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With editing Lock and Key, and then being hugely pregnant, and then the baby arriving and all the joy and chaos that followed, I haven't done any writing in awhile. (And no, this blog doesn't count at WRITING to me, although it does count in other ways, of course.) I mean like REAL writing, sitting with my laptop in a quiet place for a couple of hours and just losing myself in whatever is on the screen. Even as I write that last sentence, though, I think, yeah RIGHT. When am I ever going to have time to do THAT again? But the thing is, I will. I'll have regular babysitters M-F for a few hours each afternoon as of Jan 1, and that's when I seriously need to Get Back To Work. I think that having this time off without even really having to THINK about writing has been good for me. Writing Lock and Key was really, really hard, mostly because I was crazy hormonal and very tired, and once it was done and edited, I was really relieved that I didn't have to write again for awhile. In fact, there were some moments when I was so burned out on the very thought of starting another book that it seemed impossible. But my dad kept saying, "Just wait. You'll get the itch again," the way he always does, and sure enough...he was right. It's crept back slowly, and at the most unexpected times. Whereas last year at this time I was forcing myself to think about my plot and characters constantly, fretting and worrying over them nonstop, now it just comes naturally, in these little bursts while I'm driving, or changing a diaper, or just looking into Sasha's eyes. I can feel the beginnings of a story coming together, tiny little threads, bit by bit, the way it used to before I got all crazy obsessive about it. When writing was organic and, yes, fun. Of course, all books are easy before you actually start (so much possibility!) but it's nice to feel myself getting back into that mindset. Now I just have to, um, use those few weekday hours to actually put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). I hope my dad is right when he says I can do that, too. One sign that the writing is creeping back is that I'm getting ideas for stories everywhere. Like for instance yesterday, at the mall, I kept seeing this older man at various stores I went into. At first he was chatting up this woman behind me in Banana Republic, telling her terrible jokes, and I assumed they were together, but then they left separately and I saw him later at Williams-Sonoma, telling jokes to one of the employees there. He wasn't scary, just kind of...lonely, I guess. And there are a lot of people at the mall these days, if you're needing company, or someone to talk to. Before I even realized it, though, I'd invented this whole life for him: the quiet of his kitchen, the ticking of his clock, the stories he has to tell, without anyone to listen. So he comes to the mall, and cobbles his stories together through person after person, as long as they'll give him of their attention and companionship, even if it's only a few seconds. And then he goes back home to that quiet house, again. Of course, probably NONE of this is true. He's a total stranger. But that's where all the best stories begin with me, with someone or something I see, and then wonder about. It's another good sign, I guess. Before writing was a job, it was a passion. Maybe it still is? have a good day, everyone! |
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if i`m not coming up with stories in my head, i`m doing my other creative/improvisation-istic activity: dubbing people`s conversations. which is pretty cool too, because you can make their conversation anything you want it to be. suggestion for anyone who wants something to try out while walking the holiday off at the over-crowded mall. :) On December 21st, 2007 03:51 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) replied: learning to write again I've been doing that since 7th grade, perhaps even younger. I never had a lot of friends back then so would always overhear converations of girls talking while I did my work -- and for the parts of the conversation I'd miss I'd sit there and daydream what the rest of the story was. I think in that sense I always was built to be a writer -- it is the observers of the world who have the ability to step back and watch everything going on who are the best writers. It has it's drawbacks -- a lot of the time we aren't the ones actively living our lives as full as we could because we are so withdrawn, yet it helps one gain perspective on life in a way in which many people never experience. I'm happy to see you feeling that "itch," Sarah. I've been feeling the "itch" pretty strongly myself, but as a stay at home mom with 2 kids it is HARD. Especially since at this point I am nothing but a dreamer with a long way to go if I ever want a career as a writer. I do some writing when I sneak off to the library once a week or when I am sitting in my car in the parking lot just having done some errands. I keep my "car journal" in the car to write out ideas/journals/stories -- it's the only "me" time I have! If I could afford sitters I'd do it your way and block time to myself daily as well -- best of luck to you with discovering your new stories -- I'm sure your experience as a mother will do nothing but enhance your stories AMAZINGLY! Bridgette |
On December 20th, 2007 10:55 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) commented: Sarah, that's awesome and so good to hear!! Thanks for sharing. I relate. I love that how moments and words just sort of come together in your head and then you have to put them down before you forget or a whole conversation with the characters plays out. I love to write stories. It's really good to hear you're getting your inspiration and a new story is starting to unfold because I love all of your books. I can't wait until Lock and Key comes out!! |
I think everyone has a story to tell. If they are lucky, they'll find someone to listen. "I've got a story Give it a listen. (Randomly found at YouTube.) |
On December 22nd, 2007 02:42 am (UTC), (Anonymous) commented: lock and key hey I managed to get my hands on an advanced copy of lock and key and I would definitely have to say that it was one of your best. the plot was terrific, and I love how you took a lot of bits and pieces of your other books and added the characters into it, because it was soooo nice to see them again, and it also gave the book a bit more depth and made it seem so that much more real. congrats on another great book!!!! |
On December 27th, 2007 04:04 am (UTC), (Anonymous) commented: just a suggestion... you probably don't really like people telling you what to write, but i still want to tell you what I'd like to read. my best friend is anorexic, and it isn't because she thinks she's fat. all the books i have looked at that have to deal with 17-year-old anorexics also have to do with girls thinking they are fat when they are not. she's depressed (but getting help) and i would really enjoy reading a book that could get inside her mind, to show that not all skinny girls think they're fat, but that they can be sad. it might be hard to write if you've never known someone who has had this kind of disorder (or if you haven't been that person) but it would be quite helpful, even if it takes a while to write... maybe you can help more than just me-i bet there are other girls who could use a good book like this to help them out too... you don't have to take this suggestion, but maybe another writer will read it...or maybe you'll like my idea? thanks for all you do. -an aspiring author |
