I have big plans. Things I intend to accomplish around the house and beyond. Really, I do. Like the empty flower pots on the front porch and the planter boxes overgrown with mint. This is the first summer those pots have been ignored. Yesterday I thought about planting red and white flowers for 4th of July, that’s what I envision anyway, and maybe caladiums for height. This morning those pots look the same. Ignored. I’m surprised my neighbors haven’t intervened.
I also plan to get back to yoga regularly. And the messy bookcase in our bedroom needs attention. I want to help cook lunch for the VBS kids this week. Really, I do.
Yet all I do is write. All.I.Do.
For those of you who occasionally ask when can we buy your book, I offer this excuse/explanation.
I’m rewriting my entire manuscript, changing it from memoir to fiction, novella to novel, 125 pages to 300. This has taken a while, but I’m at the editing stage. At least I think I am. When I began this book writing journey, I had no idea what I was in for, but I am obsessed, and I love it. Manipulating sentencing, choosing words, bringing something ordinary to life. Except when I want to pull out my hair.
What’s my timeline? I’m still not sure, but I’m writing as fast as I can, and I’m getting closer (I think). My neglected flower pots out front are certain proof.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
“E.L. Doctorow said once said that ‘Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.’ You don’t have to see where you’re going, you don’t have to see your destination or everything you will pass along the way. You just have to see two or three feet ahead of you. This is right up there with the best advice on writing, or life, I have ever heard.”
― Anne Lamott
Though I’m very anxious to read your book, Talya, I know you’re more anxious to get it finished…to conquer it, I suppose, at least, that’s the way us guys think.=) I can sympathize for you and empathize with you because when I get on a big art project, I can’t wait to “conquer it” to see what’s at the “end of the highway.” I want to rush it to “get ‘er done,” so to speak, but it’s never really done until it’s done. Sometimes, we tend to over-think, so it’s good to do something else to give your creative muscles a break, and a little “pot” can help ease those muscles and help you think more clearly…of course, I’m referring to those little pots on your front porch, but you could move to Colorado, I suppose.=) Anyhow, I’m proud of and for you on living your life’s dream. Your book is going to be Awesome, I have no doubt…so, loosen up, just be yourself in the writing, and I know everyone will love it.
I do understand. “You are not alone.” Go where the muse leads. Enjoy it all. You can plant some flowers tomorrow. After all, …
You go, girl! I’d write more, but I’ve got company coming overnight this weekend. Must make ready. But I write everyday–at least in my journal. I call that writing, don’t you?
I always wonder what stage you are in and of course anxious to read a book that you have written. We were discussing your writing recently and wondering how you were doing with ‘the book’. Well now we know! Thanks for the update and don’t worry about those pots! Priorities, priorities, priorities! We will continue to read whatever you put out there and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
I FEEL YOUR PAIN.
Love this! Can.Not.Wait.!!!!!!!
I really want to write a book in my lifetime. I’m afraid it might be like having children – if I wait til I have enough time and resources, I’ll never do it. Kudos to you for taking the plunge and for committing to it 100%. Sounds like you’re a natural – while you’re working on editing, maybe you should start thinking about what your next book will be about!!
I think it is.
I’m eager to read this new version of your story and commend you for your diligence at completing the project. Those other things you mentioned will be there when this finished. Maybe a neighbor will take pity on you and plant those red and white flowers for you!
Maybe John? LOL. We will do yard work this weekend. That’s the plan anyway…
If I could, I’d come garden, clean and cook for you so you could write. I really want to read this book!
You are so sweet!!!
I love the Doctorow/Lamont quote. I like to have the destination in mind, as in I’m going to California. That keeps me generally driving west and keeps my writing on track. As far as how I get to California, via Michigan, Mississippi or Missouri, well, that’s the driving at night part. (Though I have to admit I often have a lot more structure than that.)
I usually have the whole route planned out which is why driving in the dark is new for me.