I had a lot to say and no one to talk to. So I wrote a story, a very small story, to send to friends and family.
…
Writing a novel is long and lonely. … I’ve been either off somewhere doing research or at home peering into art gallery catalogues for five years. So I fell out of touch with many people. If I saw anyone they’d ask what was going on with the novel. A hard question to answer, that.
…
New vocabulary was a bonus. From a friend living in Japan: “It’s great to hear about your progress, even if it’s a kolekutibu iimeeru.” (collective e-mail)

—Katherine Govier