Writing Retreat…
I’m spending the next couple of weeks concentrating solely on writing. I set myself certain goals at the beginning of the calendar year related to my first novel. Unfortunately, as often happens in life, there have been a few disruptions along the way and not all of them bad. So, here I am more than halfway through April and not finished. The next two weeks, with hard work and a little luck will be all about the novel.
It’s been an interesting experience - I say that as I’m almost done and feel confident in my words. There have been a couple of difficult situations with research required and fighting my way through to understanding. Additionally, I’ve discovered over and over that characters don’t always do what I planned. I find it fascinating how I’ll be writing something out and suddenly the character’s words change or something unexpected happens. I love it as it tells me they’ve come alive. It makes me hopeful they will come alive for readers, as well.
This blog is short as it’s an announcement of sorts that good things, I hope, are on their way. It’s also a note that my blog may be missing for the next couple of Sundays - it will be organic. If I have something to say I’ll write, otherwise, I’ll see you on the other side of my writing retreat.
Before I head back to the novel, three things I’ve noticed over the last week.
In Eastern Ontario we can never count on April to be the true start of Spring. Just this morning, Mother Nature showed her fickleness with another sprinkling of white after a beautiful 20C day yesterday. Sheesh! One should never count on warmth before May!
Most of the time people, as busy and self-focussed as they may be, respond positively when they receive a smile or friendly word. A tiny bit of kindness can make a person’s day better and it bounces back on you. Stress impacts everyone and doing one small thing to help someone else can make a massive difference.
Breaking bread with friends and family is a fantastic way to spend time. My sister and niece celebrated their April birthdays with a lunch out with family and from all accounts had a great time with delicious food. I was out for dinner on Friday with family and friends and it was full of laughter, smiles and great food. We forget sometimes, in the midst of our crazy lives, to take time to celebrate together, to enjoy the sustenance of good food and to soak up that warm atmosphere.
Okay, those are my comments. I know it’s a short blog today. I hope you’ll stick around for what comes next. April showers will soon give way to May flowers!
Korean BBQ! Great fun!