Wednesday 27 June 2012

Per aspera ad astra!

Through difficulties to the stars!

Where's me hands?!

It’s been very hard to write anything over the last couple of months, and testimony to that is the lack of blog posts. When you’re feeling sad your fingers are sad too; they droop and wilt over the keyboard, complain of headaches when they strike the keys, and refuse to type anything other than exceedingly bad poetry. But when writing stories is the thing that seems to complete you; that defines how you see yourself; that is at once relaxing and fun and provides escapism, then sooner or later it’ll be time to pick up the metaphorical quill again.

There is so much to say and perhaps I’ll soon catch up relaying marvellous events – there was a brilliant vintage hen party complete with Victory rolls and garnished by the Best of British Swing Ball (a dance, not a sport). There was an amazingly gorgeous wedding in a 15th century Royal Palace. There has been much riffling through vintage fairs to find gorgeous dresses (for above wedding), a visit to Somerset that sparkled through the rain-drops, a boy-band concert that was a nostalgic teenage time-warp, and dancing – much dancing, with a 1940s rock-step and Charleston happy feet.

But there have also been many moments of reflection and wondering about my Curriculum Vitae – my journey (course) through life. Oh, so much Latin today! Partly I’m excited for the future – all those possibilities – but equally I’m fearful, and that’s the problem. There’s a pesky internal scuppering that seems to go on behind the scenes and I’m sick of it! Begone, scampering scupperers.

And what about the never-ending story? What about The Novel? The good news is that I did a read-through a few days ago and like it more than ever. The better news is that I’ve booked two whole days off the 9-5 to write my fingers (and thumbs) off, which is coming up just around the nearest weekend-shaped corner. Bring it on, I say. Let's visit those stars.

19 comments:

Nick Wilford said...

Hopefully your exciting events will inspire you well - sometimes we need time away from writing to soak up life. Good luck and I hope your days off are productive!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Ah, here is the answer to my Twitter question about your writing. I was wondering about your novel. It's a good sign when you reread and you like it more than ever, as opposed to being horrified and embarrassed that you ever thought it was good at all. So glad you are making progress. It sounds like you are deep into the grieving process, and that takes time as well. Sending you hugs across the ocean.

Kittie Howard said...

I think Nick is right, sometimes we have to get away to soak up life. Writing is so intense, it drains. Gotta smell the roses to fuel the system. We're going on holiday this Friday for five weeks. I'm bringing my laptop, but truth be told, I need to revitalize my energies. Good luck to you! Sounds like WIP is a winner! Yay!

Mise said...

I hope your sad fingers will take flight again soon. Indeed this blog post of yours seems like a resolved, considered launch. May the ease hurry back to your life.

Old Kitty said...

Lovely Jayne!! Don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars! (With apologies to Ms Bette Davis!) LOL!

But seriously - you are in love with your wip and you have 2 whole yummy days to carry on!! That for me is A GOOD THING!! Take care
x

snafu said...

Nice to see you back, get those fingers going again and remember smiling makes you feel better, it relaeses phermones or something. Sit up straight and smile, even just forcing a smile can help and the fingers will be flying across the keys again.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

It's wonderful to hear from you. I've been worried. But, if you're quoting Latin, I feel things can only be getting a wee bit better, step by step. I'm thinking of you!!
xoxo, p

Debbie Coope said...

What a great feeling. Whip up that WIP.

Julie Dao said...

I've had moments like that, when inspiration and motivation just disappear. But the good thing about being passionate about writing is that it always comes back eventually :) Hope you have some productive days off! That's such a good idea! Maybe I'll set aside a few vacation days to catch up on my stories.

Dolly said...

Oh Excellent news Jayne, I have been thinking of you and so pleased that step by step you are following those dreams. Big hug X

Anonymous said...

Good luck in your writing those two days! It's going to be great, I just know it!

Misha Gerrick said...

Sounds like you had some good times. Hope you settle back into writing and that you have much success. :-D

Happy Frog and I said...

You'll get there Jayne, I just know it. There's nothing wrong with taking time out as often you end up coming back stronger and with more ideas. You can do it!

Maria Zannini said...

We have to allow ourselves permission to be sad once in a while. Take your time. This isn't a race.

D.J. Kirkby said...

What a good idea to treat yourself to two whole writing days. I hope your fingers perk up because I am pretty sure your aunt would want it that way. xo

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Beat wishes for wringing the best productivity from those hours.

MommyHeadache said...

Glad you've got your mojo back and will be tackling the next stage of your novel. I hate rewrites to be honest but it's a necessary evil! Good luck

Joss said...

awww glad to see you posting again I have had times like that. Hope all goes well with your time off and that you get everything you hope for done :)
P.S. don't let fear hold you back, I used to but finely took the plunge and was brave, still fearful, but I am not fearful with a publisher and my book published on Amazon just last night. Life's an adventure and sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and dive right in.

Rose said...

Hey, things sound eventful, hope you're okay!