Category Archives: what would water do (a novel)
happy ending (last, last part of last chapter)
(static eye screen a video by B.S. Wise on Flickr) * It wasn’t until ten years after we broke up that I finally understood what an asshole my first boyfriend was. Dancing is fun. Why don’t I dance? I used
happy ending (last, last part of last chapter)
(static eye screen a video by B.S. Wise on Flickr) * It wasn’t until ten years after we broke up that I finally understood what an asshole my first boyfriend was. Dancing is fun. Why don’t I dance? I used
shut the door (chapter 31, part 3)
the golden curtain a video by B.S. Wise on Flickr. “Finishing a book is just like you took a child out in the back yard and shot it.”–Truman Capote That sums it up. Thanks, Truman. * Drew pulled up Mae’s
shut the door (chapter 31, part 3)
the golden curtain a video by B.S. Wise on Flickr. “Finishing a book is just like you took a child out in the back yard and shot it.”–Truman Capote That sums it up. Thanks, Truman. * Drew pulled up Mae’s
role-play (chapter 31, part 2)
I wish I were an actor. I think it might make me a better writer. I’d role-play my characters to get to know them better. I’d understand them viscerally, from the inside. My story is about a writer who
role-play (chapter 31, part 2)
I wish I were an actor. I think it might make me a better writer. I’d role-play my characters to get to know them better. I’d understand them viscerally, from the inside. My story is about a writer who
the after party
This is me, writing: Aha! Hunched over, fingers flying ticticaticatic over the keys, it’s hot in here and I’m on fire, sizzling, the epitome of a supercharged poet, burning literary rubber, Kerouac’s got nothing on me, and the words
the after party
This is me, writing: Aha! Hunched over, fingers flying ticticaticatic over the keys, it’s hot in here and I’m on fire, sizzling, the epitome of a supercharged poet, burning literary rubber, Kerouac’s got nothing on me, and the words
unrecognizable (chapter 29, part 3)
If there was a lineup of body parts, could you pick your own ear out of the crowd? Is that really your voice on that recording? During an argument, did your lover swear you said something you didn’t? Did you
unrecognizable (chapter 29, part 3)
If there was a lineup of body parts, could you pick your own ear out of the crowd? Is that really your voice on that recording? During an argument, did your lover swear you said something you didn’t? Did you
the stanchion (chapter 29, part 2)
I invented The Girl in the Hat and started this blog because not only was I not published, I also couldn’t persuade an agent to take me on. I wrote What Would Water Do after my first novel, Nothing
the stanchion (chapter 29, part 2)
I invented The Girl in the Hat and started this blog because not only was I not published, I also couldn’t persuade an agent to take me on. I wrote What Would Water Do after my first novel, Nothing
pool of sweat (chapter 29, part 1)
A mental list of Drew’s symptoms, in case they rush her to the emergency room: dizziness, lack of oxygen, cold sweat, nausea, and a trembling numbness in her hands and legs, but she’ll have to write it down because
pool of sweat (chapter 29, part 1)
A mental list of Drew’s symptoms, in case they rush her to the emergency room: dizziness, lack of oxygen, cold sweat, nausea, and a trembling numbness in her hands and legs, but she’ll have to write it down because
there’s a leak somewhere (chapter 28)
For those who have not been following along, this is chapter 28 of my novel, What Would Water Do, which was inspired by the birth of my second daughter and Kate Chopin’s Awakening, a story about a woman torn between
there’s a leak somewhere (chapter 28)
For those who have not been following along, this is chapter 28 of my novel, What Would Water Do, which was inspired by the birth of my second daughter and Kate Chopin’s Awakening, a story about a woman torn between
more than enough (chapter 27, part 3)
I must confess, I have stolen many things in my lifetime: mostly books or little things I thought no one would notice, sometimes because I really wanted the object but other times because I wanted to keep a little bit
more than enough (chapter 27, part 3)
I must confess, I have stolen many things in my lifetime: mostly books or little things I thought no one would notice, sometimes because I really wanted the object but other times because I wanted to keep a little bit
he needs me (chapter 27, part 1)
It was Isabelle’s turn in writing group this week. She brought the final scene of her epic Greek erotic adventure in which all the characters come together for a final glorious orgy in the underworld, the penultimate happy ending. But
he needs me (chapter 27, part 1)
It was Isabelle’s turn in writing group this week. She brought the final scene of her epic Greek erotic adventure in which all the characters come together for a final glorious orgy in the underworld, the penultimate happy ending. But
yes (chapter 26, part 2)
When Lang opens the bedroom door, Eleanor is asleep with a smile on her face. Eleanor’s face with a man and a smile. Lang stands there gripping the doorknob, registering the small details that construct a larger impression:
yes (chapter 26, part 2)
When Lang opens the bedroom door, Eleanor is asleep with a smile on her face. Eleanor’s face with a man and a smile. Lang stands there gripping the doorknob, registering the small details that construct a larger impression:
hide and seek (chapter 26, part 1)
* It was the quietest part of the night, when even the insects had succumbed to silence. The long black silk robe Eleanor wore brushed each step as she descended the grand curving staircase toward the front door. Robin watched
hide and seek (chapter 26, part 1)
* It was the quietest part of the night, when even the insects had succumbed to silence. The long black silk robe Eleanor wore brushed each step as she descended the grand curving staircase toward the front door. Robin watched
one is the oneliest number (chapter 25, part 2)
… Lang makes notes to draw this out for a few more moments in order to fully underscore their physical and psychological distance. The music bridges over to the next montage that begins with Edna sitting on the patio in
one is the oneliest number (chapter 25, part 2)
… Lang makes notes to draw this out for a few more moments in order to fully underscore their physical and psychological distance. The music bridges over to the next montage that begins with Edna sitting on the patio in
tweaking (chapter 25, part 1)
If this seems confusing, maybe it’s because you haven’t read what came before. This is the 25th chapter of What Would Water Do, a novel. To begin at the start, click here. I also write short stories, personal essays, and
tweaking (chapter 25, part 1)
If this seems confusing, maybe it’s because you haven’t read what came before. This is the 25th chapter of What Would Water Do, a novel. To begin at the start, click here. I also write short stories, personal essays, and
swimming in light (chapter 24)
This is the 24th chapter of What Would Water Do, a novel. To begin at the start, click here. * Mae meets Drew at the front door and pulls her down the hall to the living room where the painting
swimming in light (chapter 24)
This is the 24th chapter of What Would Water Do, a novel. To begin at the start, click here. * Mae meets Drew at the front door and pulls her down the hall to the living room where the painting
know it all (chapter 23, part 3)
* They turn left on Esplanade Avenue. Behind a high wall, through a patio thick with banana trees and yellow blossoms he ushers her into the little iron door and up the stairs to the room where the lady sits
know it all (chapter 23, part 3)
* They turn left on Esplanade Avenue. Behind a high wall, through a patio thick with banana trees and yellow blossoms he ushers her into the little iron door and up the stairs to the room where the lady sits
safe to smile at strangers (chapter 23, part 2)
She’s outside kicking the wrought iron fence with her silver high tops when Robin walks up behind her. “Good morning, mamselle. Did we wake up on the wrong side this morning or did that fence try to sneak up on
safe to smile at strangers (chapter 23, part 2)
She’s outside kicking the wrought iron fence with her silver high tops when Robin walks up behind her. “Good morning, mamselle. Did we wake up on the wrong side this morning or did that fence try to sneak up on
the levee (chapter 23, part 1)
Eleanor knows the house is empty before she opens her eyes. The air in her bedroom is so humid she thinks the world outside must be covered with water. The levee must have burst. The waves snuck in while she
the levee (chapter 23, part 1)
Eleanor knows the house is empty before she opens her eyes. The air in her bedroom is so humid she thinks the world outside must be covered with water. The levee must have burst. The waves snuck in while she
ambush (chapter 22)
Mae’s costume is anachronistically modern. The idea was that her character Edna was to appear to be evolving much more quickly than her environment. At the start of the film which is set at the end of the 1800s, Edna’s
ambush (chapter 22)
Mae’s costume is anachronistically modern. The idea was that her character Edna was to appear to be evolving much more quickly than her environment. At the start of the film which is set at the end of the 1800s, Edna’s
the actor (chapter 21, part 3)
Wayne has a strict protocol for seeing a movie in the theater: First, you must go on Monday or Tuesday night to avoid a crowd. Maybe Wednesday but never, ever on the weekend. Weekends are for amateurs. Second, arrive exactly
the actor (chapter 21, part 3)
Wayne has a strict protocol for seeing a movie in the theater: First, you must go on Monday or Tuesday night to avoid a crowd. Maybe Wednesday but never, ever on the weekend. Weekends are for amateurs. Second, arrive exactly
comfort food (chapter 21, part 2)
They go to the beach, they go shopping. One night, Victor cooks dinner. Wayne doesn’t want to ask where the kid got the money to buy the food because he looks so damn proud of himself standing there with his
comfort food (chapter 21, part 2)
They go to the beach, they go shopping. One night, Victor cooks dinner. Wayne doesn’t want to ask where the kid got the money to buy the food because he looks so damn proud of himself standing there with his
the fourth dimension (chapter 21, part 1)
Wayne stops in the hallway outside his apartment with one ear pressed against the door. He listens hungrily, savoring his imminent arrival into the vibration, into the hum and bump on the other side of the door. It’s unlocked. Victor
the fourth dimension (chapter 21, part 1)
Wayne stops in the hallway outside his apartment with one ear pressed against the door. He listens hungrily, savoring his imminent arrival into the vibration, into the hum and bump on the other side of the door. It’s unlocked. Victor
a delicate exoskeleton (chapter 20, part 2)
After Lauren came Kitty and Madeline wearing white smocks, wheeling a cartful of delicate metal tools. Mae walks straight from the shower to the sofa where for nearly two hours they knead and slather and rinse and pluck and pinch
a delicate exoskeleton (chapter 20, part 2)
After Lauren came Kitty and Madeline wearing white smocks, wheeling a cartful of delicate metal tools. Mae walks straight from the shower to the sofa where for nearly two hours they knead and slather and rinse and pluck and pinch
maybe if someone pushed me (chapter 20, part 1)
Ants crawling all over a delicious morsel. That’s what they were like: the trainer, the cosmetologist (or whatever you call the person who fiddles with your skin), the masseuse, the seamstress, the housecleaners, the various assistants and, it would be
maybe if someone pushed me (chapter 20, part 1)
Ants crawling all over a delicious morsel. That’s what they were like: the trainer, the cosmetologist (or whatever you call the person who fiddles with your skin), the masseuse, the seamstress, the housecleaners, the various assistants and, it would be
pardon me, but that looks like a good book you’ve got there (chapter 19, part 2)
Robin drops Elle off by 5:00 in the afternoon, which leaves a couple of hours to do homework and read until Lang comes home. When she’s in her room, she turns on the television. Sometimes she sits in a rocker
pardon me, but that looks like a good book you’ve got there (chapter 19, part 2)
Robin drops Elle off by 5:00 in the afternoon, which leaves a couple of hours to do homework and read until Lang comes home. When she’s in her room, she turns on the television. Sometimes she sits in a rocker
indefinitely (chapter 19, part 1)
It isn’t the first time her moms stopped talking to each other. It doesn’t happen all the time but when it does it’s slow torture, like listening to Barney the purple dinosaur sing his stupid “I love you, you love
indefinitely (chapter 19, part 1)
It isn’t the first time her moms stopped talking to each other. It doesn’t happen all the time but when it does it’s slow torture, like listening to Barney the purple dinosaur sing his stupid “I love you, you love
nowhere (chapter 18, part 2)
Wayne awakes around noon, fully clothed and sweating under the Lilien’s down comforter with a mouthful of the straight-up residue of bourbon, rum, vodka and gin (there was nothing to mix it with) and some port to top it all
nowhere (chapter 18, part 2)
Wayne awakes around noon, fully clothed and sweating under the Lilien’s down comforter with a mouthful of the straight-up residue of bourbon, rum, vodka and gin (there was nothing to mix it with) and some port to top it all
you should have seen me (chapter 18, part 1)
“He knew I was somebody, but he couldn’t pin it down.” Wayne and Drew are in the Lilien’s vast fluffy bed. Wayne leans against her shoulder and says, “He kept ogling me when he thought I wasn’t looking and he
you should have seen me (chapter 18, part 1)
“He knew I was somebody, but he couldn’t pin it down.” Wayne and Drew are in the Lilien’s vast fluffy bed. Wayne leans against her shoulder and says, “He kept ogling me when he thought I wasn’t looking and he
watching yourself cry (chapter 17, part 2)
The first time they separated was when Eleanor was one, still putting everything in her mouth and needing to be carried. Elle had been a curious child and it took at least two people to make sure she didn’t grab
watching yourself cry (chapter 17, part 2)
The first time they separated was when Eleanor was one, still putting everything in her mouth and needing to be carried. Elle had been a curious child and it took at least two people to make sure she didn’t grab
Welcome to the Big Easy (part 1 of chapter 17)
Lang forgot to bring Elle a souvenir. As Lang’s car moves away from Grand Isle and toward New Orleans, her thoughts grow hard edges. She hasn’t seen her daughter for three weeks, which means she had more than twenty days
Welcome to the Big Easy (part 1 of chapter 17)
Lang forgot to bring Elle a souvenir. As Lang’s car moves away from Grand Isle and toward New Orleans, her thoughts grow hard edges. She hasn’t seen her daughter for three weeks, which means she had more than twenty days
who does she think she is (chapter 16, part 2)
She has never met a fellow pedestrian along this stretch of sidewalk where the lawns are as stiff and green as Astroturf and studded with perpetual cheery blossoms, topiary with surgical edges, and fountains gushing nowhere, forever. The heat of
who does she think she is (chapter 16, part 2)
She has never met a fellow pedestrian along this stretch of sidewalk where the lawns are as stiff and green as Astroturf and studded with perpetual cheery blossoms, topiary with surgical edges, and fountains gushing nowhere, forever. The heat of
trembles to her ears (chap. 16, part 1)
Drew can never remember the difference between “sensual” and “sensuous” but the Liliens have a dictionary in their library so Drew slips down the hall, feet sliding on the wood floor. She’s wearing Tom Lilien’s black socks, a pair of
trembles to her ears (chap. 16, part 1)
Drew can never remember the difference between “sensual” and “sensuous” but the Liliens have a dictionary in their library so Drew slips down the hall, feet sliding on the wood floor. She’s wearing Tom Lilien’s black socks, a pair of
evolutions (chapter 15, pt. 2)
(painting by Salvador Dali) He is overtaken by a wave of annoyance. She hasn’t been back to her apartment for at least a month. Her neglected mail, which he has been collecting for her even though
evolutions (chapter 15, pt. 2)
(painting by Salvador Dali) He is overtaken by a wave of annoyance. She hasn’t been back to her apartment for at least a month. Her neglected mail, which he has been collecting for her even though
the writing group (chapter 15, pt.1)
The writing group has just finished discussing this week’s submission, a scene from Wayne’s script entitled Usher Place. It was a short and lively scene, the one where the aging actress first seduces her writer. The young man enters her
the writing group (chapter 15, pt.1)
The writing group has just finished discussing this week’s submission, a scene from Wayne’s script entitled Usher Place. It was a short and lively scene, the one where the aging actress first seduces her writer. The young man enters her
what kind of water do you dream? (chap. 14, pt. 2)
Earlier tonight they shot the scene where Robert invites everyone for a nighttime swim. They all walked arm-in-arm down to the beach, white linen silhouettes under the wind-swept pines, the warm air scented with chamomile. Everything
what kind of water do you dream? (chap. 14, pt. 2)
Earlier tonight they shot the scene where Robert invites everyone for a nighttime swim. They all walked arm-in-arm down to the beach, white linen silhouettes under the wind-swept pines, the warm air scented with chamomile. Everything
her hands are not beautiful (part 1 of chapter 14)
(photo courtesy Jo) The hunched, black-clothed form of Mademoiselle Reitz shuffles up to the piano, gives a haughty little bow and plops down on the bench. Her hands are not beautiful; they hang over the keys like frozen buzzards and
her hands are not beautiful (part 1 of chapter 14)
(photo courtesy Jo) The hunched, black-clothed form of Mademoiselle Reitz shuffles up to the piano, gives a haughty little bow and plops down on the bench. Her hands are not beautiful; they hang over the keys like frozen buzzards and
looking good (chapter 13)
(photo courtesy Adam Millet) While Wayne was getting ready to go out, the cat had showed up again, just waltzed right in like it lived there. Wayne had left the front door of his apartment ajar to catch a cross
looking good (chapter 13)
(photo courtesy Adam Millet) While Wayne was getting ready to go out, the cat had showed up again, just waltzed right in like it lived there. Wayne had left the front door of his apartment ajar to catch a cross
portrait of an artist as a young girl (chapter 12, part 2)
(photo by sissychrissy) For her first walk up the hill to Mae’s house, Drew doesn’t even need to put on shoes but she does, anyway, for the sake of appearance. Mae’s assistant Holly meets her at the door and hands
portrait of an artist as a young girl (chapter 12, part 2)
(photo by sissychrissy) For her first walk up the hill to Mae’s house, Drew doesn’t even need to put on shoes but she does, anyway, for the sake of appearance. Mae’s assistant Holly meets her at the door and hands
the ghostwriter (chapter 12, part 1)
(photo by autumn_leaf on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/_autumn_leaf/) Drew’s life has become hyperbolic and the fact that it all seems somewhat implausible nags her—at a red light, or when the music pauses between songs, in the stillness of dawn before her apartment
the ghostwriter (chapter 12, part 1)
(photo by autumn_leaf on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/_autumn_leaf/) Drew’s life has become hyperbolic and the fact that it all seems somewhat implausible nags her—at a red light, or when the music pauses between songs, in the stillness of dawn before her apartment
what would water do (chapter 11)
(photo by vlpg Too on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/vlpgtoo/) The napkins have resurfaced, the plates have retreated to the center of the table and Lang Westwood is at the punchline of her story: “And I said, ‘what are my choices?’ to which
what would water do (chapter 11)
(photo by vlpg Too on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/vlpgtoo/) The napkins have resurfaced, the plates have retreated to the center of the table and Lang Westwood is at the punchline of her story: “And I said, ‘what are my choices?’ to which
the chorus speaks (chapter 10)
(photo by fotorosso on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotorosso/) A week later, Drew is in the shower in her apartment when the phone rings. She stands in front of the mirror dripping on the floor as she listens to the voicemail message: Hello,
the chorus speaks (chapter 10)
(photo by fotorosso on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotorosso/) A week later, Drew is in the shower in her apartment when the phone rings. She stands in front of the mirror dripping on the floor as she listens to the voicemail message: Hello,
guilt and trashy magazines (chapter 9)
Wayne slides one admiring hand across the Lilien’s antique maple liquor cabinet and swings the doors open: “Ta dah!” “That’s a lot of booze.” “Here’s a forty-year-old bottle. Want a taste?” “No thanks.” Drew is still woozy from her lunch
guilt and trashy magazines (chapter 9)
Wayne slides one admiring hand across the Lilien’s antique maple liquor cabinet and swings the doors open: “Ta dah!” “That’s a lot of booze.” “Here’s a forty-year-old bottle. Want a taste?” “No thanks.” Drew is still woozy from her lunch
like a junkie communing with god (chapter 8)
(photo by ojoblanco on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/ojoblanco/) Framed by the bedroom window and backlit by dawn, the enormous eucalyptus dances, trailing long black ribbons. This sight hails Lang every morning: the mottled skin of the trunk and silver tongues of leaf
like a junkie communing with god (chapter 8)
(photo by ojoblanco on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/ojoblanco/) Framed by the bedroom window and backlit by dawn, the enormous eucalyptus dances, trailing long black ribbons. This sight hails Lang every morning: the mottled skin of the trunk and silver tongues of leaf
making friends with red wine (chapter 7)
Drew orders another glass of wine while she waits on the restaurant’s patio. She doesn’t usually drink during the day but she’s nervous and her dress , Katherine Lilien’s pale yellow silk, is so tight she can hardly breathe. Wayne
making friends with red wine (chapter 7)
Drew orders another glass of wine while she waits on the restaurant’s patio. She doesn’t usually drink during the day but she’s nervous and her dress , Katherine Lilien’s pale yellow silk, is so tight she can hardly breathe. Wayne
adaptations (chapter 6)
(photo by johnwilliamsphd on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnwilliamsphd/) Last night Wayne did his customary circuit of the clubs and didn’t find his way back to his own apartment until 4:23 am. He would still be asleep if Mrs. Espinoza hadn’t come at
adaptations (chapter 6)
(photo by johnwilliamsphd on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnwilliamsphd/) Last night Wayne did his customary circuit of the clubs and didn’t find his way back to his own apartment until 4:23 am. He would still be asleep if Mrs. Espinoza hadn’t come at
complicated women (chapter 5)
(photo by lucyshena on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucy-locket/) On her way down the hallway toward her apartment she knocks on Wayne’s door. He pokes his head out as she is turning her key. “Hey! How’d it go?” “You’ll never look at me the
complicated women (chapter 5)
(photo by lucyshena on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucy-locket/) On her way down the hallway toward her apartment she knocks on Wayne’s door. He pokes his head out as she is turning her key. “Hey! How’d it go?” “You’ll never look at me the
crying on cue (chapter 4)
(photo by ::fotorosso:: on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotorosso/) “My first impression is that you’re just too damn tan for the role.” Lang Westwood has her foot propped rudely up on the desk in front of her. It’s a real handmade boot made
crying on cue (chapter 4)
(photo by ::fotorosso:: on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotorosso/) “My first impression is that you’re just too damn tan for the role.” Lang Westwood has her foot propped rudely up on the desk in front of her. It’s a real handmade boot made
walk-in closet (chapter 3, part 2)
Just as she’s reaching for the closet doorknob, Drew’s cell phone rings. It catches her standing half naked in a strange bedroom holding a doorknob in one hand and a watering can in the other. She fumbles for the phone
walk-in closet (chapter 3, part 2)
Just as she’s reaching for the closet doorknob, Drew’s cell phone rings. It catches her standing half naked in a strange bedroom holding a doorknob in one hand and a watering can in the other. She fumbles for the phone
a tantalizing ghost (chapter 3, part 1)
(photo by smashthirteen on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/smash13/) Sometimes, in certain moods, at dusk or early morning when the light is starting to reveal the space and separation between things, or sometimes when she’s driving down a highway and has been driving
a tantalizing ghost (chapter 3, part 1)
(photo by smashthirteen on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/smash13/) Sometimes, in certain moods, at dusk or early morning when the light is starting to reveal the space and separation between things, or sometimes when she’s driving down a highway and has been driving
