Thank you so much to everyone who sent in comments to my new website. I so appreciate the kind words and thoughts and I’m delighted to hear so many people are looking forward to the arrival of The Third Angel.
Sometimes, when I’m at work on a book I forget anyone will ever read it. I’ve often wondered if that’s what allows me the freedom to write – a detachment from the future of the book at the time I’m working on it. The idea of publishing and being public with what has been created in private can stop writers from going forward. I knew a woman who couldn’t finish her novel because she was afraid of what her mother would think. This writer decided she would have to wait for her mother to die before she could publish. Good luck or bad – the novel died long before the writer’s mother ever did.
The novel becomes the world that I live in. The creation of that other world -- and the characters who live there—is very personal and very private. I don’t discuss my work when I’m writing. I know too many people who have “talked out” a book, confused themselves with other people’s perceptions during that delicate time when it’s all too easy to throw a novel away.
Once a book is finished, there it goes, into the real world where it will mean different things to different people. Many thanks for all the support, kindness, and messages that have meant so much to me.
More about the secrets inside the new novel next time.
----- with gratitude,
Alice
Comments (6)
Hi
I have read a number of your books and have yet to find one that I didn't like.
I have just read 'Skylight Confessions' and found it very moving.
Looking forward to The Third Angel.
Best wishes,
India
Posted by India | March 25, 2008 1:45 PM
Posted on March 25, 2008 13:45
Ms. Hoffman,
I've been reading your wonderful novels since my mid-teens. And each time a new book of yours is set to be released, I feel a surge of happiness. Because I know, without any doubt, that I will lose myself in the magic of your stories. I can't tell you how many times I've reread them as I await a new one. Thank you for so many years of amazing characters and stories. I look forward to reading the new one.
You've reached rock star status and beyond in my book.
Sincerely,
Trish Swinson
Posted by Trish | March 25, 2008 1:51 PM
Posted on March 25, 2008 13:51
I can't begin to tell you just how much enjoyment your books have brought to me over the years. My current favorites are Practical Magic, Blackbird House and The Probable Future -I've read them so many times that my copies are quite dog eared by now. Skylight Confessions and The Ice Queen were so heartbreaking, yet so wonderfully told. I always know that I'm going on a wonderful journey whenever I read one of your novels. Thank you again.
Posted by Jessie Dalton | March 25, 2008 5:10 PM
Posted on March 25, 2008 17:10
Hi i have only read one of your books. BUT i fell in love with it and read it over and over until i know every word ! thank you
Posted by Alysa | May 10, 2008 2:53 PM
Posted on May 10, 2008 14:53
Your books have been one of my favorite things to do when I have nothing else to do. You have made me enjoy reading. "Green Angel" is my all time favorite book. It's truly amazing. I was wondering about the book "Aquamarine", did this book inspire the people that produce the movie "Aquamarine". Because I have not read the book yet but i heard that aquamarine is about a mermaid coming to shore to find true love, so yeah I was just wondering.
Posted by Stephanie | August 18, 2008 3:42 PM
Posted on August 18, 2008 15:42
Ms. Hoffman,
You are an inspiration to me and my own writing; I read Practical Magic and Green Angel and loved them infinitely! I always look forward to your new books and I love hearing about how other writers work, what they do while they're writing and how they approach the process, and you're no exception!
Thank you so much!
Caitlin
Posted by Caitlin | October 19, 2008 7:42 PM
Posted on October 19, 2008 19:42