Inspiration & Perspiration:
Danielle Trussoni’s Newsletter

July 25th, 2020

“Genius is 1 Percent Inspiration and 99 Percent Perspiration.”
– Thomas Edison

 Good morning from the hot and sticky Hudson Valley, where I am looking out over the river from my office and having my morning coffee.

I’ve gotten in the habit of working weekends, but I plan to take a break from the writing cave today. I’m going to go to the farmer’s market and spend the weekend with my family. Usually, I write every morning, spending at least a few hours at my desk, but this past week was productive and I feel like it is time for a break. What are you doing this weekend? Anything fun?

Something that has been inspiring to me this past week (and is something I try to do regularly) has been venturing out into the woods. This past week, I met a friend on the path. She was as intrigued by me as I was by her. We stared at each other for a few minutes and then went our separate ways.

As I mentioned, my new novel is going well. I had a few weeks of truly frustrating moments (first drafts can be hellish to write) but I’m through that and on my way again.

I was happy to see that my latest column in The New York Times Book Review is out on the website (the print version will be published tomorrow). I reviewed the following books:

I also reviewed Josh Malerman’s Malorie, his follow up to Bird Box, but I was not mailed a hard copy, so I can’t include it in my photo.

If you’re reading something interesting, let me know!

As the summer has grown hot and sticky, I’ve been trying out new perfumes to wear while I write. That may sound silly, but I find that doing small things that make the job feel more professional help me work better. For example, you will never find me writing in my pajamas.

Here are my favorite writing perfumes right now: Wood Sage & Sea Salt by Jo Malone and Margaux by Tocca.

Do you have a secret quirk that helps you work? Let me know and I will post about it next week! Also, send me your summertime photos and I will add them to my newsletter.

I hope you’re enjoying this last weekend of July, and that you are finding inspiration in your life and work.

Yours,
Danielle Trussoni