Last week I had hit a wall. Then I would sit at the computer and type a word or two and just stop. I had no idea what was going to happen next in the book I'm working on.
None of my usual tricks worked. I tried giving a suggestion to myself before I went to sleep, but when I awoke the next day, I still had a blank mind. I tried reading. Usually after reading a few pages of a novel, I want to get back at writing. But not this time. Cleaning sometimes helps, but my mind was on other things and it didn't loosen things up. I tried easy crochet and working on the white kitten. I got rows done, but that was all.
And then out of nowhere, the characters started talking amongst themselves and doing things. I realized I needed to research something and that opened up ideas. And viola, I was back in business.
My house is going 24/7 and it's impossible to get order and then go to my computer. So, I left the sink full of dishes because the dishwasher needed to be emptied and refilled. The trash can that nobody else seemed to notice was overflowing. All of their assorted problems. that I can't solve anyway.
I can deal with all of that later, and everything else. For now, it's just me and the computer, letting Annie Sara, Gray, Matt, Luke and the rest of them take over. Everything else is on the back burner for now.
8 comments:
Good morning -- Sounds like you've got a lot going on -- glad all your book characters have figured out what to do with themselves!!
It's a lovely, cool morning here -- bright sunshine. I'm sitting on the patio with my laptop, enjoying the breeze. I plan a full day of crocheting -- I was going to make the solid granny square as my next project but a baby girl's blanket is needed so I'm making the traditional granny in white, aqua and peach -- very pretty combination.
My grandson has three days left of his first year of high school -- hardly seems possible. He's like his dad -- very active in all sorts of things, knows everyone and everyone likes him -- he's a good kid. And he's a straight A student, which is a big plus.
Lawn guys just showed up so I'll be going in. I wish they''d get electric or battery operated equipment to use. I had a lawn mower with a rechargeable battery -- worked great and was whisper quiet.
Enjoy your day, your writing and whatever else you choose to do.
Patty, it sounds like a pleasant morning to sit outside. You blanket plan sounds lovely.
I was just thinking how quickly the school year has gone. Your grandson sounds like he has it all together.
My gardener's equipment makes a racket, too. I don't know how they stand it.
I hope you enjoy your day, too!
I guess we all have bad days as writers, Betty. But how nice of your characters for jumping in and letting you know what's next!
I think a writers process is amazing. No matter what it is. I admire how characters present themselves in your minds and then even start conversations. It is wonderful. I imagine the process is somewhat difficult when family and household responsibilities are in the background. Or I suppose sometimes they take over. I hope your weekend takes you to great places and also includes a bit of rest.
Linda O. Johnston, I figured that you would understand!
Sally, the thing about writing is that you can't will yourself to do it. It's more like letting it happen.
It is so interesting to hear how writers write and how the ideas come. I have heard similar things from other authors about how they wait for the characters to talk to them. All us readers, including me, are the lucky recipients of your great ideas.
Miriam, thank you for your appreciation!
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