An Unwelcome Guest

[Lisa Stiles]

Revising this novel has been like walking through molasses. Keeping momentum is difficult, and when I’m not working quickly I can’t outrun my Inner Critic.* Unfortunately, he has moved in and set up camp. He is now ensconced in a recliner chair in the corner, booted feet crossed, smoking a pipe. With one lift of a sardonic eyebrow, he shoots me silent questions and comments. Who are you to plot an entire novel? I can completely see who did it the first time you introduce that person. Why set in Scotland? You’re not Scottish. So what makes you think you can write a Scottish character? Your Scottish friends will laugh their heads off at it. You’re spending a lot of time writing thi,s and it probably won’t come to anything anyway. I mean, most writers don’t get published until at least their fourth book, if that. Probably best to stick this in the bin. And so on and forth. He needs a firm eviction notice. *Inner Critic is not to be confused with Inner Editor, who is a firm but kindly soul.

[Jennie Bentley/Bente Gallagher]

Tasha writes about an Englishwoman, and she's not British (although she's spent time in England). My first (to be published) series is set in Maine, where I've never even set foot. And I'm writing in English, which isn't my first language, from the point of view of American women, one of which I'm not. If I can do it - and get published! - you can, too! Elizabeth Peters, one of my favorite authors, has written a fabulously popular series about a family of Egyptologists, and she started that series without ever having been to Egypt (although she had a degree in Egyptology, which helped). Bottom line, write what you love first, and what you know second. You can always do research.

On a separate note, are you a member of a critique group or writers organization here in Nashville? I'm with Sisters in Crime, but not with a critique group, and I'm looking into starting one. Let me know if you'd be interested!