Hi everyone,
Well after a frenetic start to writing the manuscript - 7 chapters boom boom boom - I have done the writer's equivalent of a hamstring injury.
I am struggling to get myself to the keyboard to continue exploring the incredible lives of Raymond and Captain Angus. Some of it has been forced on me, in that I have had to hold the narrative while I research some of the more technical details of the story - like the boat. My vision of Captain Angus's boat is that of an old wooden schooner. I have had to undertake a lot of research to get the terminology, sailing lore and stuff like rigging, dimensions, construction material and so on down pat. I have even visited many docks to try to find a model upon which I can base my descriptions. Although the boat is not a major part of the story, I feel I need to paint the picture accurately if I am to make the reader's experience a believable one.
I have also had to refresh my knowledge of Scottish folktales, common language and geography so I can be true to Captain Angus's background. I have used many friends and associates to check my interpretations as well as devouring volumes on Scotland and its people (I have visited myself but it was a while ago now. I fell in love with the place and maybe that's the reason for Captain Angus's background).
So anyway, all of this has distracted me from the lives of Raymond and the Captain, a necessary distraction though. The upside is I have much more landscape information from which to draw upon to add to the tapestry of the story. The downside is I now find it difficult to steel myself for the challenge of reentering into the Captain and Raymond's lives and tackling the enormous challenges that I know they are both facing.
So, in a nutshell, I am looking for every excuse possible to ignore Raymond and the Captain at the moment: beautiful day so I'll go for a walk, do my tax return, clean the house....I've even set up a group for writers in Facebook called "Writer's Almanac" just so I feel like I'm doing something productive while I steer clear of Raymond and Captain Angus.
And, everything seems to be magnified a thousand times over. Jack the cat, whom I love very dearly is dying, he is not in pain but he is not long for this world. He is not even my cat but has been a big part of my life - am I being overly sensitive here? The news depresses me so I don't watch it anymore. I watched a documentary on a group of people, volunteers, that look after orphaned elephants. I watched a baby elephant trying to get it's dead mother to stand up and the vision tore me in two.
So I need to get back my inspiration and courage to tackle what I know I must, and that is the story of Raymond and his battle with anxiety and depression, his battle to find happiness; and Captain Angus's struggle to fulfil his last promise to his beloved wife. The story of the unlikely friendship and bond that these two men strike up, and the beauty of hope, love and faith.
I don't have writer's block, I know what I need to do. I just need a little push to get back into the zone. If anyone has any good tips on how I can get back in the zone, I would love to hear from you. Usually watching an inspirational movie, or listening to music does it for me, but not this time. Maybe I need to get horribly drunk...hmmm maybe not.
Joe.
Pepe and Poppy
My first book
The ultimate self-help guide for men
My hilarious spoof on self help
About Me
- Joe Novella
- I am a writer. I have had 3 books published and working on my 4th which is the story of a young man who is searching for happiness. Writing a book is such an insular and often lonely process that this time I want to change things up a little. This time I want to take the journey with anyone that is interested. And I will welcome your thoughts and comments, in fact i'd be honored to receive them. And it may also help you with your own writing projects.
4 comments:
I vote no on the horribly drunk but find a terrifing roller coaster can be helpful. **smile**
I think when you open yourself to the creative process of writing, and when you're writing about something that is in a way so serious, mental breakdowns and such, you leave yourself open to all kinds of impressions from the outside world. What I'm trying to say is that I think you in general become less emotionally protected and are less able to put boundaries between yourself and the world. Things you read in the news upset you (though that's true with me almost every day..). And it's a challenge to put yourself into this state, and sometimes your whole body is resisting to go into it again, because it can be so exhausting.
In the past I have tried to get around this by just starting to write anything. Just like a diary, stream of consciousness, what have you and see if the writing starts to take the turn you want it to (not only good for writers block). Also, even though you know what you need to write, I think discussing your ideas with people who have an interest in the same things is still helpful as a gateway. Which I guess is partly what you're doing with this blog. And of course it's important to break up the heavy writing with fun stuff, like watching footie. ;)
Thanks Sarah,
I am so glad I met you, your wisdom, help, suggestions and support are invaluable to me. Thanks for the comments, they are insightful and very wise.
Joe.
P.S especially the footie stuff
You're very sweet to say that. I'm happy we met too. Now I'll need to get myself back into writing soon as well! I'm glad to read you've gotten over the bump.
Post a Comment