Edward Gorey, “The Unstrung Harp; or, Mr Earbrass Writes a Novel” (1953)
“On November 18th of alternate years Mr Earbrass begins writing ‘his new novel’.”
Did Edward Gorey predict NaNoWriMo? Probably not, but every November I have to reread The Unstrung Harp, to remind myself that every stage of the creative process is well known and documented within this tiny (just 30 pages) book.
I’m now at the stage illustrated above (p. 14). I hate all my characters and would love to put them on a one-way boat to nowhere, and then just curl up with a good book and a box of chocolate. Maybe just one big explosion will take care of them all for me.
But I also know this will pass. Already, my mind is toying with new ways to put my MC into mortal danger before she finally escapes.
Thanks for letting me vent. Happy Thanksgiving to my US readers, and a happy rest of the week to all. Keep reading, keep writing.
Lizzie Ross 
I do so feel for your fear and loathing in NaNoWriMo, and I can see how Gorey captures that exactly. Perhaps, like him, you need to document those feelings in a thirty-page publication with line illustrations and hand-lettered text? 🙂
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🙂 I’ll add that to my ever-lengthening list of projects!
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Gracias! I’m flattered to be listed as one of the sources for your post. The Wadsworth Atheneum had an exhibit of his work last year. It’s closed now, but the museum still has a video on its site: https://www.thewadsworth.org/exhibitions/goreys-worlds/
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