Madeline Cash on Writing ‘Lost Lambs’

Madeline Cash has made headlines—very complimentary ones—for her newly-published novel, Lost Lambs. The book is notable for its storyline, Madeline's creative use of language, and her way of marrying old family tropes with modern ways of living in the story. But what many don't know is that Madeline held down copywriting jobs (one of her clients was Jack in the Box), called her mom during creative blocks, and plans to do the whole book-writing thing over and over again. If you're wondering how exactly she managed to write a bestselling book, we found out. Below.

When did you start writing this book?

About 3 years ago, finished 2 years ago, and did edits and publicity in the interim between delivery and publication. I'm told this is standard.

What time of day did you write, mostly, throughout the process?

Morning, evening, weekends; whenever time permitted between my day job's hours. I was copywriting for a marketing company. My primary client was Jack in the Box.

How did you get yourself to write when you got stuck or felt blocked?

I'd read the writers who were inspiring me for this book — postmodernists like Thomas Pynchon, Don DeLillo, Joseph Heller, Donald Barthelme. I'd go for walks on the water between Chinatown and Seaport. There's a pier with a large concrete park and big industrial swings which I liked to sit on when it wasn't overrun with tourists.

What were the most important parts of your routine while working on this book?

All of the above. I go to the gym almost every morning. Seeing friends, having dinner, going to movies. The usual.

What would you tell the version of yourself that just started the book, now that you're on the other side of the accomplishment?

"Just keep going. You have no idea what's about to happen."

What were essentials you needed at your desk while writing?

Computer, coffee, notebook, pens (I like sakura pigma microns), and a rubber snake I hold in my hands.

Where do you write? Desk? Bed? On the go?

Desk or sofa. Sometimes at a cafe if there was loud construction outside.

How long did it take you, end to end?

1 year.

How did you recharge in between big writing spurts?

Phone calls to my mother, long hot showers (I sometimes neglect hygiene when on a marathon writing stretch), eating (I sometimes forget to eat when writing and start to feel jangly from the cafeen). I don't really like spas but sometimes I'd sit in the sauna at the gym. Never for more than a few minutes.

Would you do it again, or what would you do differently next time?

I just turned in my second novel. The process was faster because I had the luxury of making it my primary focus. Aside from that, it looks the same. Working all day and into the night, forgetting to eat and bathe, waking up to jot something down in my phone. I would do it again. And again and again and again.

*Note: For me, writing a novel was like riding a bike: terrifying. I had never done it before. It was an incredibly collaborative process. It wouldn't have happened without my editors Jackson and Bobby, the whole FSG team, my agent Mike, my mom, my friends. Thank you.