September 2010
A friend recently asked me how I write. Over the years I have tried several methods from specific times of day to meeting specific daily word counts. And of course I promptly set out to sabotage the rules and time sheets.
It all seems to get down to how I feel. Grumpy from waking up at three am thinking about a plot twist, I may only write a grumpy scene. Cheerful because the sun is shining I may write an uplifting scene. The main task is to write something, anything, because the act itself is a process which helps me feel centered and whole. It is what I love doing.
I do try to have some type of icon or object relating to my story nearby. Two little metal statues from India are currently within reach and whenever I look up I see them. Figures which remind me of the world I am trying to create.
Gardening is also within reach! This year it has been a sad, sad year for fruit trees and some vegetables. The weather has not cooperated at all. On the other hand the slugs are running amok. And they come out at night by the hundreds and clean up debris in the garden. Yes, I have learned to not tempt them with plants they love unless it is vegetables then I use slug bait which is safe to use around pets.
Speaking of pets . . . I took care of my daughter’s two Pugs for ten days. This meant I had four Pugs and two Papillons. Meal times were interesting! Six bowls spaced apart and I had to stand patiently by to make sure the “kids” behaved and sure enough I had to banish my seven year old six pound Papillon from the eating circle because he tried to sneak around and grab tidbits which fell out of other dog’s dishes. Two of the Pugs took him to task over this and I made sure the trouble maker ate by himself in another room. Reminded me of teaching grade school kids!
Back to writing. I always have two Pugs within reach ;)
