When Andrea Siegel announced on April 7th that she would begin writing her third novel, I was saddened that her blogging would slow, but eager to know a third book was on the way. Also, if I'm nakedly honest, the writer in me was curious to see what would transpire as she wrote her book. And, secretly, I wondered how long it would take her. With trepidation, I somehow knew that many things in my life would take place while she wrote her book. I also knew it was likely I would not write a novel while she wrote hers. With the wedding and so many other things, I suspected I wouldn't even complete a proper short story in the time it took her to write her novel. Yet, I took it as a little challenge, a sort of "let's see what you can do with the time missy" bet with myself.
And I had hope on my side. I hoped that it might take her a year. Or, well, long enough for me to get something done. Something that didn't involve weddings or work or other mundane tasks that have nothing to do with the business of writing.
While gallivanting around the Irish countryside, I unknowingly lost that little bet with myself. How long did it take Siegel to write her next novel? Six months. She's finished. Congrats on what may well be her best novel yet - as a reader, I eagerly await its publication. As a writer, I will say this: it is high time I get my act together. I can't think of a better kick in the ass than this. A novel in six months. It can be done. And I guarantee you if her previous work is any indication, it will be quite good. Quite good, indeed. Bravo & thank you. I think.
