This November I took myself off twitter for the month, to continue work on my next novel. How did I get on? As most other writers out there will appreciate, with life and family to take care of too, it’s not all about the writing . . .
Tues 1st Nov Oh, happy day! My first full day back to writing after several months of book signings and gigs … and I’m relieved to report that the story is alive and well. After several hours of writing, I took Charlie for a long walk in the Downs before getting home in time to share leftover spooky spider sweets with the kids. Reading Dave Haslam’s Young Hearts Run Free for research and pleasure.
Wed 2nd Nov Another good day of writing, followed by my monthly creative writing workshop with writing pals Jane and Juliet. My thoughts go out to our Zizzi’s waiter, whose visits to our table seemed universally to coincide with any creative discussions of a tawdry nature. For the inopportune use of the words ‘breast’, ‘sexual tension’ and ‘knob’ I wholeheartedly apologise.
Thurs 3rd Nov Tonight is my last book gig for the month, with fellow Chichester Book Club authors Jane Rusbridge and Gabrielle Kimm. Fascinating book chats with audience, and lovely tea and cake courtesy of Susan at The Beach House Cafe in wonderful West Wittering by the sea.
Sat 5th Nov In a bid to regain some sense of order after a week of writerly neglect, I ran myself ragged, cleaning and trawling through the laundry mountain before getting down to the hell that is the kids’ homework. We survived it, and in the evening went to friends’ for happy family supper and a box of fireworks.
Thurs 10th Nov Pleased to report that the word count is galloping upwards as my story unravels. I’ve made significant breakthroughs, become absorbed in the 70s culture, and uncovered a few secrets I never suspected were there. Feeling good about it all. Spent a few hours away from my office for a bit of freelance work – gag writing, which is (as the name suggests) always a good laugh.
Sat 12th Nov Back late after a family wedding in Andover, just in time for the BBC4 dramatisation of Christos Tsiolkas’ The Slap – only to realise I’d already missed the first two episodes. Thank technology for iplayer – I’ll be catching up on the other episodes this week.
Sun 13th Nov Remembrance Day. Went into town to run a few errands, and ended up buying a much-coveted pair of Doc Marten’s boots, for old time’s sake. My life is now complete. Stayed up late reading Andy Beckett’s When the Lights Went Out, an evocative account of the 1970s – the era in which my next book is set.
Mon 14th Nov This morning, standing at the foot of the writing mountain, looking up, I got a bit wobbly about the huge task ahead. Every now and then this happens. Stopped to fix myself a big iced coffee and a pile of chocolate biscuits, and slowly the fear lifted (probably down to the powerful caffeine/sugar kick and subsequent productive afternoon). Felt much better about it all by the end of the writing day, and looking forward to continuing tomorrow.
Tues 15th Nov ZERO writing today – thrown off course by family visit to the dentist’s, boring but obligatory paperwork and 10-year-old son’s well-overdue visit to the barber’s after school. Some days you’ve just gotta throw the towel in … Felt a bit grumpy about it until the kids showed me this:
Fri 18th Nov An early start, running about like a crazy woman, trying to help dress 13-year-old daughter in something ‘not embarrassing’ for Children in Need day at school. But, now I’m back on track with the writing. Paused between chapters for Parents’ Evening, a day’s gag writing, and Gabrielle Kimm’s latest book launch at Chichester Waterstone’s on Friday night.
Sat 19th Nov Downed tools to visit some old mates in London. On Sunday morning, we enjoyed a walk in the pea-soup mist of Battersea Park, followed by a big pizza lunch. Driving home, the fog gradually lifted to reveal a heart-stopping sunset over Goodwood. Made a fire, poured a small glass of tawny port, and settled in to help kids with the last of their homework.
Mon 21st Nov I wrote all morning, before heading off to our local hospice, St Wilfrid’s, where my 10-year-old son has been a recent visitor with his school. Along with lots of the other day patients and staff, I had the great pleasure of meeting Samson’s new pal, 90-year-old Roger, and heard how they have bonded over a shared enthusiasm for The Beano magazine. We ate cake, listened to music and watched the kids and grown-ups each receive certificates to commemorate their time together.
Tues 22nd Nov Rose at 5am to get a couple of hours writing in before heading off for some more freelance work. At the end of the day, my good husband revived me with a mid-week roast chicken supper and a glass of wine. Looking forward to a clear run of writing tomorrow.
Thurs 24th Nov Oh joy. Now it’s Explorer Day at school, and I’ve got to dress 10-year-old in a ‘not rubbish’ outfit. I refused his pleas to go as a polar bear or penguin, and managed a decent-looking ‘adventurer’.
Delivered him outside the school gates, along with a pound (in 5p pieces) towards special explorer cooking costs, and two bags of swiftly sorted book donations for the Christmas fair. Right … now back to the novel.
Footnote: To my eternal surprise and delight, son came home having won the ‘Best Costume’ award in his year. It’s a family first. I have previous form for bad/sad/embarrassing costumes … but today I am officially elevated to Good Parent status.
Fri 25th Nov Excellent writing day – rewarded with a bracing walk in the hills with Charlie-boy. We paused to gaze down on my old friend, the red kite, hovering over the fields with its eye on some prey below.
A few skylarks still bombing about, and a biting Autumn wind coming in.
Sun 27th Nov A good weekend catching up on life. Went for a favourite family walk before supper; lots of mushroom life in the woods, and birds overhead. Crept into the barns for a glimpse of the owl, who teasingly let us hear its cry, but hid from view. Prompted me to take a few photos and jot down some notes – just little things, but so often those are the things that bring life to a story.
Mon 28th Nov Gave myself the day off for domestic duties, in preparation for a girls’night in at mine. A fun evening; lots of great pals over, food, drink, laughter and chat.
Tues 29th Nov Back to work. Several hours of business stuff – emails, publisher conversations, preparing flyers for events, reworking my website. Stopped for a sandwich at midday, and managed to get some decent writing in before Charlie stared me into taking him for a walk. Am starting to feel a bit panicked that I haven’t organised anything for Christmas yet.
Wed 30th Nov Today I had great hopes of a full day’s writing … but national strikes means both kids are at home with me instead. Oh well, these things happen. We’re making the most of it though, baking jam tarts, making Christmas lists and now – writing my blog.
So, November, and my retreat from social networking, is at an end. I’ve made great headway into the new novel, having had time to fully immerse myself in the characters and their era (I’m now even dreaming in ‘70s hues) and I’m full of the energy I need to keep writing.
I love my social communities, but sometimes the writing demands uninterrupted space to fully expand and develop. And let’s face it – your twitter account will still be there when you go back to it! Saying that, I’d better go and check mine now …
