September 7, 2009

Notes from Prolificacy

I've lost my command of time.

For the past week (or more), writing sessions have been constant, consistent, and intense. I gave up trying to fight against the daily creative rhythm and have given over to it entirely.

Writing and editing twelve hours at a time, a couple hours of sleep here, more writing and editing, a couple more hours of sleep there.... I'm a nasty mess, but the material is getting onto the page, and it's getting reworked right away.

Oh, the kids have done such a fantastic job coping with me this time around. Sometimes, I feel guilty they're somewhat forced to self-sufficiency. But the guilt is softened by the kids' pride in their new accomplishments.

Bunny fried up hash browns for the first time, all by herself. She learned the hazards of popping vegetable oil, but she didn't mind. She was too satisfied with the meal and the fact SHE was responsible for feeding everyone.

And Priss has taken such good care of me. Another briar hooked in the heart, considering she shouldn't be seeing to me, that instead I should be seeing to her. But she gains a sense of satisfaction, too, knowing she has a small, adult-like power to nurture. When the alarm goes off for me to take my meds (and I ignore it), she brings me a glass of ice water and the little pills in the palm of her hand. She stands there until I take them.

I do what I can to convey the amount of work I'm getting done -- and the importance of it. They ask to read what I've written, but I tell them it's an "adult story. I promise you can read it when you're older."

Still in the umpteenth revision of Chapter 2, but I have a clear conscience about "progress" insofar as the big picture goes. I'm confident I'm making quality changes and creating quality material, rather than bleeding out superficial, sentimental drivel.

I keep pushing and keep pushing. Far enough into the book, I know "The End" will come.

1 comment:

  1. Hello Ailina,

    One way to get progress to your story is to just speed write. First, tie up your internal editor and toss her into the closet. Then sit down at your computer and just write. You can always come back and fix things later.

    Also, if you get an idea that may need to be foreshadowed. You can write a note saying that you need to go back and foreshadow. Highlight the note or put it in all caps and separate from the rest of the story. Then continue writing your story.

    Dennis AKA Narval the Great

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