Doing the Write Thing August 28, 2007
Posted by Jen in : Journal , trackbackI am feeling very lucky today. While the rest of the country appears to be bombing full pelt in their cars from one place they don’t want to be to another they’d rather not be going, I am huddled in my thermal pyjamas and one of lovely bf’s huge, huge fleeces that almost comes down to my knees.
I am sitting under the gazebo, writing, writing, writing, as the rain rustles the apple tree leaves. Huge, scowling clouds are grazing the tops of the trees in the woods on the other side of the valley.
The house is empty and I have smoked salmon and scrambly eggs to look forward to for lunch.
I am happy. But. I need to pull my finger out and make some money. Write some short stories. Send them off. Write more. Write better. Write even more and better than that!
I can’t bear the thought of having to give this up and go back to ‘real life’. I’m gonna do it you know. I really, really am. See? I’ve written it down now, so I have to.
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Mine needs pulling out too. Now the summer hols are coming to a close I need to devise a timetable of action for whilst he’s at school. And stick to it. I too want to start making proper money. Before Christmas.
I had smoked salmon for breakfast. x
Good on ya! You can do it. The thought of actually sending out my writing is so scary…I feel safe just doing my own thing.
You’re going to do it - I can tell. You have rain today??? We’re still in sunshine
Helen - my boys are away until Sunday so I’m using the week as an opportunity to get into the writing groove so that I’m in the swing when they go back to school next Tues/Wed. Having worked in Retail Hell for so long, I have become used to existing on no money which, in a funny way, is good as I don’t need to actually earn much from writing to sustain my obviously meagre lifestyle. Smoked salmon was delish - dieting rocks!!! XX
Hellojed - I found it massively scary to start with too but, like everything, it gets easier the more you do it. Not that it’s compulsory, of course. People write for different reasons. Me? I want to do it full-time and, for that, I have to let people read and reject it!!
Liz - Aw, thanks for the positivity! How come you’ve got all the sunshine? The sun’s trying to smile but I’m rather enjoying writing through the moody weather…
Hey, you’re meant to be starving in a garrett (is that the right word?) but you’re eating smoked salmon which sounds top!
I am gaining confidence about people reading stuff, but being rejected still frightens the hell out of me…
The gazebo sounds like a lovely place to write! You sound very motivated, which is great. I’m preparing my first two chapters to be read by a writerly friend soon and I’m terrified, but it must be done. I need the outside perspective to see that this novel is on track. Enjoy the lunch - it sounds quite delish. (And, you know, maybe you can sniff some wine with it. *snorts in laughter*)
And you’re half way through your novel too!
Keep going.
hey darling…you can have many lives. How does the song go: “You only live twice, once for your dreams and once for your life.” Just keep believing in yourself and you will achieve all your dreams!
So glad to hear you are writing and writing and writing… keep up the fantastic work. And in jammys too… just inspirational!
yay - write, write, write! go , go, go! The alternative, going back to real life, should be enough to spur you on.
mmm - you weren’t kidding about the weather there were you. Thermal pyjamas and a huge fleece? In summer? I can’t imagine what you might be wearing in winter…I guess you just won’t be hanging out in the gazebo anymore?
JJ - I’m trying to be positive about rejections. By the law of averages, we’re likely to be rejected before we’re accepted. So the more rejections, the closer we are to success!! Twisted logic but hey ho.
Angie - it’s horrible letting people see your writing for the first time, especially if you know them. It’s like letting people riffle through your underwear drawer or your box of memories; like letting them see inside you. Be brave, it’ll be worth it. I’ll let you sniff my wine too as a celebration!!!
Bedshaped - it’s hard to keep on when there’s no guarantee it’ll lead anywhere, isn’t it? Keeping on is all we can do…
Emmak - ooh, I feel as if I’ve had a celebrity come to visit! I’ve never heard that - sounds like some sort of Sioux philosophy but I really like it. Might print it out and stick it to my head or something. Thanks!
Kate - I do everything in jammies, given half a chance. Fluffy socks too!
Beccy - I wear two pairs in the winter with my clothes over the top! Nah, it wasn’t really that cold but I was sitting in the shade so that I could see my lappy screen. It was blowing a gale though. Maybe I should stop dieting in case I blow away?
Sounds like a perfick start to the day. I guess keeping on is the hardest part, as you’ve said above, but if you’re really enjoying yourself, at least that’s half the bargain, and you’re actually working! and not prevaricating! for which, frankly, all hail!
Another jammy wearer! All hail the jammy wearers.
Gazebo writing sounds wonderful…. and smoked salmon.. is this IPD
(you know the India Knight diet thing?)
Write on:))
Lane x
KW, doing anything in the garden is rather fab but, yes, it’s quite amazing that I’m getting stuck into it. I only have another two months, possibly less, before I have to abandon this in favour of a more lucrative money-making lifestyle. Sigh. Maybe I should get some chickens to help ease the penniless pickle I’ll soon be in?
Lane, hurrah for pyjamas! Under the apple tree today, keeping an eye out for the naughty little fox that sneaks in and nibbles my damsons! And yes, ’tis the IPD. Aaarrrgh.
X
How’s the writing going? Your Gazebo sounds lovely-I love the sound of rain hitting leaves… so peaceful.
I wish I could wear my Pjs in an empty house and write! So jealous!
Just do it, sounds so easy doesn’t it!!! But you will because you said it and that’s sooooo important.
I think I will have to buy some jammies otherwise I can never be a real writer like you, and anyway it gets cold sitting outside with nothing on.
Fraid I couldn’t manage without a glass or two of wine either, helps the creativity no end.
Don’t give up.
A Writer - it’s going good ta! Am working on the basis of writing around 800 words a day (1% basically) and hoping to have the first draft finished in 6 weeks or so. Yikes!
Sheepish - hello! I’m writing while half watching a programme about living in Champagne and was just thinking of you! Oh, you definitely have to get jammies. Naked is good too but not till I’ve finished the diet or the neighbours’l complain. Am missing my vino, it must be said. Surprised I can write without it, to be honest!!!
Keep it up Jen! I can see your word count is growing - well done you. You sound very driven and focused, but still like you’re having fun - perfect!
Mya x
Thanks for the encouragement Mya! Ugh, it’s the getting going that’s tricky. Must… write… more…
X
Go! Sounds really cool. My two weeks of hols are at an end now, and sadly I’ve had to take on some freelance work to make ends meet until WP gets some work coming in. But I really must get to it…
Can I come and write in your garden too? Please ….
x
Come over to my blog - I have something for you!
Mya x
Hedgewizard: More hours in every day, that’s what we need. Special ones that nobody knows about. Two weeks seems ages at the start but nowhere near enough by Day 3.
Caroline - you’re welcome any time, so long as you keep your sweeties out of my reach!
Mya… yay! A pyjama-wearing award. Hurrah!!
X
I have just come to the sad conclusion that I have to get a proper job again… I’m just not earning enough and I can’t carry on avoiding going out so I don’t have to buy a round of drinks.
Easier said than done though.
How about a compromise - don’t get chickens, and I’ll send you some eggs via the Aged Parent when ours start laying.
Oh, and I keep meaning to send you some of that flavoured vodka you suggested ages ago - I got the recipe and ended up making double quantities; remind me about this!
Beta mum - Oh
That really is a bugger. I must confess to having a sneaky peek at the NatWest website to see whether they had any vacancies (am thinking of their subsidised mortgages) but, ugh, it’s not the most appealing of options. I truly, truly sympathise. x
KW - I really did jump for joy and whoop at the thought of some ‘real’ eggies. That would be so awesome! And, mmmm, Pannetone Vodka? I feel as if a writer’s Red Cross parcel is in the offing. Wow! WOW! Thank you, that is really lovely of you!! I will trade you for some damson gin XXX