A love story, at least a convincing one, requires three elements - the lover, the beloved, and the adventures they have together.
Jane SmileyWhen 'The Awakening' was published it was considered so scandalous it was banned in the author's home-town library, and she herself was barred from the Fine Arts Club in the same city. What the novel has to offer, among other things, is honesty.
Jane SmileyBecause your goal is a complete rough draft of a novel, and every rough draft, by being complete, is perfect.
Jane SmileyGiving his lecture for the third time freed Dr. Lionel Gift from paying much attention to it. He had a naturally expressive style of delivery, hones over the years in elementary-econ lecture halls. He knew, without even thinking, to address the middle rows of the hall, but to occasionally "shoot" the listeners in the back corners. He knew how to make eye contact and solicit the attention of those who were thinking of other things.
Jane Smiley