice inside. Figure out what you want to say.
Surprise yourself! Try different things. For example, what if I wrote from a 20-year old's perspective?
Find your voice. Find the parts of you that are truly alive. Find out what REALLY interests you. What turns you on? Pay attention. Find the glimmers.
It doesn't matter what you're writing about - just that you are writing.
Writing can keep you engaged in life.
Try to LOVE the process.
The destination isn't everything. Going to Italy isn't a great story. What you ate. The quality of life there, that's a great story.
Loving the questions can lead you to love the story.
Readers love to learn. How is something done? How does someone get from A to Z?
When you are absorbed in a subject, you will lose track of time.
Find a trigger that allows you to write. Create an atmosphere. Try different things. Light candles. Read poetry.
The more you write, the more you will trust your unconsciousness mind.
Say you're having an issue with a character. Say, "help," and walk away. I swear -- it's effective. The answer always comes.
On sending your book proposal to an agent
Send your manuscript out to lots of agents. Get names from people, even people you don't know, ask.
I've been turned down by a lot of agents. It's crushing. Then one -- who I thought was the most out of my league -- called me and said, "Where have you been?"
It only takes one agent to believe in you.
The role of agents
Agents are becoming editors now.
The role of editors
Editors are becoming agents now.
They don't want to take a chance on a half-finished manuscript.
They are risk adverse.
Memorable line
Writing is like a love affair.
A writer's joys
One of the fun things I did (in Resurrection) - I created two hot men. The main character is torn between two half brothers.
You can base your characters on old boyfriends - or ones you would have liked to have had.
On creating book characters
It's crazy to be so involved with people who aren't real.
I get to know my characters more as the story goes on.
Put your characters in difficult situations. Shake things up a bit. When you get into a rut, keep it moving.
Time spent writing
I spend three to four good hours a day writing, then I get tired.
If I'm not feeling it after three to four hours of writing, then maybe I'll write later or do research.
On overcoming insecurities about writing
Get absorbed in telling a story well and you will forget about doubts.
How Resurrection was pitched to Hollywood
The English Patient meets The Da Vinci Code.
Writing is spiritual
We're here to learn lessons. Writing is a way to do that.
On being a mama who writes
You learn to use your time effectively.
My son is in preschool from 10 to 4 and that's my writing time and childcare.
But I still get up early beforehand.
What did we do before children? You're certainly more productive after you have a kid.
I love him, but I'm frazzled. I run around, make lunch, walk the dog. You find a way.
Why mothers make great writers
Motherhood has depth, wisdom, patience, and understanding that add to the whole pursuit of writing.
It can be hard. You start a family. Now there are kids. You come back to life.
Writing mantra
You CAN
.
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