June 26, 2008
Escapes
Written by Shirley Karr in Jaunty PostIt’s been a real struggle to get time (not to mention mental energy!) to write since I had a baby last year. Lately it’s been even more of a struggle because of some family issues, my husband’s health, Mom’s three flat tires in two days … stuff just keeps happening and piling up.
Last week I realized time was running short to meet the goal I’d set in critique group. I usually work through lunch when I’m at the office, and just sneak enough time surfing the web to check this blog and maybe see where Johnny is filming, then get back to work. But last Friday it was quiet, I’d handled the latest crises (yes, plural) for my boss, and I decided I would take a bit of ‘me’ time. I grabbed my lunch, opened Word, and began working on my manuscript.
Heaven.
I spent an entire hour worrying about Harriet and Nick and their adventure, their romance, and not about purchase orders and P-card receipts and the Canadian currency exchange rate.
There are times when the story doesn’t work and I just want to bang my head on the keyboard and wonder why I ever thought I could write a book. But last Friday every word was perfect, every line of dialogue was witty, the description sparkled. When I needed it most, writing was there for me as a respite.
How about you? Is there something you escape to when you just want to yell “Calgon, take me away!”
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Buffie Says:
Oh Shirley {{hugs}}. I’m sorry you have been having some challenging moments lately. I have to say that I think that just comes with having children. Nothing is ever the same.
But I am so happy to know that you found some peace, if only for a little while. Keep finding that peace, so that we can read another one of your books
My schedule is pretty crazy. I work 3 days a week in the office (law firm) and put in another 15 or so hours at home. The dh and I have two boys (6 and 9) who are nonstop action 24/7. Add to that all that is involved with being a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, and time is just not mine any more. My escape is reading. I try to get in an hour or so a night reading romance, and I try to allow myself an hour to surf the web and post on blogs and boards.
cheryl c. Says:
I find my escape within the pages of a good book!
Sarah Says:
I am sooo in need of a moment like that right now!
I usually need to be alone. My husband thinks I’m weird that way. I’ll either write or read.
But I need to be alone.
-Sarah… who finished her courser than sandpaper rough draft two nights ago. Time to read it and start revising…
Helen Says:
I escape by reading I love my reading and I hope that you can find more escape time because I would love to see another book by you I have loved the 3 that I have
Have Fun
Helen
Shirley Karr Says:
Thanks, Buffie! I’d like to finish this book, too, because the story has been kicking around my subconscious for too long now.
Sarah, congrats on finishing your rough draft! You are among the elite — do you have any idea how many people decide to write a book but how few actually get to The End? Celebrate, let it simmer for a bit, and then get to the revisions.