Wayne, I’ve never actually read any Koontz! I’ve only known him by reputation, which is impressive. That’s what drew me to the profile, though I guess he’s always been on my radar.
My first job out of high-school was at a used bookstore where Koontz sold like crazy and had his own section (next to Stephen King, probably his only rival for output or sales). I’ve never much enjoyed thrillers—not ruling it out, however.
May 8, 2023·edited May 8, 2023Liked by Joel J Miller
Joel, I did a little research on what might be the best Koontz novel, and I ordered "Odd Thomas." I plowed through the first 10 chapters or so, and lost interest. Not because the writing wasn't good, but there is so much graphic content – I felt like the multiple times I've tried to read Stephen King. It's just not an orbit I enjoy stepping into, even though I keep trying. The Christianity of the author makes it even more interesting – or disturbing.
I read about it a couple years ago and haven’t forgotten. Every time I think about “unfavorable writing conditions,” I think about writing on the back of an upturned wheelbarrow. If you know what you’re trying to say, you can say it pretty much anywhere.
Wow! Does that ever hit home! Especially on a day like today, on days when despite my ability to show up to my desk, the writing did not. Despite my attempts to share my presence, the words would not share theirs. My hour of writing, that span between 6:30 and 7:30, when my attention is comitted to nothing but the page is torture when it refuses to be anything but blank. One hour going on an eternity, staring at the ceiling, staring at the walls, my un-typing fingers, my un-touched keys, an endless amount of time to wonder why you bother to do it all. You could have slept 6 instead of 5 hours. You could have gone to the gym. Watched the sunrise if you were so inclined. Prayed if you still believed. You could have been anywhere. You could have done anything. Instead you chose to here, between the yellow glow of an edison bulb and the blue light of a screen, sitting, waiting, (not) writing. And still, there's no place you'd rather be.
But they were fed and watered. It wasn’t all soppy as ‘Shadowlands’ portrayed. The unfettered mind is quite free to gallivant when not encumbered by cleaning and cooking. As feminists have been saying for quite some time...!!!
This was a delightful grouping of authors - what a range of strategies! I suppose there's no "one" way to get it done, but writing is truly interesting to read about (the toothbrushing! I can't imagine!).
Lewis's greatest book is his OHELL. I remember studying it, writing my copious notes on it, and thinking how in the world did he do it. Alan Jacobs is right in his assessment.
You bet, Mark. I’ve never studied it, as such, but I have dipped in and out of it enough over the years to wear out the cover. (I need to get some sort of Mylar cover for it before the edges disintegrate.) It’s fascinating.
Which of the Koontz novels would you recommend to a beginner?
Wayne, I’ve never actually read any Koontz! I’ve only known him by reputation, which is impressive. That’s what drew me to the profile, though I guess he’s always been on my radar.
My first job out of high-school was at a used bookstore where Koontz sold like crazy and had his own section (next to Stephen King, probably his only rival for output or sales). I’ve never much enjoyed thrillers—not ruling it out, however.
Koontz is a professed Christian; he became a Catholic in adulthood. Here’s an interesting article on how that shows up in his work: https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2018/10/22/catholic-literary-vision-dean-koontz
Joel, I did a little research on what might be the best Koontz novel, and I ordered "Odd Thomas." I plowed through the first 10 chapters or so, and lost interest. Not because the writing wasn't good, but there is so much graphic content – I felt like the multiple times I've tried to read Stephen King. It's just not an orbit I enjoy stepping into, even though I keep trying. The Christianity of the author makes it even more interesting – or disturbing.
I get that. I rarely—almost never—read horror or thrillers. Not my cup of molten lava.
I’ve never read him either. Some things just pass me by!
Thanks for sharing.
I didn’t know that about Faulkner’s job shoveling coal. Thanks for writing!
I read about it a couple years ago and haven’t forgotten. Every time I think about “unfavorable writing conditions,” I think about writing on the back of an upturned wheelbarrow. If you know what you’re trying to say, you can say it pretty much anywhere.
Great piece!
“I don’t know who I’d be if I wasn’t writing.”
Wow! Does that ever hit home! Especially on a day like today, on days when despite my ability to show up to my desk, the writing did not. Despite my attempts to share my presence, the words would not share theirs. My hour of writing, that span between 6:30 and 7:30, when my attention is comitted to nothing but the page is torture when it refuses to be anything but blank. One hour going on an eternity, staring at the ceiling, staring at the walls, my un-typing fingers, my un-touched keys, an endless amount of time to wonder why you bother to do it all. You could have slept 6 instead of 5 hours. You could have gone to the gym. Watched the sunrise if you were so inclined. Prayed if you still believed. You could have been anywhere. You could have done anything. Instead you chose to here, between the yellow glow of an edison bulb and the blue light of a screen, sitting, waiting, (not) writing. And still, there's no place you'd rather be.
It’s a weird compulsion, but I totally get it—and share it.
My God - the last writer is SO pretentious. Get him.
But they were fed and watered. It wasn’t all soppy as ‘Shadowlands’ portrayed. The unfettered mind is quite free to gallivant when not encumbered by cleaning and cooking. As feminists have been saying for quite some time...!!!
This was a delightful grouping of authors - what a range of strategies! I suppose there's no "one" way to get it done, but writing is truly interesting to read about (the toothbrushing! I can't imagine!).
Thanks! Every author has their tricks. The toothbrushing cracked me up, too.
This was very interesting and a good reminder the next time I procrastinate over my writing.
Yes! It’s all about staying with it. Just keep putting one word after another and clean up while you go. Eventually, you’ll have a book.
Lewis's greatest book is his OHELL. I remember studying it, writing my copious notes on it, and thinking how in the world did he do it. Alan Jacobs is right in his assessment.
Thanks for this post, Joel.
You bet, Mark. I’ve never studied it, as such, but I have dipped in and out of it enough over the years to wear out the cover. (I need to get some sort of Mylar cover for it before the edges disintegrate.) It’s fascinating.