Archive for September, 2009

You ever want something so much that it’s all you think about? I feel that way about my writing and one other thing. I hesitate to mention it, but this thing has been so fully occupying that it’s almost had me forget about writing.

That, and I’m getting bored with my current project. So it goes to show that this past week has had my focus shifted. I feel a little multiple personality with it. This other creative outlet has nothing to do with writing except the fact that it could be a thing in a book. (ok. ok…I’ll tell you….it’s Capoeira. I.LOVE.IT)

But I digress. Do you find it hard to focus because of lack of focus? Ok. Stupid question. Let me put it this way…something consumes you, but then a new passion flames. What do you do? Leave one to cool while you tend the new one? My desire is never faltering for writing, nor for capoeira; it’s just stronger at times, depending on my life and what’s happening. When the writing seems to trickle, I become creative in other ways.

Capoeira is a way of life. Ask any capoeirista. It’s an amazing art that is more than the rigid Asian martial art in physicality and in regiment. There is such a spiritual and mental–thing about it that I can’t even describe. I found an apt description on another site, but for the life of me, I cannot find it right this minute.

I just feel like an evangelist who wants to spread the good news! I want EVERYONE to find capoeira and love it too. I wish it were closer to home. I love road trips, but to take this trip every week is such a chore, my dedication has to be from afar. And you can only do so much on your own. Part of the enjoyment, the play of capoeira is playing with others. Those are lessons not soon forgotten. I’ve gotten swept off of my feet literally, and it’s because my focus was not on the game at the time.

On a side note, my fellow capoeiristas recognize my dedication to my writing. Part of the ritual of this sport is receiving a nickname. Mine is Caneta, which means ballpoint pen. Hmph. Go figure. And I, of course, LOVE IT.

So, since I can’t play capoeira, and I can’t write anything worth spit, I’m writing about capoeira.

Axe.

Miscommunication happens. Life happens. Things almost never go according to plan. My boss has lists to make lists. I mean really. You can’t plan it that way. You’re setting yourself up for failure. But does that mean to live fast and loose?

No. Be flexible but know the direction you are going.
How does communication and planning have to do with each other and with writing? I’ll tell you. It’s all in theo give and take. If your communication or your style is rigid, it’s less a dialog than it is a monologue. Pick up on your cues from the other participants. Think about their perspective when you’re formulating your response. Ok. Simple enough, eh? So you have a plan then for conversation. Communique 101.

Now on to planning. Making a list, a plan; setting goals. All of this is a smart thing to do. *emphasis on SMART hint hint* But you know, some plans have to be bendable. Dont’ fall into a trap and make them all movable so much so that they don’t get accomplished. Otherwise, what’s the point in setting them as a goal? A small, simple, easy to reach list or a convoluted Long year (or 4 month plan) can all be appropriate based on your needs.
But don’t sweat the small stuff. Come on. We each are usually our own harshest critics. I know I am. I beat myself up often when I can’t meet a certain goal. Then I put it off, feeling down and poopy because ‘is the end game really worth this?’

Yes.
This is how I want to approach writing. I need to respect the give and take which comes with creating anything. Novels are far from the exception. So when life happens and my writing time doesn’t happen like I want it to, I do what? Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.
Da Spouse thinks the order should be Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. Same difference to me. Or is it.

A majority of my writing is Improvise. So when it doesn’t work, I adapt. And I am going to overcome. I have actually overcome much. And very very soon. (fast drafting next week.)

How do you IAD?

To clean. What. you thought it was dirty?
No, I hate, capital H-A-T-E cleaning. Funny thing is, I hate living in a messy environment much more.
so, today, I’m getting down and dirty: cleaning, scrubbing, disinfecting. Whew. It’s a lot. I’ve cleaned my hands to sit down here long enough to share with you my triumph. I have more to do yet. But I needed a quick break.
It got me to thinking that if I can accomplish this today, I deserve some relaxation. But I want to do more cleaning.

Yes. More.
As in editing. Clean up a manuscript that surely has 9 lives. My feline of a work in progress has been off and on for years. But I so want this story to be told that I keep slaving away to it. And just like I don’t like clutter, I don’t like that I have a messy manuscript. But it’s good. The story is good. I just have to let it shine. It needs to be polished and sparkling.

Too bad Pine-Sol doesn’t have a “Romance Novel Fresh” scent.

*sniffs* I do love the smell of a new book in the morning.

I was actually going to blog about how thrilled I am to be a part of the Launching a STAR contest this year. My entry was received today and I have two months to hear results. Yay me! I got it in just under the wire. Almost perfect planning.

I was not planning to send What a Bargain until the last minute. But it was closer to being ready than my historical, and it just ‘felt’ right. Something preternatural prompted that change. And it will be good. Come what may…

But when I came to my search engine and looked for a quick link to my site I faltered. Oh no. I erased the cookies. But why are my bookmarks gone? I clicked one folder after another to find the link which used to be RIGHT there. Where’d it go?

What’s this? A folder I don’t remember setting up that is clearly labeled blogs? Click.
Wow. All of the blogs on which I post. Right. There. Hm.
Either this is spectacular planning on my part (which is not likely…), a stroke of luck, or the smart computer figured out I need a blog folder.

It’s a mystery. But it got me here.
That cold bottom of belly drop feeling is not good. This was only a link. Have you “lost” or “misplaced” or “deleted” a whole chapter? scene? book? I have. That’s worse. And you MUST have good foresight in on that. I save to my computer, a thumb drive and my email. That way, if one method fails, I have backup.
Just like what doctors tell you if you are going to take antibiotics with your birth control. Ok. that was a bit much. But it’s true. You can never be too careful.
Really.
You can’t.

So. Now I’m off to solve a problem of the future by storing left overs in the fridge. Dinner tomorrow night, I have my eye on you….