Writing Preparation January 3, 2007
Posted by Jen in : Journal, Novel , trackbackWith the boys away again this week, this is my chance to make the most of a few quiet evenings to get cracking and bump up the old word count. It’s the preparation that takes the time, I find: essential cleaning of kitchen floor, loading of washing machine, searching for the right trousers to write in and deciding what to drink during the writing process.
It’s madness - I mean, I do actually enjoy writing. I love it. It’s just the getting going that I hate.
My characters must be so cross with me - they cram themselves into my thoughts as I drive, bursting my mind with their chatter, what they want to wear, the things they think about each other but are not yet close enough to reveal. I worry sometimes. I can manage a whole half-hour drive to work without paying any attention whatsoever to the road. Instead, I’m consumed by imaginary conversations between people who don’t even exist. I’m clearly insane. Not a very good driver, either, come to think of it.
Anyway, I’m wrapped up in my blanket, G&T at the ready and About to Write My Novel. I know, I’m supposed to have given up drinking. But I gave up yesterday and came out in an itchy rash. I’m allergic to giving up, it would seem. Who’d have thought??! Sod detox. Retox rocks.
Chin chin!
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Ah, but you see the itchy rash was just a hideous part of the whole detox experience, innit? I had a thumping headache for three days when I stopped drinking my normal eight pints of tea a day (OK, maybe eight cups, then), but it buggered off after a few days.
Mind you, I wish I could say that the world has now become gloriously technicolor since I stopped polluting my body with all the caffeinated shite, but I’d be lying. My body remains a temple, however (to carob ginger).
And it’s funny how many things one has to do in order to create the ‘right’ atmosphere for work, isn’t it? If there’s mess around of virtually any sort, it MUST be sorted first, as must any outstanding things like putting washing in to do, or making a cake, or, well, really anything that isn’t work… Oh dear…
I’m impressed that you’ve given up your 80 or so pints of tea a day. I couldn’t do it. Tea fixes everything; it’s a fact. And one of my many mottos. Yeah, detox process, I know… but where’s the fun in that?
It’s a shame about the essential ‘right’ atmosphere for work-related activity. Maybe we should get maids? Then you’d have your PhD sorted in a jiffy and Faber & Faber would be begging me for my second novel.
Time for a herbal tea then. Or a glass of red. Well, it’s all fruit-based.
Yes, a maid would come in handy; just this morning I was telling Mr. KW not to give all the servants holidays at the same time - so frustrating…!
Second novel - you’ll get there. Just need to get lovely boyfriend to do all the domestic chores you would otherwise prevaricate about - after all, what else are men for?