But! The one upside for my writing life has been that the only way to get any real chunks of writing time...has been to leave the house. Yes! For the first time in ages, I've had a couple of coffeeshop writing sessions, which have made me really happy. Normally, I just can't justify going out and spending money to write when I could do it free at home, but this week...heck, it's a lot cheaper than paying for childcare, right?
(Don't worry, MrD has Patrick to look after him during my trips out. I don't just leave him on his own to roar at the neighbors like a T-Rex through the windows! ;) )
This morning I went to my favorite coffeeshop, drank a decaf latte, ate a delicious vegan hazelnut brownie...and finished Chapter Three of Next-Book. Woot! I am having SO MUCH FUN with this new novel!
Again, this is the silver lining to what could have been a frustrating situation - I'd planned to work on revising Low Road this week, but since I'm only getting scattered bits and pieces of writing time, revision's turned out to feel impossible. (When I'm trying to think consciously about getting the pacing right across a full book, I can't revise a novel in 20-minute fits and starts, or taking multiple days between solid sessions - that just doesn't work for me.)
But! That means I have the perfect excuse to play with Next-Book...and oh, am I having fun. Honestly, the last time I had this much sheer fun with a project was with the Kat books! Next-Book is aimed a little younger than my other books, and for once it's contemporary rather than historical, but it's full of magic and family dynamics and, well, you can probably guess the rest. It's a very me-book! ;) And since I'm deep in first-love with it, it's just zooming along, even during my 15-minute Sneak Writing sessions.
And in news that just feels ridiculously over-exciting...I've actually booked my very first-ever writing retreat! It'll only be about 52 hours long - just two nights away in a bed & breakfast in a lovely, historic English town - but I can't wait. I've been wanting a writing retreat for over a year now, and in fact, from last January through March I kept trying to plan one - but little-kid immune systems are awful, fragile things, and poor MrD got sick again and again last year, until I finally gave up on even trying for time away.
It's a new year, though, MrD is a year older, and with a new baby on the way (and the prospect of much LESS writing time for quite a while afterwards!), I felt seriously motivated to try again. I'm really hoping to write lots and lots of Next-Book there!
I know I'll also feel unavoidable Mom-guilt for taking time away, and more than that, I'll really miss MrD and Patrick...but right now, the prospect of 48 hours of uninterrupted writing time sounds like total bliss.
What about you guys? Are you planning any trips this year that you can't wait for?
Profile
stephanieburgis- Stephanie Burgis
- www.stephanieburgis.com
Comments
Oh, that is an investment WELL worth making! :)
I, too, have had to leave the house in order to get anything done, and I don't have a small child. Sometimes it's like the house is a drug dealer, whispering "be lazy, watch TV, have a long reading break with tea . . ." in my ear. Going to a public place seems to help.
Yay for writing retreats. I beg you NOT to feel mommy guilt. This time away will bring you back refreshed and satisfied with the work you've accomplished. MrD will love the sparkle in your eye!
I do a yearly thing with some writer friends. We rent a beach house on Virginia Beach (actually, Sandbridge) and spend a week of writerly bliss laughing and writing and just hanging out. All women. It is faboo.