Usually on Fridays we have a guest blogger. Well, I am chasing my tail and didn't arrange for exciting and new ideas from a special person for today. So, you are "stuck" with me. Today I thought I'd write about where we work and how that influences what we produce.
My father is in the ICU in a hospital two states away. That means for the last week I have also been two states away. Thank God for laptops, WiFi, my iPhone and my iPad. I'm a traveling technology store (if only I were better at knowing how to use it all). Most hospitals have a rule that you can't use that list of gadgets on a unit that is monitored for cardiac functions-- kinda like turning it all off when the plane takes off or lands. My hands nearly shake at having hours of no access. Like an addicted smoker, I have been stepping out of my father's room not to take a puff, but to sign onto my email, write some words and check voice mail. How sick is that?
But, the point of this is, I have continued to edit my manuscript with vengeance. So, picture me in the waiting room of the ICU with 310 pages stacked on my lap. I edit better with a sharp pencil on hard copy. Next to me is a couple who are holding each other and sobbing. On the other side is an elderly man, his head in his hand and constantly nodding side to side. His grief is palpable. Our family rotated time with my father. Only two people are allowed in at a time.
When it was my turn to enter the sanctum, I packed up my stack of papers. Then I got thinking. How much do we "own" a story? Can we turn it off and on? What does disruption do to the plotting and pacing of our work? With the editing process, I suspect disruption is less of an issue that with the initial writing. I'm a plotter in style so the in and out would be hard. But with editing there is a different pace.
My apologies, I have rambled on. But, I am interested in hearing how you work in different locations, with interruptions, with the distractions of life. Many of you have small children or other "not able to predict" circumstances. Yet, we still get it out the door. How does that feel? How do you protect your writing time? Anything you can share?
And, my father is much better. I hope to go home tomorrow. Thanks for listening.
13 comments:
Cassy, I'm so glad your dad is getting better and might come home tomorrow. You've had a hard year.
I mentioned before that editing is my favorite thing in all the world to do. I get so into the story, which would make it very hard to be interrupted so often.
Take care of yourself and hugs to your dad.
Cassy, so glad to hear your father is getting better. Hospitals are such an exhausting experience--I admire you for working on edits while you're there. I'm sure it helped to keep you distracted from the other things going on.
I prefer to work with absolute quiet, but I've discovered sometimes I also need outside energy (aka Starbucks--LOL). Somehow I can tune out the noise when I'm there but if it were at my house, I couldn't. I'm a contrarian. LOL
Liz: Thanks for your kind wishes. I'M the one going home tomorrow. My father will still be in the hospital for at least 3-4 more days.
But, I really didn't want to go on about him. Rather, I was poorly trying to make the point that our work travels with us and not all spots are easy in which to stay focused.
Yes, it's been quite the year. But, so be it. We are all together and ready to tackle what comes next.
Hugs to you! Cas
Donna: I think working on the edits is what actually has made this whole week sane. At least I could "run" the streets of Rome, worry about the next bad guy, and know ahead of time that it all comes out okay.
Thanks for stopping by. I raise a glass of wine to you (well, it's a little early) in memory of our great conversations at Crime Bake.
I'm with Donna on the outside distractions. If they are to much, to many, like at home, I can't get much done. At work or Starbucks seem to be where I'm most productive.
I'm thinking that home is a sanctuary. A place where I can but my writing work aside and relax.
Lindsay: This is so funny. We all are different. Don't give me TV, radio, people or anything that creates a distraction. My husband will work in silent when he's deep into the initial complicated stages of a project. Then he puts his headset on and pumps out the music. Nope, not for me. I've been known to not leave the house or turn on anything other than my computer for days. Silence. I love it.
For me, silence is the loudest noise I've ever heard. Even louder than my cat, yes folks, I or rather I should say a cat adopted me.
And if your wondering he and Kebi get along.
I hate silence so much that I have the TV on when I go to sleep.
Cassy, so glad you're editing and almost done with your wip...yay, that's huge! I LOVE editing. When I write something new, I need quiet. When I edit, I can seriously tune out everything because I'm so into making it sparkle. That's the fun part! Good luck!
Cassy I'm glad your dad is getting better.
I have no idea how anyone can edit a hard copy. I have to do it all on the computer. I know what you mean about technology though. I have iPod, iPad, Nook, lap top and TWO desk tops on my desk. On MAC and one PC. Don't ask.
Take care of yourself!
I'll edit in hard copy on the second or third edit. I'm amazed at the errors I can find and I think that's because of the different format-more booklike.
What I can't figure out is how someone can do the first draft on paper. But then again Liz always walked to the tune of a different drummer.
Isn't this funny? Mary, I too have a list of gadgets-- as I said, Nook, iPad, iPod, Kindle, multiple Macs, and gosh I'm embarrassed to admit what else. Still, I edit on paper but write on the computer. We all have our habits. Whatever works--that's what it should be. Best, to each of you.
Cassy, I'm glad to hear your dad's doing better. I totally sympathize. My 86-year-old father's been in the hospital twice since Halloween (with a two-month nursing home stay sandwich in between). At least he's local, not two states away! But the stress has been enormous. And yes, the writing, and everything else, takes a back seat.
Be good to yourself.
Cassy, sending healthy wishes to your dad. I'm happy he's well enough for you to feel like you could go home.
Writing in chaos is a disaster for me. The freakin' stars practically have to be in alignment for me to concentrate. I need silence or the crackle of a fire. My day has to be clear of appointments, phone calls, errands. It's a bit pathetic, really. I used to be able to work in a firestorm. Last summer I wrote at the library for a few days just to be around people. It was pretty cool, actually, but I was forced to get dressed and put on makeup.
I'd love to find a local Starbucks and pretend to be JK Rowlings minus the tot. Maybe that would be the inspiring turning point? Is writing in a crowd more character inspiring than writing in silence at home with only the voices in your head to keep you company? I'll try anything that will keep me out of my e-mail inbox.
Miss you Cassy. Can't wait to spend time with you at Crime Bake again.
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