Kalk Bay books is a charming, award-winning bookstore planted in the heart of Kalk Bay, South Africa. Its front windows overlook the shimmering sea. Its overstuffed leather couches invite you to sit and enjoy a new find or an old favorite. Its ecclectic mix of local and international authors gives everyone something wonderful to peruse.
As a favorite among authors and readers, Kalk Bay Books hosts events designed to give the reader a glimpse into the life of novelists and journalists. Last night international novelist Justin Cartwright was the main attraction. His newest release, To Heaven by Water, has gotten rave reviews and recommendations. Marie, Michaela and I joined the interested audience as Cartwright was interviewed by The Big Issue Editor about his newest release.
As Cartwright shared, he mentioned several times the need for discipline in a writer. He said, "Everyone has got a novel inside of them. The problem is it is only 30 pages long." He spoke of the moment of desperation that sometimes is the only thing that drives a novelist - the need to finish and get paid. One attendee compared his writing style to Jane Austen, not in the romantic mold we see highlighted today, but in the ability to create characters the reader truly dislikes.
After the short interview, the finger-foods and a glass of wine (or two), I was inspired to work on my own novel, though it is still under 30 pages, I feel the desire to accomplish it. (Though not the desperation)
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