Writing, for me, is trying new things, and learning what works‚ again and again. I’m on my umpteenth iteration of figuring out how to produce new words for this latest effort.
For the last few weeks, I’ve been claiming a quiet hour midday. That worked fine for revising, but when I put on my writing hat instead of my revision cap, I found myself fumbling through notes, having general organizing thoughts, but no new product coming out.
This week begins a different approach. Sunday night, I set an intention to draft Hallie’s latest journal entry. I set pen and pad by the bed, just in case I woke with an inspiration. I didn’t.
So as soon as I was dressed, I took pen and pad to my quietest work space and scribbled a page (useless words, and I knew it) but it was words. On my dawn walk in the cool, I conceived of a new beginning, and so came home to write a much more satisfying and coherent journal entry.
The Challenge is to be consistent; to not lollygag over newspaper puzzles until Sophie is demanding her walk, and my own walking is delayed, a hot and uninspired experience.
The other challenge (when I’ve already had my walk) is to remember that Sophie needs a walk too! Wayne has had to remind me twice this week, when I’d settled down at my desk to return to work.
Sophie will tell you that all she needs is food and walks and ear rubs and love. That’s a good start for me, too. It’s just a matter of fitting in a little extra over and above that.