10/30 Halloween Musings

Today I work at CSz for 10-12 hours, but I've decided to take my notes with me. This way if I have any down time (which is doubtful), I'll be able to work on my notes for this book.

Since I don't have to work tomorrow at either of my jobs, I'm going to set up my laptop and notes on the coffee table--that's my official NANO writing spot. Away from my PC and regular computer desk. It's very freeing, to only have my laptop and my notes...nothing else to distract me. Well, except the TV, phone, dust, etc. But it's much better than my regular computer spot.

It's getting close to writing time!

10/29 The writing bug bites again

My fingers are itching to begin NANOWRIMO. I'm surprised that I'm so excited about this. I remember the pain of last year, but I also remember the satisfaction of completing the task. (Okay, I also remember throwing away more than 20,000 words because they reeked. Better luck this year.) Several friends from my online writers' groups are participating too, so at least I'll have people to whom I can vent. (Notice how I didn't end that sentence in a preposition?)

10/28 More on writing

Yesterday I talked about my romanticized notions about writing. That's in my fantasy life. But I'm also pragmatic and know that it's basically hard work. Sure, there are times when the writing seems to flow effortlessly, but that's overshadowed by sometimes having to glue my butt to the chair and to force the Muse to inspire me.

I love writing. Wish I loved it enough to carve out the time to do it everyday. Well, during November that will happen, that's for sure.

I'm glad Saturday is still October, because I have a 10 hour work day at my second job. That would make writing very difficult.

10/27 Musings on writing

I have this romantic notion of writing. Me, sitting alone in a mountain cabin, or even in a cottage on the shore, writing--and coming up with the big novel. I mean, it works in movies. Why not in my life?

I really do know of a place where I could have the solitude and inspiration to work nearly non-stop. It's in a hermitage at St. Joseph's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado. There's a fantastic retreat center there, run by Trappist Monks. I went there for a mediative retreat several years ago, and still dream of going back. The absolute stillness, broken only by birds and the sound of wind rustling in the trees. Amazing.

Here's what I'd do: I'd rent one of the small hermitages for a week. It contains kitchenette, bathroom, and combination sitting room/bedroom. It has electricity, but no TV or radio. I could play music on my laptop, though. I would cook for myself, and write for hours. Non-writing things I'd do include playing computer games (hey, I'm not a saint), taking walks in the woods, and joining the Monks for prayers. Honestly, my favorite one is the 3 AM prayer time. I forget the Latin names for the Prayers of the Hours, but the one in the middle of the night is so peaceful. And so... so... should I say it? so inspiring.

It's obvious that I have wonderful memories of the place. And since they do rent out rooms and cottages when retreats aren't there, I really should check it out. But then I'd have no excuse for not getting a book published. Sigh.

10/26 It won't be long

I'm anxiously awaiting November 1. Now that I have ideas, I want to WRITE! It's difficult not to begin the process.

I was going to invite people over to my house to play games on Sunday, November 7, because the Packers have a bye, but then I realized that I need to use that time to write. I'm trying to carve out any time I can.

Like last year, I'm going to put my laptop on the coffee table in the living room, sit on the floor, and work. My PC is in my bedroom and its DSL connection will stay on, so every now and then I'll check my email, and will also update my word count on the NANOWRIMO website. My laptop will be devoted only to the manuscript.

Hurry November.

10/25 No work

Although I spent six more hours on the train yesterday, I didn't get any preparatory work done. I was way too tired from only getting four hours of sleep the night before. I hope to make more time this week for writing.