Simon Says... Here's What's Next For Me
Writing a novel is a whole different beast than non-fiction.
Welcome to Simon Says, a weekly newsletter from Rachel Simon about writing, not writing, and sort-of-, kind-of, I’m-putting-words-on-a-page-but-let’s-be-real-they’re-garbage writing. For current and aspiring writers, but everyone else is welcome, too.
Since Pickleball for All came out, one of the questions I’ve been getting often is, “so what’s next?” The answer is, hopefully, my novel—the YA story that I’ve been working on, on and off, for the last few years. I’m working on it nearly every day, and making good progress; recently, I even let Kurt read a few chapters and give feedback (he liked it! Really!)
Writing a novel is so, so different than writing a non-fiction book. With Pickleball for All, I knew from the beginning what every chapter should look like and how it should be structured. All the info I needed to write the book was already out there in the world; all I had to do was put it together in a cohesive, readable way.
But with a novel, there’s no guideline. How it should look, sound, be is completely up to me, and based on ideas and characters and plots floating around my head. Every page is a mystery until I start writing, and even then, I’m often not sure where I’m going until I have a few pages under my belt. In other words: it’s really, really freaking hard.
And yet: I love it. Writing a novel is invigorating because it’s such a challenge. Every day I sit down at my laptop, I have to push through the terror of the blank page to tell a story, to move past fear and nerves and unwillingness and just do it. Because if I don’t, if I let the enormous scope of the project overwhelm me, then the book will never be written. And I need this book to be written, for this story that means so much to me to find its way out.
So yes: that’s what’s next. My novel, aka the next chapter in my writing life. Wish me luck, friends.
Other Work Updates:
My publisher, HarperCollins, is running a fun sweepstakes with the pickleball brand Disco Country Club where you can win a pickleball starter kit featuring a copy of Pickleball for All and a cute set of paddles! Enter here.
Speaking of pickleball, I was on ABC News Live last week to talk about my book!
For Better Homes & Gardens, I wrote about the best cantilever umbrellas to spruce up your patio.
It’s not too late to sign up for one of my upcoming writing classes this fall! Sign up for my Creative Nonfiction class (via Zoom) with Gotham Writers Workshop or my in-person Freelancing class with Redbud Writers Project in Raleigh.
Get ahead of your holiday shopping by ordering one of my personalized crossword puzzles from Etsy! Also great for birthdays, anniversaries, and more.
This Week in Pop Culture:
Like many of you, I am eagerly following every new development in the Olivia-Harry-Miss Flo-Chris Pine drama. My two cents are that I do not think Harry spit on Chris (there are rumors Chris was a little… out of it and lost/found his sunglasses very abruptly), but do I love the drama? Absolutely.
Kurt and I watched Dune the other night, and I thought it was so-so. Amazing visuals, but a meh story, and like two seconds of Zendaya?! Come on.
I always love a good Vogue 73 Questions video, and Jennifer Lawrence’s is a treat.
Wishing Queen of All Things Jane Fonda a speedy recovery.
This Week’s Gratitude Moment:
On Friday night, I came home from dinner to a surprise party!!! in my living room. Kurt and our friends had spent weeks coordinating a book launch celebration with cakes and treats and all things pickle-themed, and it was…. the best. I’ve never been more shocked in my life, and I’m still not over how well they pulled it off.
Have a great week, all. Talk soon!
-Rachel