It’s been a busy couple of months. I put my fiction on hold in order to work on a project for my father-in-law, who turned 70 this month. I’m still not sure how I managed to keep it a semi-surprise, or how I managed to get it done in time, but somehow I converted several dinner time conversations, some sneaky questions, an incomplete six-page memoir, and dozens of photographs into a printed book. It is a continuing biography that our whole family can enjoy as a reference and celebration.
So I’m getting back into my novel now and really looking forward to spending some time with my characters. They’ve been neglected for too long.
An interesting exercise I’m working on at the moment is to come up with a couple of story ideas “on demand”. This may seem contrary to what I need (ie, I have far too many ideas noted down and not enough time and energy to get to work on them. But it is not about how many ideas you do or don’t have, but rather a case of developing the ability to grab any opportunity that might arise (a great contest, a sudden request from a publisher, an offer of a lifetime – that sort of thing). Keeping the brain sharp and the feet thinking. Too many years of curbing my inspiration while I first finish the ideas I have committed to has left my brain tapping her fingers on the desk in a state of stupor. Inspiration does still arrive, but inspiration on demand?… not as simple as it used to be.
Comments (2)
Selma -
I thought you must have had some project on the go. Glad to hear you’re getting back into your novel. Inspiration on demand? Not easy at all!!
Posted 2 February 2009