Yesterday, I sent off my second novel to a prospective publisher which lets me turn again to the next unfinished novel on my computer. I have set myself the task of reading this third novel aloud in an attempt to solve some of its problems.

By chance, the New York Times “By the Book” section of February 29, 2024 has comments by Kate DiCamillo on the process. “I read each book aloud so many times before it’s published, I don’t read it again, which is interesting, because the readers often know the book better than I do.”
I’ve yet to read my novel aloud through more than the first three chapters, much less reading it many times, but I’m hoping to persevere with her process.

Asked if her style had changed over time, Ms. DiCamillo, author of many riveting books for the young, answered, “I still write the same way – which is trying to get out of my way and listening for the voice of the story. And that means, I guess that I’m not trying to write for the moment, but for the heart.”

In addition, Kate DiCamillo, author of multiple riveting books for the young, gave this bit of advice. “I tell kids who want to write: Pay attention to everything. I think paying attention is the way to love the world.” Paying attention is one theme of my unfinished novel. My thanks to Kate DiCamillo for giving me this nudge to keep on with the story.