It’s been just great to get a week’s leave from work. I love my job but I needed that little break. I was booked to travel to Ireland but went right off the idea. Instead I spent the week at home, toddling around the apartment and settling down to some writing.
As my writer/blogger colleagues will know it’s blooming difficult organising writing around a working life. Some people manage it well but I don’t have that iron discipline. But, as I prepare to face my desk again on Monday and a million inbox messages I console myself that I’ve had a good week.
- On the first morning I had my annual tidy-up of the apartment. In the process I created a proper working area at my desk and away from the laptop.
- I determined to pursue the idea of writing first drafts longhand, with pen and paper. A number of writers work in this way. Frankly it’s too early to say if the creativity flows better for me using this method. However, at the very least, turning to the keyboard for the second draft and editing will certainly help objectivity.
- I already have the perfect working conditions; a seafront apartment with its constantly changing view, weather, sounds. Time to harness those conditions into words on paper.
As to my various projects here is an update.
- My human trafficking novel seen through the eyes of the female victim is becalmed at 22,000 words. I have had all sorts of encouragement and advice but I’m really stuck. The concept is still compelling but I reckon a total restart is necessary.
- I have written a playlet based on the epic novel Keeper of the Crystal Spring by the amazing Naomi Baltuck and her sister. Depending on the available cast this might be used in this year’s Jersey Eisteddfod. In any event I’m inspired enough to consider turning this into a full-length play in time.
- Having pondered for a number of weeks I have burst into action writing a somewhat whimsical Irish mystery tale bringing in bits of legends, fairies, ghosts etc. I’m hopeless at outlining – I just can’t do it – but I’m blazing ahead with a good idea of where I’m headed. This will be a story somewhat shorter than a novel but it will become my fourth published work, for better or worse.
I won’t be hiring an editor as in the past so I may be asking one or two beta readers to look over this one in due course. For sure I’m going to get it proof-read to within an inch of its life – nothing irritates me more in a book than typos.
So, back to work on Monday but I’ve made another little change. Henceforth Sundays – mornings at least – will be devoted to writing. To enable this I’m packing in coaching the little ones at athletics and this will be a wrench. I love seeing them all proudly wearing their Jersey Spartan AC tops and all trying their hearts out. Track & field is a great sport for youngsters and sets them up with good practices for active lives in the years to come.
Hi Roy, wow I’m so impressed by anyone who could do an annual tidy-up in a morning! I wonder is that a world record?
It sounds like you’ve really had your thinking cap on for the week. I agree that writing longhand can be more productive at times, and especially if one moves oneself away from usual writing places.
The book based on the Irish mystery tale sounds fascinating ~ keep us posted!!!
I felt a little tear in my eye at the idea of you giving up coaching the little ones on Sunday mornings. Understand why but …..
LikeLike
You’ve not seen the size of the apartment Jean – if I had a cat I couldn’t swing it. Yes, enjoying the Irish tale especially when released to be a little fanciful 🙂 And I doubt if Spartans have seen the end of me but really something needs to change if I’m to progress my writing at all.
LikeLike
Wow, you work as well? I`d assumed you managed to pack coaching and writing an all that research into a busy retirement schedule. What you`re doing takes some discipline.
As to the coaching kids thing-it is a tremendous contribution to their lives but it`s important also to allow others the opportunity to volunteer.
Good going on the variety of writing projects too. I`d find the trafficking topic just too painful to read, I`m afraid, but if you need proof reading and an honest opinion on anything else, let me know.
LikeLike
Ha ha, retirement? I’m afraid life didn’t work out like that. They’ll have to shoot me eventually I think.
Yes that’s another little reason I’m stepping back from coaching now, to allow others to bring freshness and new ideas. I guess I’ll still help out if required though.
Thanks so much for the offer to beta/proof read RH. I might just take you up on it a little further down the road.
LikeLike
Ah, how I envy you! A week off work, devoted to writing. Bliss! (Though I usually find too many distractions and waste the week.)
All of your projects sound great. Especially the Irish mystery tale. Like you, I don’t outline. My characters often take me down their own paths. I know the beginning and end of my stories. What happens in between is sometimes a surprise to me.
Great idea about Sunday mornings. I may try that myself. Good luck!
LikeLike
Thank you Julie, I sometimes feel like the class dunce being instructed how to do things differently. To me that is much of the fun of writing, seeing where the characters take you and how the plot meanders towards an ending. Maybe I should read less and write more.
Indeed annual leave is too precious to fritter away!
LikeLike
I can work so much better when I have work as well – this long summer break – although lovely – is doing my head in – I thought I’d get lots of writing done, have so much time, but I think I’ve actually done less than usual! A bit of editing, which need doing but suddenly that freezer de-frost is looking so appealing…
LikeLike
There is a great danger of falling into that trap Jenny. At least a week is short enough to concentrate the mind. But, like outlining, editing is best done anytime in the future 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds more productive than my summer break! For the trafficking novel maybe you need to change a character or introduce a new character, or just change something to carry on writing? It’s what usually works for me – I try switching scenes around and finally something clicks. The Irish mystery sounds like a very ‘you’ book to write 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Laura. Someone also suggesting backtracking to see where it went wrong. It’s a story that I want to tell sooner or later. But yes, the Irish story is proving rather more fun. I always think that if you enjoy your writing then other people might.
LikeLike
Hi Roy,
It sounds like you have had a great break. Sometimes stepping back and getting a little distance from your routine will get the creative juices flowing. But it sounds like you have plenty of irons in the fire. It’s too bad about having to give up the coaching, but life is choices, and it sounds like making the time for writing is a priority. After fifteen years of service, I finally and reluctantly decided to step down as president of the Seattle Storytellers Guild, so that I would have more time to write. It was a hard decision, but the right one for me.
Best wishes in all your endeavors.
LikeLike
Thanks for your support Naomi. Yes I’ve been involved in athletics for a similar length of time and sometimes it’s wise to know when to step back. Strange how the world keeps turning regardless. In my case there are others well able to take over so the time is right.
I just need to ensure that I’m disciplined enough to make proper use of the freed-up time.
LikeLike
Hi Roy,
You said it so well. I was reluctant to step down because I thought maybe the world would stop turning, if I wasn’t there to keep it going. But it did.
I also relate to your thoughts about discipline and using the time well. I am too easily distracted!
LikeLike
It sounds as though you had a productive week, Roy. I love having time off from work to just hang at home and take care of projects that I’ve put off.
Oh, I love to write first drafts by hand, perhaps it’s because I sit in front of a computer all day at work. What I don’t enjoy is typing all of the handwritten story later.
LikeLike
Thank you Jill – it’s been a good week and a good decision to have a stay-cation. Sure, there is lots of typing to come but that is also an opportunity to do some editing rather than just mechanically copy-type. I’m making lots of side-notes as I go which I’ll pick up on the next run-through.
LikeLike
A staycation filled with writing time is such a fine idea. I’m doing that when we get back from our road trip to Montreal. I have a long weekend to come home to. : )
Since the Irish mystical tale is lighting a fire under your butt, it sounds like the human trafficking piece needs to marinate for a while.
LikeLike
Love the metaphors there Britt but I think I agree! Yes it’s been an excellent week. I’m happy to go back to work tomorrow and then we also have our August Bank Holiday next weekend 🙂
Have a great trip and be sure to tell us all about it.
LikeLike
Good for you! Sadly, I have not had a vacation since I started this job last year. Saying that I’m going loopy is an understatement.
September posts will be all about the trip! Roads, Canadians, and some laughs I’m sure.
LikeLike
Well, that’s inspirational, Roy. Sometimes it’s good to break from one project and get going on another. You’ll likely have a whole different perspective on the trafficking story once you’re well away from it. Change is as good as a rest and all that. Besides, don’t think you’ll be the first writer who’s had to chuck a first draft 😉
LikeLike
Hello Deborah! It’s frustrating as it’s a story that I badly want to tell. I think I’ve lost something in the bid to get it down. Well, it’ll come back or it won’t. But I’m happy enough to be producing something.
LikeLike
Staycations are so much better for actually getting writing done. I’m currently away on vacation: I left with such good intentions to squeeze my writing in, but so far, no such luck.
LikeLike
Hello Janna, where are you? Yes I’ve never managed to write much when away – too much to do and see!
LikeLike
Currently in London, Ontario, stop number 3 of 5 on the Friends and Family Tour. Having a great time, so I guess the lack of writing is worth it.
LikeLike
It sounds like it was a very productive week off! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your works-in-progress, particularly the whimsical Irish mystery.
LikeLike
Yes indeed, back to reality today with an inbox full of stuff to be done right now 😦 Yes, the Irish story is getting to be fun!
LikeLike
Sounds like a productive writing week Roy. I wish you luck with all your WIPs. Also, can’t wait to hear how writing long hand works out for you. I tend to brainstorm with pen and paper. Then when I have a well formed scene or blog post in mind I switch to my laptop. Happy writing. ~Gail
LikeLike
Thank you Gail! One consequence of longhand writing is of course that one isn’t bothered by word count. For the moment anyway that’s out of the way and the only thing that matters is the flow of work. Looking forward to having a full run at it on Monday which is a public holiday.
LikeLike
I must have missed this post (and probably others) while I was away recently. It’s good for me to hear that others, including people who have successfully completed several writing projects, can hit a wall with a writing project, not from the usual motivation block but from a structural/flow/magic issue. I hope you find a new approach to your human-trafficking story line at some point, not because it’s a favourite topic of mine but because I was so intrigued by what you would do with it. I also think that Barry needs a sequel! A good run might help bring clarity to some of your plot or structure issues!
LikeLike
Hello Jane and thank you for the encouragement. I’m pleased you mentioned a Barry sequel – I certainly left it in a good place for that, we’ll see. The trafficking story I wrote myself into a corner, When the time’s right I’ll revisit that project.
LikeLike
Advice me new comedy
LikeLike