When beginning to write one's third novel

[pegkerr]

it is perhaps unwise to start reading Nicholas Nickleby and reflect that this was Dickens' third novel. Comparisons can be so discouraging.

That being said, I think that Ralph Nickleby might be a good model for the villain I'm trying to create (the unnamed Mr. X). A man of business, admired as an upstanding member of the community, with an utterly cold heart.

Hmm.

Peg

Comments

[ari-o.livejournal.com]

"Comparisons are odious." John Donne

I love Dickens. I think he is an admirable teacher. He knew how to tell a great story - I just wish he hadn't been paid by the word.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

"A man of business, admired as an upstanding member of the community, with an utterly cold heart."

These days, there's no shortage of examples.

B

Mmm...

[ex-muzukashi890.livejournal.com]

And given the heart of flesh/heart of stone dichtomy you're working on with Solveig, wouldn't it be nice for her to see what happens when you go all the way to the far end?

(Oh, and hi. I've been reading your journal for awhile, and I find this project absolutely fascinating. So don't mind me...)

[serendipoz.livejournal.com]

Yes, but if I recall Dickens also wrote his novels to be serialized in the newspaper? Weekly?