Visiting with Sarah Aronson
by Claire Guyton
What’s your best “This is how I got that idea” anecdote?
What a great question! One of the things I learned at Vermont College was to always keep my eyes open for new ideas. Ideas and novels can come from anywhere. I started writing Head Case after reading The Scarlet Letter. The novel I am working on now began in the hair salon, reading People magazine.
I started writing Beyond Lucky because I wanted to write about a quirky town full of quirky people. (I love John Irving’s books.) At the time, I was living near a busy street. My children were quite young. During a game of hide and seek, my three-year-old crossed the street…in a diaper. The image of him toddling across the road in front of stopped traffic made me obsessed with safety. It also brought this town to life.
But the book remained an experiment without a true protagonist until one night at a dinner with friends. We were talking sports and one of my favorite topics: athletes’ pre-game rituals. At this point, our good friend John opened his wallet and pulled out a Bill Buckner card. He said he carried it for good luck… and to remind him that we all have bad days. I almost jumped out of my seat. That card brought Ari Fish’s voice to life. The next day, I sat down and began writing the book.
Tell us about your usual writing process. Have your writing habits changed over time?
Some things may never change: Since I get up very early, I like to write in the morning. Before I will attempt to revise, I put my manuscript away for a few weeks. I often work on two manuscripts at once. I print my completed manuscript and write notes in the margins. I write best when I am actively reading and thinking.
But over the years I have noticed that my process has slowed. I think more! I am aware that I rarely get the story on the first or second or even third try. And that’s okay. It does not frustrate me. I now spend much more time “re-imagining” the characters and the story. I read my work out loud, sometimes, into a tape recorder. I also draw my characters and when I am stuck, tough scenes. Now I am not afraid to change or try everything and anything. I probably also drink more coffee than I used to. And eat more chocolate.
Is there something you would love to write about but you can’t? Or something you did write about but wish you hadn’t?
Someday I want to write a bodice-ripper romance. From the boy’s point of view.
Do you have any guilty reading pleasures?
I love reading mysteries and detective novels, but most nights, when I’m tired, I sit on my comfy couch and watch movies… or Law and Order.
*Contact Claire with any questions or suggestions for Hunger Mountain’s Art + Life section at hungermtnal@gmail.com.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Sarah,
I loved your piece on getting into the director’s head. I have often thought about plays when telling stories, but this offers me even more to think about. I can’t say I “get it” all just yet, but I am willing to experiment, to try some new moves, to take some risks. Thank you. By the way, I did love “Head Case” and look forward to reading your next book.
Gotta go get some chocolate now…
Best,
Maureen
Greetings…Thank you for the advice. The transition from screenplays to the novel format has been a struggle. I write in the Objective and prefered to stay out of the character’s mind. So, its nice to see a piece that favors this kind of POV. Cause it seems Limited Third is the popular way to go. However, I prefer Objective.
I Thank You,
Michael A. Haver
Phoenix, AZ