Inspiration & Perspiration:
Danielle Trussoni’s Newsletter
July 1st Newsletter
“Genius is 1 Percent Inspiration and 99 Percent Perspiration.”
– Thomas Edison
It is the first of July, and time once again for me to step out of the gloomy shadows of the Writing Cave to say hello.
As you might know, I have been hard at work on a new novel for the past year. I’m happy to report that I have a full draft at last! I sent it off to my agent last week. If you don’t follow me on Instagram, you can see a photo of the manuscript here:
While it is tempting to break open the champagne, it isn’t time to celebrate just yet. An early draft of a novel will, inevitably, go through many revisions before it is the one my readers see. Still, I’m thrilled that I’m at this stage and can’t wait to see the new book published.
Writing a novel is, in some ways, like living in a state of entrancement. For a solid year, my thoughts have held the characters and storylines of this novel. It creates a kind of two-track way of experiencing the world: the reality of my everyday life, and the ‘reality’ of the one in my imagination. To have the novel done, and to be suddenly free of this double thinking is very odd. It feels a bit like waking up from a long dream.
Not that I don’t have lots of other projects to think about! There is one that I am putting together that may interest you.
In March 2022, I will be giving a five-day writing workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. As you might recall, I went to San Miguel in May. I loved it so much that I want to go back and spend more time there.
This workshop will be small, with only 7 spots available (one spot is gone, so there are only 6 remaining), and will be held from March 13-20. It includes a workshop and craft discussion each afternoon, a one-on-one conference with me, and a reading and cocktail reception where each writer will read their work. The cost for the week is $500.
I have reserved a block of rooms at Casa de la Cuesta for the week. The workshop will be held at Casa de la Cuesta, as well. There is a discounted price for rooms, $150 per night (the rates are usually $180 per night).
I chose this week because the San Miguel Writers Conference is the following week. If you choose to stay for that, your discounted rate can be extended.
If you’re interested in joining me in Mexico for a week of writing, respond to this email to register. A 50% down payment is due upon registration, with full payment due 60 days prior to the event.
Speaking of the San Miguel Writers conference, don’t forget to join me on July 18th for my event with Julie Metz!
If you are looking for a good book to read this summer, check out this one from Chris Bohjalian, reviewed in my latest New York Times Book Review column.
As always, thank you for keeping in touch with me. If you’re doing anything fun this summer, I want to hear about it! Drop me a line and let me know.
Yours,
Danielle