If I were perfect, I’d be able to write books really fast and post on my blog every day, like those amazing, super-productive super-people out there. You know who you are.
Unfortunately, I’m terribly slow at both, and I need to focus on one or the other for extended periods of time in order to get much accomplished at either.
I’ve been busy working on my book, so I’ve been away from this blog, the other blogs I love to read, and even my email.
I’m in fiction-writing mode, or story-driven frenzy, whichever term you prefer. I like to think this means it’s getting so good even I can’t put it down. Anyway, I’m going into hiding and will continue to blog infrequently for a while. Don’t worry, I won’t vanish altogether. You think you can get rid of me that easily? Actually I guess you can. All you have to do is close the browser window— No, forget I said that. I’ll just be scarce for a while. I’ll miss you.
There’s no time schedule involved, but typically when my fiction writing hits a bump or stalls I can suddenly think of nothing but what to blog about, or what to knit next. That or I relent and actually do housework or read the news. Bleh.
The odd thing is, I’m a better cook when I’m writing than when I’m not, so I wondered if maybe it’s creative spillover? But it seems my husband’s a better cook when I’m writing, too. So I think what I’m noticing is that life is more delicious.
1.
Write-wherever, whatever, and enjoy what you’re doing. Some people can multitask their writing, some need total focus on a particular piece. That’s what makes creative people interesting. Let us know with updates now and then how the book is going.
Comment by susan — July 17, 2005 @ 6:53 am
2.
Keep up the good work. I’ll check in to see if you’re writing books or blogs.
Comment by cassie-b — July 17, 2005 @ 6:53 am
3.
Glad to hear you’re being so busy and productive, even if it means we don’t hear from you in a while. Go, enjoy, and we can catch up later. Let me know what you’re knitting next when you get there, though.
Comment by blogdog — July 17, 2005 @ 7:48 am
4.
Just wrote about a similar problem I have with my blogging inspiration waxing and waning. My opinion is the blogging has to be for fun. Books come first and blogging has to stand aside. For me, too, writing my blog and diligently reading others go hand in hand, so when I’m not blogging I also fall behind on my blog reading.
Comment by Eric Mayer — July 17, 2005 @ 10:04 am
5.
Good for you, Barbara!! I actually started a short story today, so I’m coming back to the land of the delicious!! Happy writing!
Comment by Bev Jackson — July 20, 2005 @ 1:28 pm
6.
I will miss your inspiring essays, but know well the place you are in. It’s intoxicating! It’s interesting how we ebb and flow. I am currently placing my energies in the garden – intoxicating and refreshing and satisfying. I pluck and prune and sow – my mind is never at rest either.
When you return, something remarkable happened this morning. I have a marvelous portrait of my mother, commissioned in 1957. The artist was Mary Rose Armstrong. Long overdue, I typed her name in the Web to see if there was any lingering history regarding her career. I wish you could have seen my face when your name popped up. So, what’s your connection with the name? A character? Isn’t that something! The coincidence!
Comment by Reenie — July 24, 2005 @ 10:16 am
7.
Just checking. Hope it’s going well.
Cas
Comment by cassie-b — August 2, 2005 @ 7:04 am
8.
Susan, Cassie-b, Blogdog, Eric, Bev and Reenie, I’m writing, writing, writing—also doing a little knitting and reading. I’m very grateful for your encouragement. I hope to get a new blog post up in the next couple of days. Actually, I’m hoping today—if the Internet and computer gods are willing.
Comment by Barbara W. Klaser — August 2, 2005 @ 1:19 pm