Today, after more than three months, I finally got the 'breaking news' from the publisher I had sent my manuscript to. She wrote the following:
'I have read your book with pleasure. It reads quickly and easily. I think it is a thrilling story. Especially the passages that are set in 1963 are lively and well written. As we do more literary works, it does not fit within the fund of our publishing house, but I am sure that you will have no trouble finding another publisher keen to publish it.'
Needless to say that I am on cloud 9! It means that I am on the right track, my whole new 'project' is viable and the manuscript has the potential to become a good book. A big encouragement, not only to continue writing, but also to improve myself as a writer again. She was kind enough to also give me some tips on style plus names within other publishing houses, offering to use her name as a reference (something that is crucial in this world). But back to earth again, as there is still lots of work to be done, apart from writing the other 2/3rd of the book!
Last weekend I pushed myself to think about the 'urgency' of my manuscript again. Why would people want to read my book? Why does it need to be published? What distinguishes this story from others? To give you a 'sneak preview': one of the story lines is the life in a tiny village, where everyone is like one big happy family. As long as everyone gets along fine... That specific atmosphere needs to be more anguished, more grim, more alarming then it is now, I decided. Something the publisher pointed out as well. Anyway, as you can imagine, enough great, challenging goals to be met this coming period! Love, M.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Internal and External Critics
Few weeks ago, I discovered a very nice website, called 'Ikvertel.nl' ('Itell.nl'). The website is a great initiative to promote the writing of short stories. It is an ongoing writing contest as well. Writers, 12-99 years old, can send in one short story every three months. Readers can comment on the stories and rate them. At the end of each quarter, a top five of best stories will be announced on the website. At the end of the year, a book with 30 short stories, selected by a professional jury, will be published.
To participate in this contest, I edited a story I wrote nine years ago. It is a story about the night my mother died, something I wrote immediately the morning after. It is very much a story about the tears and smiles that go hand in hand when you lose someone you love so dearly. The story was published on the website and I asked about 40 people to comment on it. Most reactions gave my ego a great boost. Some people (who did not know my mother...) even had to cry while reading it, so they told me. That is wonderful, considering the fact that you want to be able to touch people with what you have written. However, there were two people who really criticized the story on its content.
I had not been able to touch them. It had become too much of an enumeration of facts and events. There was not enough emotion (left) in the story... Even though you have to swallow a few times before letting it sink in, this was exactly the kind of criticism I was looking for! It made me focus on the story again to analyze what I will be able to do better next time. Even though my internal critic talks to me in a loud voice all the time while I am writing, as a writer you are still very much wandering around in your own small world. If your goal is to improve yourself, you have to be able to embrace these criticisms and make it work for you instead of against you. So, do swallow a few times, but make sure to let the external critic speak as well! Love, M.
To participate in this contest, I edited a story I wrote nine years ago. It is a story about the night my mother died, something I wrote immediately the morning after. It is very much a story about the tears and smiles that go hand in hand when you lose someone you love so dearly. The story was published on the website and I asked about 40 people to comment on it. Most reactions gave my ego a great boost. Some people (who did not know my mother...) even had to cry while reading it, so they told me. That is wonderful, considering the fact that you want to be able to touch people with what you have written. However, there were two people who really criticized the story on its content.
I had not been able to touch them. It had become too much of an enumeration of facts and events. There was not enough emotion (left) in the story... Even though you have to swallow a few times before letting it sink in, this was exactly the kind of criticism I was looking for! It made me focus on the story again to analyze what I will be able to do better next time. Even though my internal critic talks to me in a loud voice all the time while I am writing, as a writer you are still very much wandering around in your own small world. If your goal is to improve yourself, you have to be able to embrace these criticisms and make it work for you instead of against you. So, do swallow a few times, but make sure to let the external critic speak as well! Love, M.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Downside of Passion
The word 'passion' is probably one of the most beaten paths of our time. It is used and, most of all, abused to randomly describe or express any strong emotion. Especially when presenting ourselves to other people, the word 'passion' is used quite often. Anything to make sure that we do not look boring in any way...
I try to avoid using the word. It is difficult though, as I love passion. Passion in its pure form is beautiful to me. The passion (love, affection, eroticism) between two people. People that handle things in life with passion (engagement, spirit, enthusiasm, verve, elan), instead of just letting days pass by. A great song, sung with passion (zealousness, impetus). A good story, told with passion (excitement). I love Italy because there is passion (spirit, liveliness, zealousness)! Passion is life to me. Life is passion.
What do you get when you put two passionate people together as a couple? For sure, a lot of energy! They will probably have lively discussions. Laugh like crazy together. Create something. Flirt. Enthuse each other. Dance like madmen. Stimulate each other. Get drunk. Challenge each other to extremes. Make crazy love. They will push each others limits. Passionate people are usually optimistic, sanguine, cheerful, competitive, enthusiastic, vivacious and zealous. Everything in top gear.
However, that's the bright side, because the higher the highs, the lower the lows. They can passionately linger in grieve, complain, hold grudges against someone, be 'passionately' lazy or totally down. And all of that with the same intensity as the fun things... As much as two passionate people can reinforce each other, they can also destroy each other with an equal force. It's the other side of passion. The downside. Just think of it whenever you read the word... Love, M.
I try to avoid using the word. It is difficult though, as I love passion. Passion in its pure form is beautiful to me. The passion (love, affection, eroticism) between two people. People that handle things in life with passion (engagement, spirit, enthusiasm, verve, elan), instead of just letting days pass by. A great song, sung with passion (zealousness, impetus). A good story, told with passion (excitement). I love Italy because there is passion (spirit, liveliness, zealousness)! Passion is life to me. Life is passion.
What do you get when you put two passionate people together as a couple? For sure, a lot of energy! They will probably have lively discussions. Laugh like crazy together. Create something. Flirt. Enthuse each other. Dance like madmen. Stimulate each other. Get drunk. Challenge each other to extremes. Make crazy love. They will push each others limits. Passionate people are usually optimistic, sanguine, cheerful, competitive, enthusiastic, vivacious and zealous. Everything in top gear.
However, that's the bright side, because the higher the highs, the lower the lows. They can passionately linger in grieve, complain, hold grudges against someone, be 'passionately' lazy or totally down. And all of that with the same intensity as the fun things... As much as two passionate people can reinforce each other, they can also destroy each other with an equal force. It's the other side of passion. The downside. Just think of it whenever you read the word... Love, M.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Publishers and Latin Lovers
Three things get pretty clear when you visit the websites of publishers:
1. Don't be impatient: your manuscript will end up on the bottom of a pile of hundreds of other manuscripts and it can take months and months before an editor even takes the time and effort to read it
2. Don't get your hopes up too high: presuming that the publisher likes your manuscript, it still has to fit into one of the funds
3. Don't show any assertiveness: don't call us, we'll call you!
Not very encouraging for a novice writer... Last week I got the name of an editor within a reputable publishing house through the sister of a colleague of a friend of mine. Are you still with me...? As I was in a bold mood, I decided to give her a call right away. To my surprise I had a great, very relaxed conversation with this editor. After listening patiently to my story, she immediately requested me to send her everything I had written so far, including the extra scenes! Within 3-4 weeks I will have her feedback by email, she promised me. Even though she still has to read it (and, most of all: like it!), she had made my day already! What a great start!
Because of the DSK-affair, there is a lively discussion going on within the French media at the moment: do they need to report about the private lives of public figures or not? So far, no one did. In a 'Latin Lover' country like France, flirtatious behavior of powerful men has always been generally - not to mention proudly - accepted. A Latin man is made to seduce women, period. However, where does the 'art of seduction' end and does harassment start? There is a thin line, between innocent flirting and touching and obtrusiveness...
The above shows a big similarity with a phenomenon I have described in my book. When a married Italian man has a mistress, no one - apart from the wife - will probably blink an eye. There is an almost silent, general acceptance, like men can't help themselves being born in a culture of machismo. Even though the younger generation seems to deal with this a bit differently, having an 'amante' is still very common in Italy. For me it is just one of the many factors that makes the Italian culture intriguing, for numerous Italian wives it is a pain in the neck... Love, M.
1. Don't be impatient: your manuscript will end up on the bottom of a pile of hundreds of other manuscripts and it can take months and months before an editor even takes the time and effort to read it
2. Don't get your hopes up too high: presuming that the publisher likes your manuscript, it still has to fit into one of the funds
3. Don't show any assertiveness: don't call us, we'll call you!
Not very encouraging for a novice writer... Last week I got the name of an editor within a reputable publishing house through the sister of a colleague of a friend of mine. Are you still with me...? As I was in a bold mood, I decided to give her a call right away. To my surprise I had a great, very relaxed conversation with this editor. After listening patiently to my story, she immediately requested me to send her everything I had written so far, including the extra scenes! Within 3-4 weeks I will have her feedback by email, she promised me. Even though she still has to read it (and, most of all: like it!), she had made my day already! What a great start!
Because of the DSK-affair, there is a lively discussion going on within the French media at the moment: do they need to report about the private lives of public figures or not? So far, no one did. In a 'Latin Lover' country like France, flirtatious behavior of powerful men has always been generally - not to mention proudly - accepted. A Latin man is made to seduce women, period. However, where does the 'art of seduction' end and does harassment start? There is a thin line, between innocent flirting and touching and obtrusiveness...
The above shows a big similarity with a phenomenon I have described in my book. When a married Italian man has a mistress, no one - apart from the wife - will probably blink an eye. There is an almost silent, general acceptance, like men can't help themselves being born in a culture of machismo. Even though the younger generation seems to deal with this a bit differently, having an 'amante' is still very common in Italy. For me it is just one of the many factors that makes the Italian culture intriguing, for numerous Italian wives it is a pain in the neck... Love, M.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Una Donna Per Bene
While everybody was out enjoying the wonderful spring sun (it has been extremely warm for this time of the year), I have been indoors writing, writing, writing this last month to make my deadline. After all, I had promised my friend a real manuscript to hand to a publisher. The first part of my book! So I wrote, read and rewrote. And wrote, read and rewrote. And wrote... Anyway, I guess you get the point by now. I have even been too busy to update this blog!
And then... a phone call from my Italian friend. Her mother had passed away, at age 86. Even though I had met her only once, I had a strong feeling of involvement. Despite of her age, she was still a goodlooking, very sophisticated lady. 'Una donna per bene' you would say in Italian. A woman from a good family. Refined. Classy. She is one of the characters in my book. After the news, I wasn't able to write for a day or two. I couldn't 'touch' her character in the book. It felt like I had to let the book rest for a few days, just to honor her. So that's what I did.
But as always... life goes on. Every now and then, I give part of what I have written to a good friend of mine to judge it. She is one of the few people that I can trust in this process on being completely honest with me. She has told me before to rephrase things or to 'sharpen' the story here and there. After a few days she sent me a text message:
'I am deeply impressed with what I have read this time. Please finish the story soon! You can call yourself a writer now.'
Wow, what a pleasant surprise that was! The next challenge is now to find a publisher that shares her opinion... Love, M.
And then... a phone call from my Italian friend. Her mother had passed away, at age 86. Even though I had met her only once, I had a strong feeling of involvement. Despite of her age, she was still a goodlooking, very sophisticated lady. 'Una donna per bene' you would say in Italian. A woman from a good family. Refined. Classy. She is one of the characters in my book. After the news, I wasn't able to write for a day or two. I couldn't 'touch' her character in the book. It felt like I had to let the book rest for a few days, just to honor her. So that's what I did.
But as always... life goes on. Every now and then, I give part of what I have written to a good friend of mine to judge it. She is one of the few people that I can trust in this process on being completely honest with me. She has told me before to rephrase things or to 'sharpen' the story here and there. After a few days she sent me a text message:
'I am deeply impressed with what I have read this time. Please finish the story soon! You can call yourself a writer now.'
Wow, what a pleasant surprise that was! The next challenge is now to find a publisher that shares her opinion... Love, M.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Scenes, Deadlines & Title
During the whole process I have found out that I am better in writing emotional scenes than scenes that are just there to connect everything. When writing the emotional scenes, I can actually place myself in the position of the protagonist and feel the phase that she is going through as if I am living it myself. It is so real and costs me so much energy, that sometimes I am completely exhausted after writing it! It also makes me feel like I want to take some distance from what I just wrote.
May 1st, the deadline, is approaching fast all of a sudden. When I promised my friend 150 pages to take to the publisher, I might have been slightly overoptimistic. Right now I have written about 80 pages. I will do my very best to finish the 150, but in the end I think it is more important to deliver a good story than quantity.
Yesterday I have found another novice writer through Twitter, or better said, she found me. She has found a publisher already and is working on the cover of the book now. That made me think again about a title. Right now the story still has very uninspiring titles like 'version 1.1', 'version 1.2' etc. I want to make sure that I do not overwrite something without being able to go back to the way it was written before. After all, the book has had several beginnings already. Anyway, I trust on the fact that a title will come up somewhere, somehow... Love, M.
May 1st, the deadline, is approaching fast all of a sudden. When I promised my friend 150 pages to take to the publisher, I might have been slightly overoptimistic. Right now I have written about 80 pages. I will do my very best to finish the 150, but in the end I think it is more important to deliver a good story than quantity.
Yesterday I have found another novice writer through Twitter, or better said, she found me. She has found a publisher already and is working on the cover of the book now. That made me think again about a title. Right now the story still has very uninspiring titles like 'version 1.1', 'version 1.2' etc. I want to make sure that I do not overwrite something without being able to go back to the way it was written before. After all, the book has had several beginnings already. Anyway, I trust on the fact that a title will come up somewhere, somehow... Love, M.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Milestone
- Writing is a verb -
Last week I have reached my first milestone: the first ten chapters of my book are finished! Okay, they still need to be rewritten and some things might need to be added, but considered all this, it feels pretty good to have completed this part! All of a sudden it is the beginning of a real story with body, where characters come alive. The good thing about the way I started, with writing short stories per chapter, is that I have already written some material to use later on in the book.
Apart from writing I still keep on doing research per topic. Still looking for tips on how to improve myself as a novice writer as well. I keep on searching for information, confirmation and input to check if I am still on the right track. The question came to mind: 'What makes a novel a GOOD novel?' Well, that depends on who you ask, as it mostly based on personal taste. Of course there are guidelines and formulas to write a book, especially a novel. A great website to consult for this is www.schrijvenonline.org with many forums and tips from professional writers. Another thing I am doing at the moment is rereading novels, with the eyes of a writer this time, to analyze them.
I have summarized tips and personal opinions of readers and came to quite a list. Are you ready? Here it comes! A good story: needs to be original, unpredictable, exclusive and credible, has lively characters, is written in clear language and a fluent way, triggers emotions with the reader, gives the reader something to think about, has to have continuity, contains some threat, mystery or suspense, 'draws' the reader into the world of the book, challenges the reader to come to new insights, provokes the imagination of the reader, shows good research and, last but not least, seduces the reader to read it more than once... Still a long way to go, but I am enjoying the view along the way!, Love, M.
Last week I have reached my first milestone: the first ten chapters of my book are finished! Okay, they still need to be rewritten and some things might need to be added, but considered all this, it feels pretty good to have completed this part! All of a sudden it is the beginning of a real story with body, where characters come alive. The good thing about the way I started, with writing short stories per chapter, is that I have already written some material to use later on in the book.
Apart from writing I still keep on doing research per topic. Still looking for tips on how to improve myself as a novice writer as well. I keep on searching for information, confirmation and input to check if I am still on the right track. The question came to mind: 'What makes a novel a GOOD novel?' Well, that depends on who you ask, as it mostly based on personal taste. Of course there are guidelines and formulas to write a book, especially a novel. A great website to consult for this is www.schrijvenonline.org with many forums and tips from professional writers. Another thing I am doing at the moment is rereading novels, with the eyes of a writer this time, to analyze them.
I have summarized tips and personal opinions of readers and came to quite a list. Are you ready? Here it comes! A good story: needs to be original, unpredictable, exclusive and credible, has lively characters, is written in clear language and a fluent way, triggers emotions with the reader, gives the reader something to think about, has to have continuity, contains some threat, mystery or suspense, 'draws' the reader into the world of the book, challenges the reader to come to new insights, provokes the imagination of the reader, shows good research and, last but not least, seduces the reader to read it more than once... Still a long way to go, but I am enjoying the view along the way!, Love, M.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Eureka!
The best ideas I ever had were always born during nightly hours. Few nights ago, at 3.30 AM, it all of a sudden clicked in my mind! Suddenly it became crystal clear how I should connect the different story lines, how to model the book. Do you know the feeling being in the middle of reading a great, interesting book and not being able to put it aside? That is exactly how I feel about writing now. I simply cannot stop anymore! Words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters... it feels like they have been there all along and suddenly got the start sign to come out.
So household, social events and social media are all on hold (never having too much trouble with the first one, by the way): I am a writer with a mission now. With new self- esteem and a clear story to tell. The comments of my friends did me lots of good as well. It gave me just the confirmation I was looking for. What is nice as well is that these people actually know what I am working on now. I have created expectations, on purpose. Now it is up to me not to let people down. Exciting!
The one who has not read anything yet is my Italian friend, on who's life the novel is based. In the whole process, this might be the most scary step I have to take: letting her read it. Even scarier than handing it to a publisher. Will she be happy with the way I describe her, her life story and the people in her life? Of course I have chosen fiction to be able to add, enlarge or leave out things to make the story more interesting, but in the end it is about her and the people around her. Maybe you can imagine this idea makes me pretty nervous. That will be the test of all tests. But first... some more writing to do! Love, M.
So household, social events and social media are all on hold (never having too much trouble with the first one, by the way): I am a writer with a mission now. With new self- esteem and a clear story to tell. The comments of my friends did me lots of good as well. It gave me just the confirmation I was looking for. What is nice as well is that these people actually know what I am working on now. I have created expectations, on purpose. Now it is up to me not to let people down. Exciting!
The one who has not read anything yet is my Italian friend, on who's life the novel is based. In the whole process, this might be the most scary step I have to take: letting her read it. Even scarier than handing it to a publisher. Will she be happy with the way I describe her, her life story and the people in her life? Of course I have chosen fiction to be able to add, enlarge or leave out things to make the story more interesting, but in the end it is about her and the people around her. Maybe you can imagine this idea makes me pretty nervous. That will be the test of all tests. But first... some more writing to do! Love, M.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A Push, Comment & Boost
Every writer has his/her own speed and structure to work. Some are very disciplined; they write a steady number of hours or words each day. I also intended to do that, but unfortunately, that kind of structure and discipline just isn't me. Sometimes I am writing several hours a day, other days I do not put one word in writing. Go with the flow, that's typically me. The good thing is that I am not bound to any deadlines yet, so I can take it easy. But easy is usually no good for me, I know from experience. When deadlines appear in sight, that's when my mind works full speed. That is when I am most creative and productive!
Last week a friend of mine asked me how much I had written so far. Good question, because, as I am writing on more than one storyline and chapter 'at the same time', it looks more like a jigsaw puzzle than a book at the moment! Was I interested in letting a publisher have a look at it and give some specialized feedback, was his next question. Ok, now he had my full attention! What is more interesting than to have an expert give feedback on your work? What a wonderful opportunity! So when would I be ready, he kept on pushing. I hesitated a little more to give a hard commitment at once; I had to think carefully about what would be doable. Few minutes later we agreed that I will hand him 150 pages by May 1st and he will take it to the publisher. This was exactly the push I needed!
I found out last week that it is pretty scary to let someone read your work! I have given the first two chapters to few of my best friends to read. Friends that I trust to read it in a critical way and to give me serious feedback, not to spare my feelings. My objective is to make a great book, not to be flattered. As writing is something you very much do in your own small world, you simply don't see things anymore at one point. I got back some very valid and valuable tips that I will definitely process! Luckily the general description on what they had read so far was 'very cinematic', 'written in an attractive way' and 'I would like to read more'. This is what friends are for: a push, a comment and a boost at the right time! Tnx, my dearests! Love, M.
Last week a friend of mine asked me how much I had written so far. Good question, because, as I am writing on more than one storyline and chapter 'at the same time', it looks more like a jigsaw puzzle than a book at the moment! Was I interested in letting a publisher have a look at it and give some specialized feedback, was his next question. Ok, now he had my full attention! What is more interesting than to have an expert give feedback on your work? What a wonderful opportunity! So when would I be ready, he kept on pushing. I hesitated a little more to give a hard commitment at once; I had to think carefully about what would be doable. Few minutes later we agreed that I will hand him 150 pages by May 1st and he will take it to the publisher. This was exactly the push I needed!
I found out last week that it is pretty scary to let someone read your work! I have given the first two chapters to few of my best friends to read. Friends that I trust to read it in a critical way and to give me serious feedback, not to spare my feelings. My objective is to make a great book, not to be flattered. As writing is something you very much do in your own small world, you simply don't see things anymore at one point. I got back some very valid and valuable tips that I will definitely process! Luckily the general description on what they had read so far was 'very cinematic', 'written in an attractive way' and 'I would like to read more'. This is what friends are for: a push, a comment and a boost at the right time! Tnx, my dearests! Love, M.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Adele
Insecurity has struck... Am I at all able to write a book? Still working on the first four chapters, I am trapped in despair at the moment. A lot of new books are being published lately. Successful Dutch writers are being interviewed on television shows about their latest novels. The way they describe the process of writing and the way they talk about the characters and the stories that have sprang from their brilliant imagination, make me wonder how I can ever measure up to these kind of people. Is this a normal phase to be going through being a newcomer?
Writing is as much a practical process as it is an emotional one, I have experienced already. No matter how much fantasy you have, how great the story is you have in your head or what kind of wonderful writing style you have, you have to be organized. Big time. You have to keep a very clear overview. You have to schedule. You have to structure. Not the best of my skills. You have to stay focused, otherwise you get lost. And that is exactly how I feel at the moment. It frustrates me and makes me wonder if and how I am ever going to finish this book. This morning however I came across one of the very first tweets of my favorite British singer Adele, saying:
'I don’t know what’s going to happen if my music career goes wrong; I haven’t had a proper job yet.'
That was June 27, 2009. Adele has launched two magnificent albums since. The first album sold 2.8 million copies worldwide and Adele definitely doesn't need to worry anymore about a 'proper' job anymore! Apparently insecurity is something we all have to deal with at one point in time. Not that I want to compare myself to Adele when it comes to being talented, but maybe I should stop worrying whether or how I will ever finish this book. I should stop wining and just write, as that is what I love to do. And listen to Adele singing whenever I feel insecure... Love, M.
Writing is as much a practical process as it is an emotional one, I have experienced already. No matter how much fantasy you have, how great the story is you have in your head or what kind of wonderful writing style you have, you have to be organized. Big time. You have to keep a very clear overview. You have to schedule. You have to structure. Not the best of my skills. You have to stay focused, otherwise you get lost. And that is exactly how I feel at the moment. It frustrates me and makes me wonder if and how I am ever going to finish this book. This morning however I came across one of the very first tweets of my favorite British singer Adele, saying:
'I don’t know what’s going to happen if my music career goes wrong; I haven’t had a proper job yet.'
That was June 27, 2009. Adele has launched two magnificent albums since. The first album sold 2.8 million copies worldwide and Adele definitely doesn't need to worry anymore about a 'proper' job anymore! Apparently insecurity is something we all have to deal with at one point in time. Not that I want to compare myself to Adele when it comes to being talented, but maybe I should stop worrying whether or how I will ever finish this book. I should stop wining and just write, as that is what I love to do. And listen to Adele singing whenever I feel insecure... Love, M.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
'Mijmeren'
Never thought writing a book would be this confrontational... I can not find any rest! Somewhere in the middle of doing laundry, seeing friends, going to the dentist, practicing sports, being my son's homework coach, dinner parties, grocery shopping, planning the next family holiday, finishing reading a book, birthdays, keeping the house clean, reading the newspaper, choosing the right high school for my son, eating, sleeping, I have to find the time, rest and the peace of mind to write. Easier said than done. Start meditating, you might say now, start yoga classes or go to an ashram for a month (like a friend of mine will be doing soon). I always tend to think that I am to restless to do these kind of things :-). Do you think I am missing the point here?
When I am in the right mood/mode, I sit down, put my hands on the keyboard of my notebook and the inspiration and writing comes naturally. No problem. I even have the tendency to 'hyperfocus' and find it very difficult to stop once I am on the go. However... to get to that point is the problem. In order to be creative, I need to clear my mind from daily worries and schedules. When I was still traveling a lot (about three months a year), I was able to do that. I also have an urge to sometimes not be 'the mother of' or 'the wife of' for a while. To just be me, myself and I. Me, alone with my own thoughts. To hear myself think. To feel myself feel. Without being overruled by the noise of daily hassle. To be away from what to eat that night, school times, sports classes and obligations, as these are all distractions from what I really want: to write this book.
One of my all time favorite Dutch words is 'mijmeren'. The English translation 'daydreaming' doesn't cover the meaning of 'mijmeren' for me. 'Mijmeren' for me is opening a door to an inner, deeper layer of myself. A place where I can find creativity. Where solutions come to me. Where I suddenly know how a character will develop itself or how a storyline will continue. Sometimes I am able to 'mijmer' on Sunday morning, when husband and son are already downstairs and I am still in bed. Or at night, when all is quiet and everybody is sound asleep. The best way to 'mijmer' however is to literally break away for a while from everything and everybody. It is not for nothing that (song)writers and other creative people lock themselves up sometimes to create a new album, book or other works of art. In order to find a solution, I am either condemned to read the book 'Meditating for Dummies' or to plan another trip. I think I will opt for the trip. A trip just for 'mijmeren'. Soon. Love, M.
When I am in the right mood/mode, I sit down, put my hands on the keyboard of my notebook and the inspiration and writing comes naturally. No problem. I even have the tendency to 'hyperfocus' and find it very difficult to stop once I am on the go. However... to get to that point is the problem. In order to be creative, I need to clear my mind from daily worries and schedules. When I was still traveling a lot (about three months a year), I was able to do that. I also have an urge to sometimes not be 'the mother of' or 'the wife of' for a while. To just be me, myself and I. Me, alone with my own thoughts. To hear myself think. To feel myself feel. Without being overruled by the noise of daily hassle. To be away from what to eat that night, school times, sports classes and obligations, as these are all distractions from what I really want: to write this book.
One of my all time favorite Dutch words is 'mijmeren'. The English translation 'daydreaming' doesn't cover the meaning of 'mijmeren' for me. 'Mijmeren' for me is opening a door to an inner, deeper layer of myself. A place where I can find creativity. Where solutions come to me. Where I suddenly know how a character will develop itself or how a storyline will continue. Sometimes I am able to 'mijmer' on Sunday morning, when husband and son are already downstairs and I am still in bed. Or at night, when all is quiet and everybody is sound asleep. The best way to 'mijmer' however is to literally break away for a while from everything and everybody. It is not for nothing that (song)writers and other creative people lock themselves up sometimes to create a new album, book or other works of art. In order to find a solution, I am either condemned to read the book 'Meditating for Dummies' or to plan another trip. I think I will opt for the trip. A trip just for 'mijmeren'. Soon. Love, M.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Back into The Flow...
Finally back into the flow of writing! After a busy period of birthdays, the traditional Dutch Sinterklaasavond, decorating the Christmas tree and shopping for Christmas presents, I'm completely caught up in the story of my novel again. I am full of inspiration to develop certain characters and storylines. Still struggling with the dialogues of my young protagonist Elena though... It is easy to reflect her character by actually letting her do things, but to give a 7-year old an 'interesting' dialogue with one of her peers is much more challenging.
I am picking my brain to remember which novels I have read with children's dialogues. The first titles that come to mind are 'Of Love and Other Demons' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, 'The Kite Runner' by Khaleid Hosseini and 'I'll Steal You Away' by Niccolo Ammaniti. I definitely have to go through these books again to see how these writers have managed to give these young people dialogues that have really added something to the story. With a pile of snow outside, the candles lit and some nice bottles of wine in stock, that seems to be a good objective for one of these coming days! Love, M.
I am picking my brain to remember which novels I have read with children's dialogues. The first titles that come to mind are 'Of Love and Other Demons' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, 'The Kite Runner' by Khaleid Hosseini and 'I'll Steal You Away' by Niccolo Ammaniti. I definitely have to go through these books again to see how these writers have managed to give these young people dialogues that have really added something to the story. With a pile of snow outside, the candles lit and some nice bottles of wine in stock, that seems to be a good objective for one of these coming days! Love, M.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Parole, parole...
'Parole, parole'
- Italian song by Mina & Alberto Lupo (1972; English translation: 'Words, words')
The other day someone asked me if I am writing in chronological order or if I am writing separate chapters and then put the story together later. Good question! I did chop up the whole story in chapters and determined what I want to tell in the beginning, the middle and at the end of the story. The beginning of the book is important as it has to trigger the reader to read on. And yes, I started with chapter 1, continued with chapter 2, but soon found out that I had to explain more about the relations between the protagonists in the beginning (without falling into the trap of giving too much information!).
So I added a chapter in between and chapter 2 became chapter 3. The question of my friend made me think however. The last few weeks I have been researching the making of movies. A movie is never shot in chronological order, but in all different shots and then edited in the end. As a story has more than one storyline and several themes, it is very well possible to write a storyline that will show up somewhere in the middle of the book or even at the end. From today on I will have a good look again at those different storylines and themes to see what inspires me most at this moment to start writing on. This gives me a whole new perspective again. Thank you for that question!
Last week I have been struggling with dialogues. Not so much dialogues between the grown up characters in the book. Those seem to come pretty naturally. But if your protagonist is a 7 year-old, what kind of dialogue do you give her without boring a grown up reader? It can not be something very difficult she says at that age, but it still has to add something to the story or to the character. The title of the 1970's song 'Parole, parole' refers to hollow words and phrases. Even though I want to create a sense of time, I don't just want to 'touch' news facts without knowing the essence. So I still do research... a lot. Gaining much more information and knowledge than I probably will ever use in this book, but better that than hollow words and phrases! Love, M.
- Italian song by Mina & Alberto Lupo (1972; English translation: 'Words, words')
The other day someone asked me if I am writing in chronological order or if I am writing separate chapters and then put the story together later. Good question! I did chop up the whole story in chapters and determined what I want to tell in the beginning, the middle and at the end of the story. The beginning of the book is important as it has to trigger the reader to read on. And yes, I started with chapter 1, continued with chapter 2, but soon found out that I had to explain more about the relations between the protagonists in the beginning (without falling into the trap of giving too much information!).
So I added a chapter in between and chapter 2 became chapter 3. The question of my friend made me think however. The last few weeks I have been researching the making of movies. A movie is never shot in chronological order, but in all different shots and then edited in the end. As a story has more than one storyline and several themes, it is very well possible to write a storyline that will show up somewhere in the middle of the book or even at the end. From today on I will have a good look again at those different storylines and themes to see what inspires me most at this moment to start writing on. This gives me a whole new perspective again. Thank you for that question!
Last week I have been struggling with dialogues. Not so much dialogues between the grown up characters in the book. Those seem to come pretty naturally. But if your protagonist is a 7 year-old, what kind of dialogue do you give her without boring a grown up reader? It can not be something very difficult she says at that age, but it still has to add something to the story or to the character. The title of the 1970's song 'Parole, parole' refers to hollow words and phrases. Even though I want to create a sense of time, I don't just want to 'touch' news facts without knowing the essence. So I still do research... a lot. Gaining much more information and knowledge than I probably will ever use in this book, but better that than hollow words and phrases! Love, M.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Back to Basics & Curiosity
I am stuck! All the information I have written down, gathered and processed for my book so far is in different documents in my computer. Of course I have printed those documents and sorted them, but now I am looking at piles of paper that are not making any sense to me. Believe me, I couldn't do without my MacBook, Internet or blogging anymore, but writing a book simply is an old-school art. It is like creating a mosaic. With every piece it becomes more complete. After adding the piece, the figure may look completely different and gives you a different angle from which to continue. Creating a story is also like creating a good wine. It needs time to mature in your head, time to develop.
Using the computer is great, but it is like painting a painting while you can only see 1/8 of the fore-study. You miss the overview, no matter how you organize everything in folders in your computer. Time to get back to my writing tips and books to see how to control this chaos. Best tip: visualize! So yesterday I bought some basic white carton cards to write things down in the old-fashioned way. Next step is to buy myself a big bulletin board where I can pin all these cards with information on. Preferably using all kinds of different colors to group the information. And I need to start making choices, because I don't need ALL of that information! So back to basics.
This weekend Holland has lost one of her biggest writers ever. Harry Mulish died at the age of 83. I loved to hear that Mulish was always curious, even at an older age. Wanted to know about new technologies, about new developments in the world. I believe in that kind of curiosity. I believe it keeps your spirit young even when your body grows old. Always look up that one word you don't know the definition of. Find out what the precise story is about a historical fact, even if it happened way before you were born. If you don't like social media, don't use them, but at least look up how they work and try it, just once. Children are always curious. They can keep on asking you questions. Go back to that curiosity! Always, always, always be curious! Love, M.
Using the computer is great, but it is like painting a painting while you can only see 1/8 of the fore-study. You miss the overview, no matter how you organize everything in folders in your computer. Time to get back to my writing tips and books to see how to control this chaos. Best tip: visualize! So yesterday I bought some basic white carton cards to write things down in the old-fashioned way. Next step is to buy myself a big bulletin board where I can pin all these cards with information on. Preferably using all kinds of different colors to group the information. And I need to start making choices, because I don't need ALL of that information! So back to basics.
This weekend Holland has lost one of her biggest writers ever. Harry Mulish died at the age of 83. I loved to hear that Mulish was always curious, even at an older age. Wanted to know about new technologies, about new developments in the world. I believe in that kind of curiosity. I believe it keeps your spirit young even when your body grows old. Always look up that one word you don't know the definition of. Find out what the precise story is about a historical fact, even if it happened way before you were born. If you don't like social media, don't use them, but at least look up how they work and try it, just once. Children are always curious. They can keep on asking you questions. Go back to that curiosity! Always, always, always be curious! Love, M.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Cash for Trash
Naples and suburbs are buried under mountains of garbage again, like in 2008. The legal garbage dumps have reached their capacity, garbage is simply not collected anymore and waste is spreading quickly around the city and especially the suburbs of Naples, home to the Camorra, the Neapolitan Mafia. The Neapolitan people pay higher fees to get their garbage collected, as the average Neapolitan produces more garbage than any other Italian. They don’t separate the garbage, unlike the people in the rest of the region (this became mandatory after the crisis of 2008, but a Neapolitan ‘doesn’t do laws’). The household garbage in Naples and suburbs includes plastics, glass, refrigerators, broken car parts and mattresses that are ripped apart. You can find the trash anywhere along the road.
For decades the Camorra is in control of the waste management. In the agricultural Campania region with its beautiful lush countryside this mostly consists of household garbage. The real lucrative business for the Camorra however is collecting waste from the industrial north of Italy. Including toxic waste. The rich industrial companies can cut major costs by selling their poison to the Camorra, who will then dump or burn it illegally in the countryside of Campania. Of course the north of Italy will always deny having any part in this 'typical problem of the South'. Pieces of land (bought of intimidated landowners) are being trashed, underground holes and quarries are filled with waste like heavy metals and asbestos. The toxic waste is also sold cheaply to ignorant farmers who use it as compost for their beautiful lemon orchards, olive groves, nut trees and crops…
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Utopia.... Or not?
After having been there three times now for a longer period, Singapore is the perfect blueprint for any country, according to my husband. There is hardly any unemployment, crime, corruption or poverty. Housing is well taken care off; almost 90% of the population owns its own home. The streets are kept spotless. Buddhists, Muslims, Christians and nonbelievers live happily next to each other. There are rules, many and strict. Sounds good to me, so far. But, as Utopia simply does not exists, there is a catch with Singapore as well.
Even though Singapore is a parliamentary republic, with elections for a new president every six years, it has been governed by just one party ever since 1959: the People's Action Party (PAP). Censorship, judicial corporal punishment and the death penalty are still carried out. Singapore has one of the highest execution rates in the world (more than Saudi Arabia). The zero tolerance policy applies to any sort of vandalism or violence, which is good, but also to selling chewing gum, not flushing the toilet after using it and walking around naked in your own house. Eating, drinking or smoking in a public area like the metro station can cost you 500-1000 (Singapore) dollars. And if you happen to love the same sex, there is no place for you in Singapore.
Here in Holland we definitely have a problem with rules, discipline and authority. The policeman is supposed to be 'your best friend', you address a teacher on a first name basis and paramedics are being molested trying to save someones life. Punishments are way too low here for severe crimes, vandalism and aggression. But would I like to live in a country like Singapore? Never! Nothing good ever came out of censorship and/or corporal punishment. Strict regulation is fine, but that much control of a government is no good; people should be able to have a mind of their own. And once the government starts interfering with people's private lives on that level, that's it for me. I understand the need for regulations and I like respect for authority figures and professionals, but within my own four walls I want to determine whether I walk around the house naked. Love, M.
Even though Singapore is a parliamentary republic, with elections for a new president every six years, it has been governed by just one party ever since 1959: the People's Action Party (PAP). Censorship, judicial corporal punishment and the death penalty are still carried out. Singapore has one of the highest execution rates in the world (more than Saudi Arabia). The zero tolerance policy applies to any sort of vandalism or violence, which is good, but also to selling chewing gum, not flushing the toilet after using it and walking around naked in your own house. Eating, drinking or smoking in a public area like the metro station can cost you 500-1000 (Singapore) dollars. And if you happen to love the same sex, there is no place for you in Singapore.
Here in Holland we definitely have a problem with rules, discipline and authority. The policeman is supposed to be 'your best friend', you address a teacher on a first name basis and paramedics are being molested trying to save someones life. Punishments are way too low here for severe crimes, vandalism and aggression. But would I like to live in a country like Singapore? Never! Nothing good ever came out of censorship and/or corporal punishment. Strict regulation is fine, but that much control of a government is no good; people should be able to have a mind of their own. And once the government starts interfering with people's private lives on that level, that's it for me. I understand the need for regulations and I like respect for authority figures and professionals, but within my own four walls I want to determine whether I walk around the house naked. Love, M.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Grand Tour
The journey, not the arrival matters
- T.S. Eliot (1888-1965)
I feel like I am a passenger on a luxury train. A palace on wheels, like the Orient Express. With vintage cabins and a plush interior. All breathing elegance and history. A deluxe train that takes me on a wonderful journey. Every once in a while I get off the train to see places I have never seen before. Places that surprise me, make me wonder and bring me new experiences. After such a visit, I get back on the train to continue my journey. During that, I am meeting new people. Interesting, fascinating and intriguing people. I am enjoying the scenery, the places and the people so much, that I hope that it will take a real long time before we reach my final destination...
More precise than with the above words I could not describe how writing this first book feels to me. This 'journey' is such an amazing experience already, that it truly is more important than the arrival for me. It is a journey that takes me to unknown topics and challenges me to explore these thoroughly. As I have always been eager to learn (unfortunately never too much in the 'conservative' way....), this really is one big pleasure trip for me! Like a sponge I am absorbing everything that gets in my way. I feel privileged. It is like being on my own Grand Tour.
Right now I have the actual story all chopped up in chapters. In short sentences and keywords I have described what will happen per chapter. Structuring took me much longer than I would have ever thought. Now the time is close to start working out these short sentences and keywords chapter by chapter into the story of Elena, the protagonist, which will be spread out over a few decades. There are still many gaps to be filled (like how the story must end exactly...), there is still much material to be gathered and many topics to be researched, but piece by piece the puzzle is coming together! And during that process, I am learning and enjoying the ride. Do I really want this journey to ever end? I definitely agree with T.S. Eliot. It's the journey that matters. Love, M.
- T.S. Eliot (1888-1965)
I feel like I am a passenger on a luxury train. A palace on wheels, like the Orient Express. With vintage cabins and a plush interior. All breathing elegance and history. A deluxe train that takes me on a wonderful journey. Every once in a while I get off the train to see places I have never seen before. Places that surprise me, make me wonder and bring me new experiences. After such a visit, I get back on the train to continue my journey. During that, I am meeting new people. Interesting, fascinating and intriguing people. I am enjoying the scenery, the places and the people so much, that I hope that it will take a real long time before we reach my final destination...
More precise than with the above words I could not describe how writing this first book feels to me. This 'journey' is such an amazing experience already, that it truly is more important than the arrival for me. It is a journey that takes me to unknown topics and challenges me to explore these thoroughly. As I have always been eager to learn (unfortunately never too much in the 'conservative' way....), this really is one big pleasure trip for me! Like a sponge I am absorbing everything that gets in my way. I feel privileged. It is like being on my own Grand Tour.
Right now I have the actual story all chopped up in chapters. In short sentences and keywords I have described what will happen per chapter. Structuring took me much longer than I would have ever thought. Now the time is close to start working out these short sentences and keywords chapter by chapter into the story of Elena, the protagonist, which will be spread out over a few decades. There are still many gaps to be filled (like how the story must end exactly...), there is still much material to be gathered and many topics to be researched, but piece by piece the puzzle is coming together! And during that process, I am learning and enjoying the ride. Do I really want this journey to ever end? I definitely agree with T.S. Eliot. It's the journey that matters. Love, M.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
La Dolce Vita
Mention 'La Dolce Vita' and most people immediately think of the legendary movie of Federico Fellini. The movie, that was released in 1961 and awarded with 6 important movie awards, is about a Roman society journalist that is torn between the ambition of becoming a serious writer and the temptation to lead the superficial social life of his subjects. The most famous scene is probably the one with Anita Ekberg standing in the Trevi fountain in Rome. Apparently, the Swedish Anita Ekberg didn't have any problems standing in the cold water (the scene was shot in March...) for hours and hours, while Marcello Mastroianni, being a true warmblooded Italian..., had to wear a wetsuit underneath his clothes and drink a bottle of vodka before he was even able to do the scene (drunk!).
Because of the movie, the term 'La Dolce Vita' (the sweet/good life) soon became synonym for a desirable decadent and laid back lifestyle, like the people from the upper class around the Via Veneto in Rome were living. They would spend their holidays in famous jet set places like the island of Capri, Portofino and Sardinia during summer and Cortina d'Ampezzo during wintertime. As Italy was quickly transforming from an agricultural country to an industrial country in those days, the income for the average Italian was rising. The people from middle class were able to afford themselves more luxury. At the same time, Italy was discovered by foreigners as a country with a spectacular scenery, a wonderful climate, beautiful cities, talented artists and delicious food. 'La Dolce Vita' was born. Unfortunately, at the end of the sixties, the sweet and good life had to make place for student protests, strikes and violence.
As the father of the protagonist of my book was working in Cinecittà, I have been looking into the world of the Italian cinema. Cinecittà is the Italian equivalent of Hollywood and was absolutely booming in the 1950s-1960s. It was the time of great directors like Fellini, Visconti, Rossellini and Pasolini. Italian actors like Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, Anna Magnani, Claudia Cardinale, Gina Lollobrigida and Totò . It is amazing how many beautiful movies were produced at that time. I think I am going to lock myself in for a few days and watch some... Love, M.
Because of the movie, the term 'La Dolce Vita' (the sweet/good life) soon became synonym for a desirable decadent and laid back lifestyle, like the people from the upper class around the Via Veneto in Rome were living. They would spend their holidays in famous jet set places like the island of Capri, Portofino and Sardinia during summer and Cortina d'Ampezzo during wintertime. As Italy was quickly transforming from an agricultural country to an industrial country in those days, the income for the average Italian was rising. The people from middle class were able to afford themselves more luxury. At the same time, Italy was discovered by foreigners as a country with a spectacular scenery, a wonderful climate, beautiful cities, talented artists and delicious food. 'La Dolce Vita' was born. Unfortunately, at the end of the sixties, the sweet and good life had to make place for student protests, strikes and violence.
As the father of the protagonist of my book was working in Cinecittà, I have been looking into the world of the Italian cinema. Cinecittà is the Italian equivalent of Hollywood and was absolutely booming in the 1950s-1960s. It was the time of great directors like Fellini, Visconti, Rossellini and Pasolini. Italian actors like Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, Anna Magnani, Claudia Cardinale, Gina Lollobrigida and Totò . It is amazing how many beautiful movies were produced at that time. I think I am going to lock myself in for a few days and watch some... Love, M.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Mirror
What would you do if somebody (you have met only two years ago...) calls you and tells you that she wants to write a book about your life story? It must be a weird experience, somebody wanting to know all about your past, the relationship with your parents, your most wonderful and difficult times, the loves of your lives. Of course I was inspired by this life story because it is an extraordinary and dramatic one and not just happiness and laughter. Although it is not a biography, I have realized very well from the fist moment I called her about this project, that talking about her past would be very emotional, confronting and intense for my friend. Last Tuesday I wrote her an email with a summary of the first few chapters of the book. She replied with:
'Reading this for me feels like looking into a mirror, reflecting images that I love and at the same time images that still hurt me'.
This project is not just 'a hobby' for me. This book is not just fiction, but based on a true story. This true story is not just any story, but the life story of someone I care about. It is about Italy, but not because I love Italy as a tourist, but because I got to know Italy so well that I feel at home and at ease there. Because I have found people there that are interesting, wonderful, intelligent and that have welcomed me in their lives. I am thankful that my friend is willing and brave enough to go through all of this, just because of my book. I want to be careful and sensitive about it. She told me that the book will hopefully even help her to put things in place...I hope so too. Love, M.
'Reading this for me feels like looking into a mirror, reflecting images that I love and at the same time images that still hurt me'.
This project is not just 'a hobby' for me. This book is not just fiction, but based on a true story. This true story is not just any story, but the life story of someone I care about. It is about Italy, but not because I love Italy as a tourist, but because I got to know Italy so well that I feel at home and at ease there. Because I have found people there that are interesting, wonderful, intelligent and that have welcomed me in their lives. I am thankful that my friend is willing and brave enough to go through all of this, just because of my book. I want to be careful and sensitive about it. She told me that the book will hopefully even help her to put things in place...I hope so too. Love, M.
Monday, October 4, 2010
La Pastiera Napoletana
Months ago I already wrote the first few chapters of my book and created most of the characters. I held myself back from writing on though, as I wanted to have the input of my Italian friend first. Good thing I did so. Two weeks ago I had so much factual input all of a sudden, that I had some trouble going back to fiction. It was like the truth was catching up with fantasy, not leaving much room for the last one. Although the story of my friend could easily be written down as a biography, it was a clear choice from the beginning not to do so, as I want to have the artistic freedom to add or leave out things. The end result has to be a well balanced combination of her life story and my fantasy. So the challenge now is to combine fantasy with facts. To start with a clean slate, I threw away the first few chapters two days ago and started all over.
I decided to start the story at Easter, in the year 1963, with my protagonist being 7 years old. I have been in Italy during Easter few times and know that Easter is the most important holiday after Christmas, especially in the religious south of Italy. The weeks before Easter, many processions, with enormous statues carried around the towns and cities, take place in a sober atmosphere and sometimes also in costumes of ancient days. And then there is Easter, a big celebration! The egg, the symbol of new life, is well represented by huge and smaller, mostly beautifully decorated, chocolate eggs. You will find them wrapped in colorful cellophane in the windows of the pastry shops. It is a good Italian tradition to give your loved ones one of these beautiful eggs. The tacky bunny (a Protestant and actually pagan symbol...) is nowhere to be found, just eggs.
There is a saying in Italian: 'Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi'. Translation: 'Christmas is something to celebrate with your family, Easter with whomever you like'. Like in most European countries, Easter is celebrated in two days. Easter Sunday is called 'Pasqua', Easter Monday 'Pasquetta' ('little Easter'). As you probably know, Italians are fascinated by both traditions and food and any combination of the two. Now there is no way describing an Italian Easter leaving out the traditional Easter menu, which differs per region. This is where I started reading about the specific Easter traditions of the Campania region. And oh, how I enjoyed it (with watering mouth...). During Pasqua there is a big 4-course Easter lunch. Evidently there is lamb on the Pasqua menu, as the lamb plays a big role in the Catholicism (the Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world). I love lamb (for other than religious reasons though), so I was happy to see it on the Easter menu as some of the best lamb I ever had was in Italy!
There are more delicious surprises in the menu, but at the end of the menu, there is La Pastiera Napoletana. Now beware, this is not just any cake, but a cake that comes with a romantic legend that everybody in the region knows. It is the cake that was made by the Gods from the Gulf of Naples, out of presents that the siren Parthenope once received from the people from Naples as a thank you for the beautiful singing she would treat them to each springtime. The people gave her the dearest things they had at that time: fresh ricotta from their sheep, water from the orange blossom, wheat boiled in milk, fresh eggs, flour & spices and candied fruit. If you have ever been to the Gulf of Naples and have experienced its fascination and the abundant offer of the land there, you can automatically imagine the singing of Parthenope... Good thing they were able to save the divine recipe. Don't you just love Southern Italy... Love, M.
I decided to start the story at Easter, in the year 1963, with my protagonist being 7 years old. I have been in Italy during Easter few times and know that Easter is the most important holiday after Christmas, especially in the religious south of Italy. The weeks before Easter, many processions, with enormous statues carried around the towns and cities, take place in a sober atmosphere and sometimes also in costumes of ancient days. And then there is Easter, a big celebration! The egg, the symbol of new life, is well represented by huge and smaller, mostly beautifully decorated, chocolate eggs. You will find them wrapped in colorful cellophane in the windows of the pastry shops. It is a good Italian tradition to give your loved ones one of these beautiful eggs. The tacky bunny (a Protestant and actually pagan symbol...) is nowhere to be found, just eggs.
There is a saying in Italian: 'Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi'. Translation: 'Christmas is something to celebrate with your family, Easter with whomever you like'. Like in most European countries, Easter is celebrated in two days. Easter Sunday is called 'Pasqua', Easter Monday 'Pasquetta' ('little Easter'). As you probably know, Italians are fascinated by both traditions and food and any combination of the two. Now there is no way describing an Italian Easter leaving out the traditional Easter menu, which differs per region. This is where I started reading about the specific Easter traditions of the Campania region. And oh, how I enjoyed it (with watering mouth...). During Pasqua there is a big 4-course Easter lunch. Evidently there is lamb on the Pasqua menu, as the lamb plays a big role in the Catholicism (the Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world). I love lamb (for other than religious reasons though), so I was happy to see it on the Easter menu as some of the best lamb I ever had was in Italy!
There are more delicious surprises in the menu, but at the end of the menu, there is La Pastiera Napoletana. Now beware, this is not just any cake, but a cake that comes with a romantic legend that everybody in the region knows. It is the cake that was made by the Gods from the Gulf of Naples, out of presents that the siren Parthenope once received from the people from Naples as a thank you for the beautiful singing she would treat them to each springtime. The people gave her the dearest things they had at that time: fresh ricotta from their sheep, water from the orange blossom, wheat boiled in milk, fresh eggs, flour & spices and candied fruit. If you have ever been to the Gulf of Naples and have experienced its fascination and the abundant offer of the land there, you can automatically imagine the singing of Parthenope... Good thing they were able to save the divine recipe. Don't you just love Southern Italy... Love, M.
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