“Can’t we just whip one up?” is one of the many inside jokes shared among the members of the Best family.
Let me explain:
When my son was in elementary school making a science fair project was optional. I always encouraged my kids to take part in these activities and usually they did. But one year my son decided he wasn’t going to do a science project and, although I was disappointed, I decided to respect his wishes.
The night before the science fair, literally at bedtime, he decided he should have worked on a project to enter for judging. When I told him there wasn’t enough time to do a project he asked quite innocently, “Can’t we just whip one up?”
That line has been used countless times over the years, and still brings a giggle from us all from time to time.
I sometimes feel as though that’s the way some people feel about my work. They look at me with eager eyes and ask when the next book is coming. Now don’t get me wrong, I think their interest in my work is wonderful. I’m happy that they’re waiting for “my next book” to come. It’s actually quite a compliment. But writing takes time, finding the right way to tell a story doesn’t always come easy. My first novel went along fairly smoothly. Getting into Pru’s head felt natural but that’s not always the case, and I loved Mama’s character, admired her even. If I was in her situation I hope I’d be as strong. No wonder the story seemed to write itself.
While I’m happy that so many people have asked about my next novel, I need to remind them that the first one has only been out a few months. So please, please be patient if it takes me awhile to “whip” the next one up.
Laura Best 
Lynn
/ February 13, 2010Sooo, what’s your point, Laura? 😉 j/k
I understand what you are saying, but I think you can ‘whip up’ a great story about the treasure between the walls. I know my imagination got stirred up over that one. You can do it! You can do it! 🙂
Perhaps, now is the time you may be needing to let ideas whip themselves up into a story. There are so many ideas waiting to be built into something great. And so many ways to do it. I admire anyone who can put it all together and then actually sell it.
When your next one is ready, I will buy it. For now, enjoy the success you have acquired and that people believe in your ability. You have earned it. 🙂
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Laura Best
/ February 13, 2010Thanks for your confidence in me, Lynn but I’d best describe it as “easing” into a story rather than whipping one up. I’ve never been one to simply sit down and write a story without editing and editing along the way. And I don’t always know for sure if it will be first person or third person, or both… I like to try different ways of telling the story. But when I get it right, I know it immediately.
I agree, ideas are everywhere and are literally coming out of the walls. Oh, I’ve been giving that one some thought, that’s for sure.
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yavonya
/ February 13, 2010Whipping One Up – yes you can whip up a great story. I have always loved the phrase “whipping one up” – whether it relates to writing a story, making a dessert, sewing a new garment, etc. It is the idea of doing something fast and successfully – whew!
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Laura Best
/ February 14, 2010“Whipping one up” is a great phrase, although I’m not so sure it is an accurate description of my writing endeavors. Some things do come effortlessly but not always. I suppose maybe the trick is making it look effortless to others. lol!
Thanks for dropping by.
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Dave Ebright
/ February 13, 2010Hmmm…. I have a tough enough time whipping up blog posts sometimes. It is cool though when an idea turns into a word – a sentence – a paragraph – a page – a chapter – a book. Really cool when all of that turns into a sale – a check – a deposit – a great review …. you get the idea. Well, back to tearing apart walls – trying to find new ideas.
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Laura Best
/ February 14, 2010Gee Dave, I don’t think you need to tear your walls apart for ideas. You seem to have a pretty good imagination. Although one never knows. Where as I found a letter you might even find a pirate’s treasure. You just never know… Good luck!
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Carol J. Garvin
/ February 15, 2010We talk so much about just sitting down and writing, using words like “just do it” to encourage procrastinators to make a start, that maybe those who read or overhear us assume the entire process is that easy. I don’t know anyone who can “just whip up” a story to hit the shelves mere months after a previous release. But it’s a good sign that people enjoyed your previous book so much that they’re eagerly awaiting more from you!
BTW, I never gave you my reaction to “Bitter, Sweet”… I really did enjoy it! 🙂 When a YA novel can keep a veteran adult reader engrossed you know you’ve got a great story! (I’ve since passed it along to my DD to read and also sent her Dave’s book for her boys.) We’re all awaiting the next books by both of you, but as fellow writers we’re a little more patient than the general public.
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Laura Best
/ February 15, 2010Thank you, Carol. I haven’t yet met the writer who can whip one up that quickly either! Glad it’s not just me.
So glad you enjoyed “Bitter, Sweet.” I have to admit I was curious to know what you thought but you knew I wasn’t going to ask that question…lol!
I’ve only heard from adults who have read the book so I’m not sure what the young adults think (or even if any have even read it for that matter)but that’s the beauty with y/a fiction it’s enjoyable by so many age groups. With comments like that I wish I could whip another on up right away—— But no. I think I’ll just enjoy this one for the time being.
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jenniferneri
/ February 15, 2010I think the patience I need is with myself – sometimes I would love to be able to whip one up, or at least not take years with each…
Don’t worry, I’ll wait to read what’s coming next from you.
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Laura Best
/ February 16, 2010I’ll agree, it is sometimes difficult to have patience with ourselves especially those days when nothing we write feels good enough or else just feels wrong. Even when the ideas are there, it sometimes takes awhile to get the story straightened out on paper.
And thanks for your vote of confidence. Hopefully one day there will be a next. It’s important to stay positive. Isn’t it?
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Ev Bishop
/ February 16, 2010LOL–the words vary slightly, but I know that “can’t you just whip one up?” theme re: writing a book/story well. 😉
I’m curious–are you finding your current WIP slower going/harder than Bitter, Sweet? I’m working hard on my latest WIP, but that’s the thing: it does feel like _working hard_. I’m hoping to hit nice flow soon . . .
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Laura Best
/ February 16, 2010At the moment I’m in the process of deciding if my current WIP is one story or two separate stories, and so for that reason I have to say it’s been more of a challenge that my first novel. Bitter, Sweet went along very smoothly( as smooth as a novel can go) and as you say, when that happens it doesn’t feel like you’re working hard. It’s just fun. (Still not at the whipping stage yet,,lol!) Once I figure these things out with my current WIP I expect it will come along much smoother.
Good luck and I hope you soon hit that “nice flow.”
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vvdenman
/ February 17, 2010So true. I wish it was easy to “whip one up.” I’m glad I found your blog. I’ll be back often.
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Laura Best
/ February 17, 2010Thanks for visiting. You’re more than welcome to come back any time!
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