Comments on: How We Spend Our Days: Jane Smiley

By: cynthia

cynthia — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 17:53:13 +0000

In reply to Carol Balawyder. Jodi, Sarah, and Carol--thanks for reading. Definitely tortoises and not hares : )

By: Carol Balawyder

Carol Balawyder — Mon, 26 May 2014 23:28:52 +0000

This was so interesting. A snap-shot into a really good writer. I too liked her comment on novelists are tortoises, not hares.

By: Sarah Laurence

Sarah Laurence — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:29:58 +0000

Jane, Moo and A Thousand Acres are two of my favorite books, and it was fun to get a glimpse at your real life. I wish I could share some of our torrential rain in Maine. It’s ruining our snow. I often think of taking up horseback riding again, but it’s too cold and icy half of the year to ride outside. Your tortoise advice is inspiring as I’m halfway through a first draft that has already taken months.

Cynthia, thanks for hosting and Happy New Year! Sorry to be late to the party. I’ve been in England, visiting family.

By: Jodi Paloni

Jodi Paloni — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 20:09:12 +0000

I, too, am voting for the tortoise comment and pie. I always vote for pie.

By: Jane Smiley

Jane Smiley — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 23:26:06 +0000

These are great comments! Thank you very much. Now we can pray for rain…

By: susanna

susanna — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:24:58 +0000

A great interview. I loved your last comment about what is normal – while I write, I am reliant on alternating green tea and expresso. And yes, the reading of a book is so unique and novels resonate with us when the time and space are right….HHmmm, yes, dinner is so important, and thinking about it such a pleasure; your Christmas feast sounded delicious. I am just off to do have an aperitif, I am British, but live in France, so aperitif is part of how we spend our days…
Thanks for sharing your day Jane. And Cynthia, thanks as ever for your interviews….

By: Darrelyn Saloom

Darrelyn Saloom — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:37:25 +0000

I also loved the line “Novelists are tortoises, not hares.” It refreshing to hear since (even when writing nonfiction) I write at turtle speed.

By: writersideup

writersideup — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 01:19:12 +0000

That was a pleasure to read 😀 I love hearing about your horses, Jane. I’ve always loved them, but only got to ride them a few times when I was a kid. My grandfather owned a stable in the Bronx, but he wasn’t the type of guy you could feel comfortable with as far as going often : /

And, for sure, I don’t think you ever completely stop worrying about your kids, but I remember when my son was in college, once I got used to it, I didn’t worry while he was away ’cause I had no idea what he was doing or where he was. When they’re home, you KNOW they’re not home lol

Also, can’t tell you how much I love this: Novelists are tortoises, not hares. Thanks for that…and the interview! 😀