Chris
asked
Christina Clancy:
I am 6 chapters in and totally loving this book! Since I have to ask a question, and since this is your debut novel, how long did it take for you to come up with the plot and do you have more in mind for the future? I am putting you on my "authors to watch" list!
Christina Clancy
Hi Chris, thank you so much for your question and I'm so happy to hear that you are enjoying The Second Home!
It took me about six or seven years to complete the novel, but during that time I didn't work on it exclusively. I was a college professor and found that teaching and writing used different parts of my brain, so between semesters or over summer break I'd pick at the book. About four years ago I had enough material that I figured it was time to get serious about the story. This involved devoting more focused time to it and making major changes to the order it was told (the original draft went back and forth in time and I thought it made more sense to tell the story in chronology, aside from the prologue).
The plot came to me as I wrote, or on long walks when I'd try to think about what should happen next. Fortunately, the characters always felt very real to me, and they sometimes dictated the story, as crazy as that sounds.
I'm working on a new book now that might sound very different from The Second Home, but it is very character-driven and is also very concerned about our deep and sometimes troubled attachments to place.
My sincere thanks for reading my debut novel!
It took me about six or seven years to complete the novel, but during that time I didn't work on it exclusively. I was a college professor and found that teaching and writing used different parts of my brain, so between semesters or over summer break I'd pick at the book. About four years ago I had enough material that I figured it was time to get serious about the story. This involved devoting more focused time to it and making major changes to the order it was told (the original draft went back and forth in time and I thought it made more sense to tell the story in chronology, aside from the prologue).
The plot came to me as I wrote, or on long walks when I'd try to think about what should happen next. Fortunately, the characters always felt very real to me, and they sometimes dictated the story, as crazy as that sounds.
I'm working on a new book now that might sound very different from The Second Home, but it is very character-driven and is also very concerned about our deep and sometimes troubled attachments to place.
My sincere thanks for reading my debut novel!
More Answered Questions
Paula Suominen
asked
Christina Clancy:
After spin class today, I told Yacouba I was spending the 4th reading your book. I loved it. Having lived in the Milwaukee area and visited Cape Cod, the locations brought back lots of memories. The characters were so real. The book is high on my recommendation list to anyone that asks about which books to read this summer. Congratulations on writing a much loved story. How is your second book coming along?
Michele
asked
Christina Clancy:
I just finished THE SECOND HOME and am experiencing a total book hangover; I cannot move on from Cape Cod, Ann, Poppy and Michael. I came on here to see what else you have written and could not exit without leaving a message to tell you how much I enjoyed your first novel. I adore Cape Cod, have visited many times over the years and after reading you book I know I need to visit again. You brought it to life for me?
Shelly Glennon
asked
Christina Clancy:
Hey Christina, We have Shoulder Season on our book club agenda for August this year and I'm hoping you'll have some discussion questions ready by then. Can you share them with us please? Thanks! We're so excited to dig into your newest work! LOVED The Second Home! Shelly
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