The novel is underway. I am so far about 10,000 words in and it's going... ok. I can already see it's going to be a massive undertaking though because it's changing as I'm writing it. I'm trying not to go back and edit but instead, just keep moving forward - just keep walking through the blizzard of ideas as the tracks behind me fill in. If I make it through the first draft - fingers crossed - then I'm going to have a lot of tidying up to do. But that's what a second draft is for.There are three things I need to do before I sit down to write: tie my hair back, make sure my nails are short and put my ear defenders on. Other people have their own little rituals but, for now, these are mine. I once went to a meditation class where it was explained that the lighting of candles and incense before meditating was a way for the mind to prepare itself for meditation. And that, with regular practise, doing this would train the mind to get into that meditative state more quickly (a bit like Pavlov's experiments with dogs). I see my three things as similar to this - they get my mind into the right place for novel writing.
And so it begins. Wish me luck. I think there's a bit of a journey ahead... and I think I might need it. Good luck with your own new ventures.
Good luck! I'm also at around 10,000 words and a little scared. x
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you too, Jen! It's daunting indeed x
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'm so impressed that you just launched in. I had to plan like an obsessive before I could put the first words down! Just started my second draft. I'll be following your progress with interest and crossed fingers for your success!
ReplyDelete(And you, too, Jen!)
Thanks, Rachel - I tried to get going a few times but couldn't quite manage it and then one day I just did. That's not to say what I'm writing is any good of course! Good luck with your second draft.
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