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If you have a look at the Working On My Novel Twitter account (that’s the book version in the above photo) you’ll see that many, many people are writing a novel right now AS WE SPEAK. How many of those people will actually finish and publish their novels? Who knows. And really, does it matter? I think it’s great that so many people are writing and talking about writing. But aside from this post, I haven’t really talked about the novel that I’m working on with anyone. I have my own crazy notes, outlines, and character sketches. I think about it all the time and work out plot points while I’m at the grocery store and on the subway. But I don’t like to talk about it because I don’t like the reaction I get. I blame things like Working On My Novel or that classic Family Guy episode where Stewie has a little fun with Brian about his “compelling protagonist” and “nice little narrative”. It’s hard enough to write a novel without having to deal with other people doubting you, your intentions, and abilities. It’s just easier to keep it to myself. And to be honest, I actually find it more enjoyable to do a lot of my writing without anyone knowing what I’m writing about. So let’s just pretend I never mentioned my novel (what novel?) and I’ll go back to writing in my own little world. It’s just better that way.