The smallest bedroom in my house, the closest to the kitchen and living room, was transformed into my new office a few months ago.
All that's left of what used to be my son's nursery is the white wainscoting and white area rug. The yellow walls and hand-stamped animal border was covered with tranquil light blue paint. The crib was replaced by a new light birch desk with accessories to help keep me organized. I mounted a shelf for mine and my husband's diplomas and hung my journalism awards and pictures from our old guest bedroom, which is now my son's bedroom.
I made the space into a peaceful haven in which I can feel comfortable writing. In the months since the transformation, my lovely little office has also become the home for my son's easel, to keep it out of the living room, and other random toys -- currently, a beach ball and kick ball.
And every time I sit at my desk, since it's so close to the kitchen and living room, someone comes in here to ask me a question. Or as soon as my husband gets off the couch to use the bathroom or get his book from our bedroom, my son starts calling for me. Or I get distracted by something I hear on the TV. Or I remember something from work that I need to tell my husband.
It's a miracle sometimes that I ever get any writing done at all, but I knew what would happen when I moved my computer closer to the rest of the action in the house. It's still a room of my own even if it has a door that I (gladly) rarely ever close.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Dialogue
One thing I always struggle with is dialogue. I hate using "he said" and "she said" over and over again, so I sprinkle a few other communicative verbs in, like nodded, shrugged, smiled and laughed. Sometimes I'll even use "he told me."
Somewhere, Stephen King is reading dialogue similar to mine and cringing. In "On Writing" he insists that writers should stick with "said," but I respectfully disagree, especially during longer sections of dialogue.
Which leads me to another issue that I struggle with, and that's how much is too much dialogue? Sure, people talk for hours when they're in love or working through a problem or catching up with friends or relatives they haven't seen in years, but it's not often that you see pages and pages of dialogue in novels. Conversations in prose are fairly short. In fact, some books leave me wishing that the characters would interact with each other more.
I suppose it comes down to a matter of the pacing of your story, how your characters carry out their tasks and expose the story through talk versus action. As with people in real life, some characters speak more than others. And as I write, or maybe as I go back and reread what I've written, it should be obvious to me whether more or less dialogue is needed. I hope.
Somewhere, Stephen King is reading dialogue similar to mine and cringing. In "On Writing" he insists that writers should stick with "said," but I respectfully disagree, especially during longer sections of dialogue.
Which leads me to another issue that I struggle with, and that's how much is too much dialogue? Sure, people talk for hours when they're in love or working through a problem or catching up with friends or relatives they haven't seen in years, but it's not often that you see pages and pages of dialogue in novels. Conversations in prose are fairly short. In fact, some books leave me wishing that the characters would interact with each other more.
I suppose it comes down to a matter of the pacing of your story, how your characters carry out their tasks and expose the story through talk versus action. As with people in real life, some characters speak more than others. And as I write, or maybe as I go back and reread what I've written, it should be obvious to me whether more or less dialogue is needed. I hope.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Must ... Resist ... Temptation ...
One of the reasons that I'm not getting very far very fast on my current project is that I keep going back to reread and revise what I've written so far.
I keep trying to resist the temptation to look back, but I can't help myself. I've been turning different scenes or character descriptions or other details over and over in my head, so I feel the need to go back and sharpen things. Thus far, it's proven to be an unproductive strategy and it hasn't made me feel any better about what I've written.
I need to stop looking back and keep pushing forward or else the story is never going to be done. Although, at this point, the story has barely started -- all the more reason to keep making progress.
With the first book that I finished, I didn't go back and reread until I was 150 pages or so in. I wanted to make sure that I was keeping the story and characters consistent as I wrote. But this time around, the story is more complicated and I keep tweaking details that set up the storyline later in the book. But that should be what revisions are for, I suppose, fixing the mistakes I made in the beginning.
Still, I can't help feeling that I'm just stalling, because the story isn't going anywhere good. Even so, the only way to find out is to keep writing and see how far I can get. I'll have to resist the temptation to keep going back to the beginning until I get to the end.
I keep trying to resist the temptation to look back, but I can't help myself. I've been turning different scenes or character descriptions or other details over and over in my head, so I feel the need to go back and sharpen things. Thus far, it's proven to be an unproductive strategy and it hasn't made me feel any better about what I've written.
I need to stop looking back and keep pushing forward or else the story is never going to be done. Although, at this point, the story has barely started -- all the more reason to keep making progress.
With the first book that I finished, I didn't go back and reread until I was 150 pages or so in. I wanted to make sure that I was keeping the story and characters consistent as I wrote. But this time around, the story is more complicated and I keep tweaking details that set up the storyline later in the book. But that should be what revisions are for, I suppose, fixing the mistakes I made in the beginning.
Still, I can't help feeling that I'm just stalling, because the story isn't going anywhere good. Even so, the only way to find out is to keep writing and see how far I can get. I'll have to resist the temptation to keep going back to the beginning until I get to the end.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Slowly But Surely
It may be painstakingly slow, but I am making progress on my latest project.
Every day for about five days in a row, I've sat down at my computer to proofread and re-write what I've typed up so far or write at least one new page before getting distracted by my husband or son or going to sleep for the night.
In "On Writing," Stephen King talks about having a room of your own to write in with a door that you can close to shut out what's going on in your house. Of course, he's a man whose only job is to write. And, let's face it, he's a man. That means that during the era when he had young children at home, he was not likely the one getting them milk, wiping their nose, getting them to the potty on time and generally keeping them entertained while cooking dinner at the same time.
Granted, when King wrote his first few books, he was a full-time teacher. So, like me, he worked all day. But, assuming his wife was the one taking care of his son's and daughter's needs most of the time, he probably had fewer distractions than I do at night. If he did help out with the kids more than I suspect and still managed to be as prolific I writer as he was, my hat's off to him.
In all fairness, I do have an understanding and supportive husband who probably does more than his fair share with our son so that I can write at night, but I still give in to mommy guilt and stop writing mid-sentence from time to time to get my son's milk or snack or find the flashlight that he's lost, yet again.
That's why I feel like I've gotten a lot accomplished if I get through 10 pages when I'm proofreading or produce a few new pages when I'm actually writing. As the characters sing on one of my son's favorite TV shows, "Yo Gabba Gabba," my project will get done in "baby steps, baby steps, little tiny baby steps."
Every day for about five days in a row, I've sat down at my computer to proofread and re-write what I've typed up so far or write at least one new page before getting distracted by my husband or son or going to sleep for the night.
In "On Writing," Stephen King talks about having a room of your own to write in with a door that you can close to shut out what's going on in your house. Of course, he's a man whose only job is to write. And, let's face it, he's a man. That means that during the era when he had young children at home, he was not likely the one getting them milk, wiping their nose, getting them to the potty on time and generally keeping them entertained while cooking dinner at the same time.
Granted, when King wrote his first few books, he was a full-time teacher. So, like me, he worked all day. But, assuming his wife was the one taking care of his son's and daughter's needs most of the time, he probably had fewer distractions than I do at night. If he did help out with the kids more than I suspect and still managed to be as prolific I writer as he was, my hat's off to him.
In all fairness, I do have an understanding and supportive husband who probably does more than his fair share with our son so that I can write at night, but I still give in to mommy guilt and stop writing mid-sentence from time to time to get my son's milk or snack or find the flashlight that he's lost, yet again.
That's why I feel like I've gotten a lot accomplished if I get through 10 pages when I'm proofreading or produce a few new pages when I'm actually writing. As the characters sing on one of my son's favorite TV shows, "Yo Gabba Gabba," my project will get done in "baby steps, baby steps, little tiny baby steps."
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Comic Relief
I got a press release from the Treasury Department today, on Earth Day, with the headline: "Treasury Harnesses the Power of Wind."
Who says economists aren't funny? I don't know if the writer of this press release realized all the different jokes that you could make out of that headline. If not, the other people who proofread and approve Treasury press releases don't have a good sense of humor either.
As I read it, sitting in my office chuckling by myself, I pictured a press room full of reporters at the Treasury Department giggling as they opened their e-mails at the same time and read the subject line. Maybe the Treasury Department's public information officers felt like it was time for some levity after the tough economic news and financial market regulations they've been talking about for the past year and a half. It wasn't an unpleasant way to start my morning.
But with a quick Yahoo! search the only reference I found to the silly headline was one blog that repeated the headline and said, "No joke." Oh well, I guess most finance reporters just don't have the same sense of humor that I do.
Who says economists aren't funny? I don't know if the writer of this press release realized all the different jokes that you could make out of that headline. If not, the other people who proofread and approve Treasury press releases don't have a good sense of humor either.
As I read it, sitting in my office chuckling by myself, I pictured a press room full of reporters at the Treasury Department giggling as they opened their e-mails at the same time and read the subject line. Maybe the Treasury Department's public information officers felt like it was time for some levity after the tough economic news and financial market regulations they've been talking about for the past year and a half. It wasn't an unpleasant way to start my morning.
But with a quick Yahoo! search the only reference I found to the silly headline was one blog that repeated the headline and said, "No joke." Oh well, I guess most finance reporters just don't have the same sense of humor that I do.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
One More Hurdle Jumped
I've been doing some of my best thinking in the shower lately. The last couple of mornings I had "Aha!" moments while shampooing my hair and went straight to my office after I dried off to jot down some ideas in the notepad I keep next to my computer.
My epiphanies related to the story that I've been working on and have been alternately in love with and frustrated by. I had a couple of twists in the story as I originally envisioned it, but I couldn't work out the kinks. Well, I figured out a couple of ways to align the plot points and now I think the story will flow together nicely.
It feels good to have jumped over a major hurdle, now I just have to find the time to write the story as I see it in my head while my main character is still talking to me. I've been hearing her voice a little more clearly lately, but I've also had a hard time finding the hours in the day that I need to dedicate myself to writing at home.
Speaking of which, it's time to read bedtime stories to Jack -- one of my favorite things in the world. But I made a promise to myself to keep jumping over those writing hurdles tonight, so I'll be back at it shortly.
My epiphanies related to the story that I've been working on and have been alternately in love with and frustrated by. I had a couple of twists in the story as I originally envisioned it, but I couldn't work out the kinks. Well, I figured out a couple of ways to align the plot points and now I think the story will flow together nicely.
It feels good to have jumped over a major hurdle, now I just have to find the time to write the story as I see it in my head while my main character is still talking to me. I've been hearing her voice a little more clearly lately, but I've also had a hard time finding the hours in the day that I need to dedicate myself to writing at home.
Speaking of which, it's time to read bedtime stories to Jack -- one of my favorite things in the world. But I made a promise to myself to keep jumping over those writing hurdles tonight, so I'll be back at it shortly.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Always a Good Excuse
Tonight's potential excuse for not writing? A headache.
It's a potential excuse, because after I get my son to bed a little earlier than usual I intend to sit in front of the computer and write for as long as I can before my head splits in half. After that, I plan to lay down in bed, in my room that's not as brightly lit as my office, and read about writing. I'm still working on Stephen King's "On Writing."
My hope is that my headache will become bearable once Jack is in bed and the noise level in the house drops. We'll find out in about a half hour or so. Wish me luck!
It's a potential excuse, because after I get my son to bed a little earlier than usual I intend to sit in front of the computer and write for as long as I can before my head splits in half. After that, I plan to lay down in bed, in my room that's not as brightly lit as my office, and read about writing. I'm still working on Stephen King's "On Writing."
My hope is that my headache will become bearable once Jack is in bed and the noise level in the house drops. We'll find out in about a half hour or so. Wish me luck!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Where Did My Motivation Go?
I seem to have lost my motivation. I don't know where it's gone.
I think it has to do with being in front of the computer all day at the office and not wanting to sit in front of the computer any longer at home. This weekend, I had plenty of time to write, but I spent it with my son and husband or reading instead.
I like to think the reading counts as a half credit for writing. It's research, right? I am studying other writers' styles and structures, aren't I?
And here it is five minutes until 10 p.m. and I need to get to bed by 11 o'clock. I've just now sat down to write, but I still need to take out my contact lenses, wash my face and brush my teeth before I go to bed.
Maybe tomorrow night will be more productive and I'll be more motivated. At least I made the effort. I sat down in front of the computer for a little while longer today. It was worth a shot.
I think it has to do with being in front of the computer all day at the office and not wanting to sit in front of the computer any longer at home. This weekend, I had plenty of time to write, but I spent it with my son and husband or reading instead.
I like to think the reading counts as a half credit for writing. It's research, right? I am studying other writers' styles and structures, aren't I?
And here it is five minutes until 10 p.m. and I need to get to bed by 11 o'clock. I've just now sat down to write, but I still need to take out my contact lenses, wash my face and brush my teeth before I go to bed.
Maybe tomorrow night will be more productive and I'll be more motivated. At least I made the effort. I sat down in front of the computer for a little while longer today. It was worth a shot.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Four Days
I did it again. I got so absorbed in reading a book that I haven't worked on writing anything of my own for the last couple of days.
After a long, slow start, I finished reading Stephenie Meyer's "The Host" this weekend. Since I'm such a big fan of her "Twilight" series (yes, I'm a "Twi-hard" for better or worse), I've been wanting to read her other novel for a while. So three weeks ago when I saw it at the library, I checked it out.
I was resistant as the story began. The first 150 or so of the 619-pages were slow. Intriguing to a degree, but very slow. I read bits and pieces here and there until I got about halfway through and I almost couldn't put it down. I read the second half just this weekend.
It wasn't the addicting, guilty pleasure of "Twilight" (or "New Moon" or "Eclipse" -- my favorite -- or "Breaking Dawn") and the ending was somewhat predictable, but I had to know how she got to the end of the story. It was a satisfying journey.
But, now that it's over, the guilt is setting in. The first pang came when I pulled up my blog and realized I hadn't written here since Thursday. The second pang of guilt hit me immediately after that realization when I figured it's been at least that long since I've worked on any of my other writing projects.
So, tomorrow, with only Stephen King's "On Writing" and a couple of magazines still waiting to be finished, I anticipate sitting here adding to this blog and focusing on writing my own books. It was nice to have so much time to read this weekend, but it would've felt great to jot down my own words too.
After a long, slow start, I finished reading Stephenie Meyer's "The Host" this weekend. Since I'm such a big fan of her "Twilight" series (yes, I'm a "Twi-hard" for better or worse), I've been wanting to read her other novel for a while. So three weeks ago when I saw it at the library, I checked it out.
I was resistant as the story began. The first 150 or so of the 619-pages were slow. Intriguing to a degree, but very slow. I read bits and pieces here and there until I got about halfway through and I almost couldn't put it down. I read the second half just this weekend.
It wasn't the addicting, guilty pleasure of "Twilight" (or "New Moon" or "Eclipse" -- my favorite -- or "Breaking Dawn") and the ending was somewhat predictable, but I had to know how she got to the end of the story. It was a satisfying journey.
But, now that it's over, the guilt is setting in. The first pang came when I pulled up my blog and realized I hadn't written here since Thursday. The second pang of guilt hit me immediately after that realization when I figured it's been at least that long since I've worked on any of my other writing projects.
So, tomorrow, with only Stephen King's "On Writing" and a couple of magazines still waiting to be finished, I anticipate sitting here adding to this blog and focusing on writing my own books. It was nice to have so much time to read this weekend, but it would've felt great to jot down my own words too.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Too Tired to Write
Between adjusting to my job with a different newspaper and the general exhaustion that comes with being a working mom and wife, I've found myself too tired to write much lately.
Even the last few nights when my son has gone to bed early, by the time he's asleep, I start nodding off as I sit in front of the computer. Last night, I opted to read instead and went to bed an hour earlier than usual. After a busy day at work today and getting home a little late, I predict a similar path tonight.
I'm glad I've managed to write here almost every night, but I'd like to make some progress on other projects too. I guess that's what the weekends are for, right?
Even the last few nights when my son has gone to bed early, by the time he's asleep, I start nodding off as I sit in front of the computer. Last night, I opted to read instead and went to bed an hour earlier than usual. After a busy day at work today and getting home a little late, I predict a similar path tonight.
I'm glad I've managed to write here almost every night, but I'd like to make some progress on other projects too. I guess that's what the weekends are for, right?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Never Enough Hours Part 2
After my long rant last night about how few hours there are in a day, I came home tonight and played Go Fish with my son until it was time for dinner. I'm just now sitting in front of the computer to write with only a few minutes left before he's ready for bed and it's time for me to read him to sleep.
Despite all of my frustration last night, when I spent an hour filling out paperwork and ended up with only a half hour to write before I was falling asleep at the computer, I'm glad I opted for Go Fish tonight instead of Go Write.
However, I do have two disclosures to make. First, I did stop between games of Go Fish to check my e-mail. Second, I should have a little extra writing time tonight, because Jack is going to bed early tonight, since he spent the day with his grandma and didn't take a nap.
But while I often feel like I'm doing so many things at once that I'm doing none of them well, I do have one recent accomplishment for which I am very proud. Jack is finally potty-trained.
Now, we do have accidents still and the nighttime potty-training is a rocky road, but we're doing so well during the day that I returned a box of Pull-ups to the store that we no longer need. So, my husband and I have managed to accomplish something during our limited time away from work. I'll take progress wherever I can get it.
Despite all of my frustration last night, when I spent an hour filling out paperwork and ended up with only a half hour to write before I was falling asleep at the computer, I'm glad I opted for Go Fish tonight instead of Go Write.
However, I do have two disclosures to make. First, I did stop between games of Go Fish to check my e-mail. Second, I should have a little extra writing time tonight, because Jack is going to bed early tonight, since he spent the day with his grandma and didn't take a nap.
But while I often feel like I'm doing so many things at once that I'm doing none of them well, I do have one recent accomplishment for which I am very proud. Jack is finally potty-trained.
Now, we do have accidents still and the nighttime potty-training is a rocky road, but we're doing so well during the day that I returned a box of Pull-ups to the store that we no longer need. So, my husband and I have managed to accomplish something during our limited time away from work. I'll take progress wherever I can get it.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Never Enough Hours in a Day
I miss working from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With my new role at work, I'm now required to be in the office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. That means I don't get home until 5:30 or 6. That means I have a maximum of one hour to check my work e-mail and make sure no one needs a last minute question answered, change my clothes, check my personal e-mail, maybe do some writing for myself and, oh yeah, play with my son and talk to my husband before I have to start making dinner.
After dinner, I've got to make my lunch for the next day, pick out and potentially iron my clothes for work in the morning and set aside clothes and shoes for the gym, post something on my blog, maybe do a little writing and sometimes pay bills before it's time to read books and put my son to bed. And that's my favorite time of day, even when he's been nuts all evening and he's refusing to go to sleep, because we get to cuddle for a half hour.
By the time I sneak out of his bedroom between 9 and 9:30 after having dozed off at the foot of his bed, I've still got to get myself ready for bed and finish my other nightly chores before I settle in front of the computer around 10 or so to write until 11 or 11:30 or whenever I start to fall asleep sitting up.
I limit myself to 11:30, because I have to get up at 4:30 to go to the gym. Some people need six to eight hours, but I can function and sound somewhat intelligent with only five hours of sleep. I dream of skipping the gym and sleeping until 6 a.m., but the early morning is the only time I have left for exercise. My life is so sedentary between work and writing at home that I've got to get moving at least four days a week.
I have to get up at 4:30 to make it to the gym by 5 a.m. then home by 6:15 so I can get myself and my son dressed and out the door by 7:15. That gives me just enough time to drop him at preschool and make it to the office somewhere in the vicinity of 8 a.m.
It's exhausting just thinking about it. And it's amazing I'm able to string thoughts together for long enough periods of time to write a coherent story. I'm not a religious woman, but thank God for the weekends and a supportive husband.
I was just telling Jeff, "If there were 30 hours in a day and a six-day week with a two-day weekend, then I would get so much more done in a day." From behind the book from which he's tried to read more than two paragraphs at a time all night, he nodded and grunted in agreement as I do when he tries to ask me questions while I'm writing. Not only are we on the same page, we speak the same language.
With my new role at work, I'm now required to be in the office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. That means I don't get home until 5:30 or 6. That means I have a maximum of one hour to check my work e-mail and make sure no one needs a last minute question answered, change my clothes, check my personal e-mail, maybe do some writing for myself and, oh yeah, play with my son and talk to my husband before I have to start making dinner.
After dinner, I've got to make my lunch for the next day, pick out and potentially iron my clothes for work in the morning and set aside clothes and shoes for the gym, post something on my blog, maybe do a little writing and sometimes pay bills before it's time to read books and put my son to bed. And that's my favorite time of day, even when he's been nuts all evening and he's refusing to go to sleep, because we get to cuddle for a half hour.
By the time I sneak out of his bedroom between 9 and 9:30 after having dozed off at the foot of his bed, I've still got to get myself ready for bed and finish my other nightly chores before I settle in front of the computer around 10 or so to write until 11 or 11:30 or whenever I start to fall asleep sitting up.
I limit myself to 11:30, because I have to get up at 4:30 to go to the gym. Some people need six to eight hours, but I can function and sound somewhat intelligent with only five hours of sleep. I dream of skipping the gym and sleeping until 6 a.m., but the early morning is the only time I have left for exercise. My life is so sedentary between work and writing at home that I've got to get moving at least four days a week.
I have to get up at 4:30 to make it to the gym by 5 a.m. then home by 6:15 so I can get myself and my son dressed and out the door by 7:15. That gives me just enough time to drop him at preschool and make it to the office somewhere in the vicinity of 8 a.m.
It's exhausting just thinking about it. And it's amazing I'm able to string thoughts together for long enough periods of time to write a coherent story. I'm not a religious woman, but thank God for the weekends and a supportive husband.
I was just telling Jeff, "If there were 30 hours in a day and a six-day week with a two-day weekend, then I would get so much more done in a day." From behind the book from which he's tried to read more than two paragraphs at a time all night, he nodded and grunted in agreement as I do when he tries to ask me questions while I'm writing. Not only are we on the same page, we speak the same language.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Productive Weekend
Well, I didn't complete the one household chore I wanted to tackle this weekend -- finishing the dusting I started last weekend -- but I did spend so much time playing with my son that I wore him out enough that he took long naps yesterday and today. That meant I had plenty of time to write this weekend.
Maybe Jack was the inspiration I needed to get back to my writing. Even when he wears me out too, I'm still so happy from hanging out with him that I channel that energy into something productive, like writing. I've got to take advantage of the daylight hours when he's sleeping, after all.
We had a great time yesterday morning at the Children's Museum in downtown San Diego, playing in a new clubhouse there, making crafts, listening to stories and drumming in a drum circle. Then we had lunch at Horton Plaza before making our way home. I like it when we get to hang out like that, with nothing else that we're rushing home for, and we manage to avoid major tantrums. Jack's always been pretty fun to pal around with.
Today, Jack, my husband and I sat around the house reading, playing and sitting at the computer. Jeff even hung out with Jack in his room while I wrote for an hour or so. It was nice to continue my train of thought with a minimum of interruptions before we took showers then headed out for my nine-year-old nephew's birthday party.
Having gotten some good work done in the morning, I wasn't thinking about it while we were out. I knew I'd be able to pick up where I left off, since my character is so fresh in my mind now. She's speaking to me again or at least I'm paying better attention.
So, now I'm looking forward to some more productive writing time tonight, both before and after I get Jack in bed. It feels good to have the creative juices flowing again.
Maybe Jack was the inspiration I needed to get back to my writing. Even when he wears me out too, I'm still so happy from hanging out with him that I channel that energy into something productive, like writing. I've got to take advantage of the daylight hours when he's sleeping, after all.
We had a great time yesterday morning at the Children's Museum in downtown San Diego, playing in a new clubhouse there, making crafts, listening to stories and drumming in a drum circle. Then we had lunch at Horton Plaza before making our way home. I like it when we get to hang out like that, with nothing else that we're rushing home for, and we manage to avoid major tantrums. Jack's always been pretty fun to pal around with.
Today, Jack, my husband and I sat around the house reading, playing and sitting at the computer. Jeff even hung out with Jack in his room while I wrote for an hour or so. It was nice to continue my train of thought with a minimum of interruptions before we took showers then headed out for my nine-year-old nephew's birthday party.
Having gotten some good work done in the morning, I wasn't thinking about it while we were out. I knew I'd be able to pick up where I left off, since my character is so fresh in my mind now. She's speaking to me again or at least I'm paying better attention.
So, now I'm looking forward to some more productive writing time tonight, both before and after I get Jack in bed. It feels good to have the creative juices flowing again.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Finally ... Progress!
I wrote four pages while my son was sleeping this afternoon. I pounded out a scene I've been picturing for a long time and suddenly, there she was in my head.
The main character in my latest project came to me about nine months ago. Her voice was very clear to me at that point, but I got distracted by another story that was percolating in my brain and ended up putting this other woman on hold for a while so I could finish that other project. We'll call it book three. The character I'm working on now is book two.
I got about 130 pages into book one, then decided that story was going nowhere and taking a painfully long and slow trip to get there. When the thumb drive I had it saved on died and I wasn't nearly as upset as I should've been for something I spent about two months working on, I decided book one just wasn't meant to be.
But, I've always wanted to come back to the character in book two. I thought about her a lot while I was working on book three. I've been wanting to sit down with a journal and really sketch her out along with the other people she would be interacting with and the world that she would inhabit, but I never have. At this point, I realize that's never going to happen, so I just need to put her on the page as she comes to me. That's how I wrote and finished book three and, so far, I'm pretty happy with how that one turned out.
And I'm taking it as a good sign that after I finished those four pages this afternoon and my son woke up from his nap I was picturing the start of the book's next chapter, the next big scene for my female character. Some of those details I couldn't decide on over the last several months are suddenly clear. I don't know what happened, but finally ... progress!
The main character in my latest project came to me about nine months ago. Her voice was very clear to me at that point, but I got distracted by another story that was percolating in my brain and ended up putting this other woman on hold for a while so I could finish that other project. We'll call it book three. The character I'm working on now is book two.
I got about 130 pages into book one, then decided that story was going nowhere and taking a painfully long and slow trip to get there. When the thumb drive I had it saved on died and I wasn't nearly as upset as I should've been for something I spent about two months working on, I decided book one just wasn't meant to be.
But, I've always wanted to come back to the character in book two. I thought about her a lot while I was working on book three. I've been wanting to sit down with a journal and really sketch her out along with the other people she would be interacting with and the world that she would inhabit, but I never have. At this point, I realize that's never going to happen, so I just need to put her on the page as she comes to me. That's how I wrote and finished book three and, so far, I'm pretty happy with how that one turned out.
And I'm taking it as a good sign that after I finished those four pages this afternoon and my son woke up from his nap I was picturing the start of the book's next chapter, the next big scene for my female character. Some of those details I couldn't decide on over the last several months are suddenly clear. I don't know what happened, but finally ... progress!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Here I Go Again
I gave myself a good talking to today. I said to myself, "Self, snap out of it!"
I was sitting at my desk at work, taking a break from reading about biotechnology, when I turned around and saw my journal peeking out of my purse. Then I sighed.
I sighed, because I realized that I hadn't written in it in a few weeks. Not a single word. The whole point of buying a journal small enough and light enough to carry around in the black hole that is my purse was that I'd be able to write it in at any time that inspiration struck or an image caught my eye or I wanted to record something that I was thinking about writing in to a story. Instead, it's become a reminder of what I'm not doing. I have not been writing anything at all. At least, nothing for my own personal enjoyment.
That guilt, combined with a kick in the pants from Stephen King's "On Writing," which I read while I ate my lunch, is just what I need to open up a writing project I've been avoiding and give it another go.
So, here were my words of inspiration today from King, "... stopping a piece of work just because it's hard, either emotionally or imaginatively, is a bad idea. Sometimes you have to go on when you don't feel like it, and sometimes you're doing good work when it feels like all you're managing is to shovel shit from a sitting position."
Well, since I've been in the midst of what I feel like is a "shitty first draft," to again borrow from Anne Lamott in "Bird by Bird," I certainly hope King is right.
I was sitting at my desk at work, taking a break from reading about biotechnology, when I turned around and saw my journal peeking out of my purse. Then I sighed.
I sighed, because I realized that I hadn't written in it in a few weeks. Not a single word. The whole point of buying a journal small enough and light enough to carry around in the black hole that is my purse was that I'd be able to write it in at any time that inspiration struck or an image caught my eye or I wanted to record something that I was thinking about writing in to a story. Instead, it's become a reminder of what I'm not doing. I have not been writing anything at all. At least, nothing for my own personal enjoyment.
That guilt, combined with a kick in the pants from Stephen King's "On Writing," which I read while I ate my lunch, is just what I need to open up a writing project I've been avoiding and give it another go.
So, here were my words of inspiration today from King, "... stopping a piece of work just because it's hard, either emotionally or imaginatively, is a bad idea. Sometimes you have to go on when you don't feel like it, and sometimes you're doing good work when it feels like all you're managing is to shovel shit from a sitting position."
Well, since I've been in the midst of what I feel like is a "shitty first draft," to again borrow from Anne Lamott in "Bird by Bird," I certainly hope King is right.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A Writing Funk
About the only thing I've written for the past few weeks has been e-mail and the few entries I've posted on this blog.
I'm a little disgusted with myself. I've been so frustrated and unable to focus that I've taken an extended break from writing. I've been reading at night, but avoiding the computer as much as possible. I know I need to plant myself here anyway and make myself write.
The problem is that I'm not feeling a strong connection to the two projects I already have going. And with the one new story idea that I was excited about at first, my love affair has faded.
So now I'm stuck again. I know I just need to start writing and get the creative juices flowing, but I'm lacking motivation. I need an attitude adjustment.
But, tonight's not the night. I'm in too much of a writing funk and I'm too tired tonight to push myself as hard as I need to.
I'm a little disgusted with myself. I've been so frustrated and unable to focus that I've taken an extended break from writing. I've been reading at night, but avoiding the computer as much as possible. I know I need to plant myself here anyway and make myself write.
The problem is that I'm not feeling a strong connection to the two projects I already have going. And with the one new story idea that I was excited about at first, my love affair has faded.
So now I'm stuck again. I know I just need to start writing and get the creative juices flowing, but I'm lacking motivation. I need an attitude adjustment.
But, tonight's not the night. I'm in too much of a writing funk and I'm too tired tonight to push myself as hard as I need to.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Sick Kid = Sick Mom
As if life wasn't topsy-turvy enough for me recently, it looks like I might miss some time at work, because I need to be home with my sick son and my sick self.
The same sequence of events has occurred in our house as it usually does when Jack gets sick. My husband had a slight tickle in his throat and minor congestion for a day after spending time wiping Jack's nose, but I seem to be getting a full-blown cold that is likely to stay with me for a week or longer.
Jack had a runny nose and was congested and lethargic on Sunday. He had a fever Sunday and half of yesterday and laid around on the couch feeling ill. Today, the fever is gone, but he's congested, hoarse, coughing and still sluggish.
This morning I woke up slightly congested. The sinus pressure has been building in my forehead all day and now I'm looking forward to going to bed an hour earlier than usual.
The downside of being sick is the painful, tired part and getting behind at work a week into my new job. The upside is that I might have some time at home to read, write and watch movies. Of course, that's assuming that my sick kid will share the TV with his sick mom.
The same sequence of events has occurred in our house as it usually does when Jack gets sick. My husband had a slight tickle in his throat and minor congestion for a day after spending time wiping Jack's nose, but I seem to be getting a full-blown cold that is likely to stay with me for a week or longer.
Jack had a runny nose and was congested and lethargic on Sunday. He had a fever Sunday and half of yesterday and laid around on the couch feeling ill. Today, the fever is gone, but he's congested, hoarse, coughing and still sluggish.
This morning I woke up slightly congested. The sinus pressure has been building in my forehead all day and now I'm looking forward to going to bed an hour earlier than usual.
The downside of being sick is the painful, tired part and getting behind at work a week into my new job. The upside is that I might have some time at home to read, write and watch movies. Of course, that's assuming that my sick kid will share the TV with his sick mom.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Sick Kid = More Writing (or Reading) Time
I may be jinxing myself since my son is not yet in bed, but he's sick today so it looks like I'll have a little more time than usual to write or maybe read tonight.
Jack was supposed to start preschool today, but he stayed home with dad on Jeff's day off, because he has a pretty nasty cold and even had a fever last night and this morning. He hasn't had a nap today and is a little more out of it than usual for 8 p.m., so I anticipate that I'll have a half hour or more than I would on a normal night to sit here and write or keep reading Stephenie Meyer's "The Host."
That story has gotten a little more interesting now that I'm about 100 pages in. I'd like to keep reading it to see how long it can hold my attention. It's not a typical science fiction book and is actually a sci-fi/romance hybrid, like Meyer's "Twilight" series that's a fantasy/romance hybrid. It's all internal dialog though, so I'm not sure how they'll make "The Host" into a movie, but that's what screenwriters get the big bucks for, right?
Well, as much as I hate that my son is miserably sick, I am looking forward to the extra writing and/or reading time tonight, so I must end this and get him to bed.
Jack was supposed to start preschool today, but he stayed home with dad on Jeff's day off, because he has a pretty nasty cold and even had a fever last night and this morning. He hasn't had a nap today and is a little more out of it than usual for 8 p.m., so I anticipate that I'll have a half hour or more than I would on a normal night to sit here and write or keep reading Stephenie Meyer's "The Host."
That story has gotten a little more interesting now that I'm about 100 pages in. I'd like to keep reading it to see how long it can hold my attention. It's not a typical science fiction book and is actually a sci-fi/romance hybrid, like Meyer's "Twilight" series that's a fantasy/romance hybrid. It's all internal dialog though, so I'm not sure how they'll make "The Host" into a movie, but that's what screenwriters get the big bucks for, right?
Well, as much as I hate that my son is miserably sick, I am looking forward to the extra writing and/or reading time tonight, so I must end this and get him to bed.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way
It's been a busy past couple of days, but busy in a mostly good way.
I'm still settling in to my new role at work and expect to be for a while. However, I also spent some time at the hospital supporting my brother and sister-in-law and then helping to welcome my new niece into the family. Little Lily is very much adored, since she's the second female grandchild and the first new girl out of seven nieces and nephews in almost nine years.
The first half of yesterday and today was spent cleaning in preparation for hosting Easter at our house. When everyone was here, the adults happily cooed over the new baby and the cousins had fun playing together. They didn't even notice the earthquake shaking at 7.2 on the Richter scale a few miles away in Mexico, because they were in the middle of an Easter egg hunt.
The only downside to the weekend is that my son, who was supposed to have his first day of preschool tomorrow, has a bad cold with a fever. He was starting to get lethargic, but ran around with his cousins all afternoon, wiping his nose on his shirt and fueling his antics with the occasional strawberry or cupcake.
By the time everybody left, Jack's fever kicked in again and he was slumped over on the couch looking miserable. He cuddled with me on the couch for a while -- so hot with fever that he was making me sweat -- until we changed him into his pajamas and put him in his bed without a bath or reading our usual half dozen books. I'm glad he felt well enough to enjoy Easter with his cousins, but bummed that he might be paying for it for a couple of days. Oh, well. I guess preschool can wait.
Just like this blog, I suppose. I've been so busy and so tired every day that I haven't had time to sit down and write anything. But when the reason is spending time with my ever-growing family, I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'm still settling in to my new role at work and expect to be for a while. However, I also spent some time at the hospital supporting my brother and sister-in-law and then helping to welcome my new niece into the family. Little Lily is very much adored, since she's the second female grandchild and the first new girl out of seven nieces and nephews in almost nine years.
The first half of yesterday and today was spent cleaning in preparation for hosting Easter at our house. When everyone was here, the adults happily cooed over the new baby and the cousins had fun playing together. They didn't even notice the earthquake shaking at 7.2 on the Richter scale a few miles away in Mexico, because they were in the middle of an Easter egg hunt.
The only downside to the weekend is that my son, who was supposed to have his first day of preschool tomorrow, has a bad cold with a fever. He was starting to get lethargic, but ran around with his cousins all afternoon, wiping his nose on his shirt and fueling his antics with the occasional strawberry or cupcake.
By the time everybody left, Jack's fever kicked in again and he was slumped over on the couch looking miserable. He cuddled with me on the couch for a while -- so hot with fever that he was making me sweat -- until we changed him into his pajamas and put him in his bed without a bath or reading our usual half dozen books. I'm glad he felt well enough to enjoy Easter with his cousins, but bummed that he might be paying for it for a couple of days. Oh, well. I guess preschool can wait.
Just like this blog, I suppose. I've been so busy and so tired every day that I haven't had time to sit down and write anything. But when the reason is spending time with my ever-growing family, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Adjusting to Change
I'm adjusting to new responsibilities at work, which means office hours from 8 to 5 instead of 7 to 4, working for a daily newspaper instead of a weekly and writing about law instead of real estate.
So, with all of those adjustments going on, that means changes for my family too. I'm getting home later, spending less time with my husband and son, and finding less time to write for my own enjoyment. Which means less time for this blog. Which means reneging on my commitment to write something here every day.
Sometimes it feels like that elusive work-life balance that I've been striving for -- that we all struggle with -- is only getting further from my grasp. But what it really means is that I have to find ways to fit the things that I want to do (writing and spending time with my family) around the things I have to do (work, exercise, work, clean).
It's time to prioritize so that my life can adjust to fit my work schedule.
So, with all of those adjustments going on, that means changes for my family too. I'm getting home later, spending less time with my husband and son, and finding less time to write for my own enjoyment. Which means less time for this blog. Which means reneging on my commitment to write something here every day.
Sometimes it feels like that elusive work-life balance that I've been striving for -- that we all struggle with -- is only getting further from my grasp. But what it really means is that I have to find ways to fit the things that I want to do (writing and spending time with my family) around the things I have to do (work, exercise, work, clean).
It's time to prioritize so that my life can adjust to fit my work schedule.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)