Sue and Teresa
When time won’t allow for writing, when real life gets in the way, like now, though real life is writing, then an uncomfortable tension invades my mind.
I want to write, the unfinished stories are queued up waiting to be told. But I also have to be comfortable physically to concentrate on the characters, the plot (though I don’t really) and the words.
April was a busy time for writing. May not so much with external influences preventing the fingers from skimming along the keyboard.
I’ve been reading. Through books I see how my own writing can be improved. The author I’m currently reading is so visual I can see it all. Then there was the book I did finish and cursed from two thirds in to the end. It’s like she needed more plot and invented conflicts that didn’t feel true. A book can have too much plot if the characters’ actions don’t flow naturally.
A while ago I wrote this blog about a reporter named Andrew Forbes. Yet I have no idea where the name came from. Writing is funny that way – the mind has a unconscious connection with the fingers typing but consciously I haven’t a clue til I read what’s on the monitor.
As one of the writers pointed out – writers inspire other writers. While writing is a solitary pursuit but when in communication with other writers one is never alone. Sharing ideas and receiving constructive criticism it becomes a group activity.
The photo above is me and my friend Teresa who lives in the country not so close to Pittsburgh (with an “H”). We were able to meet and it’s great to have a face and voice to go with the words. We really didn’t talk about writing just exchanged a few ideas and got to know each other better. I know I can count on her to help me as she can count on me.
So one of the bonuses of participating in a writing group with people from around the world is occasionally, when proximity and time allows – getting to meet in person.
Part of participating in the writing community though right now time won’t let me, is reading friends’ blogs and keeping up with their writing. So between my own writing and keeping up with friends’ writing it’s time consuming. But pays huge dividends.
I’m taking it slowly telling my characters to calm down their turn will come and I will get to their story. But it might take a while as May will be a busy month and some things cannot be rushed.
What more can I say?
Eh-eh-o eh-o
***
written for Blogophilia Week 13.7 Topic: Time Won’t Let MeBonus Points:
(Hard, 2 points) Incorporate a line from the song “Pompeii” by Bastille
(Easy, 1 point) Include a newscaster or reporter
sassyspeaks 
🙂 lol, and I heard that in your voice. And I’m saying something! It was a pleasure getting to meet. It is way cool when writing leaves the digital pages and takes a foray our into the world. 🙂 I know what you mean about not having enough time to read. I wish I had more time to visit other blogs. A big hug to you, Sue!
back at ya!
Sorry I couldn’t meet up with you – will have to do better next chance
well you’ll have to come to Canada then 😀
Nice way to sneak the last prompt in.
I go through binges reading. Right now, I’m not reading quite so much because of work. But I agree that seeing how different authors handle different situations really is helpful.
just have to be careful not to “borrow” their voice
I know exactly how you feel! I also get extremely cranky when my time is constrained and I don’t have enough time to write or read blogs (let alone live a real life…). It is amazing how sometimes the stories just write themselves. I’d like time to return to writing flash fiction and ultimately longer stories, but for now I am lucky to just keep up with Blogophilia once a week!! 😉
Also, very cool that you are making it a point to meet so many fellow writers. That is a wonderful thing. 😀
Not sure we’ll ever get around to your neck of the woods though…
Although you may learn from others, many have already learned from you!
8 points Earthling! 🙂
thank you for the sweet comment
I can completely relate. As a novice writer, I always try to find ways to improve my style so I get become better. This year I’ve reached a blockage so I’m finding less and less time to get inspired and motivated to write. Hopefully, I can start it up again soon.
sometimes the characters need a rest before they start nagging again
Time is always an issue. Progress on my current manuscript has been interrupted half a dozen times for either editing or short story commitments. I have dreams about working on the darn thing, but the hours aren’t there. It’s moving up my priority list, however, and eventually all else will take a backseat.
It is fun meeting other writers. Other than one conference in 2012, I haven’t had that opportunity since leaving California. The Writers Unboxed Conference will be held a block away. Maybe I’ll get to come out of seclusion for that. 🙂
VR Barkowski
What kind of conference is that?
The conference will deal with the craft of writing and is the brain child of those wise and wonderful folks at the Writerunboxed.com blog.
To quote:
“The Writer Unboxed Un-Conference is unique. Part symposium. Part networking affair. Part workshop. Part retreat.”
I can relate to not having time to write! I’m hoping to get back into it more within the next month… then again, kids are out of school for summer break, so maybe not, haha 🙂
Thanks Janna – I’ll find the time I need
It’s always fun to get to meet someone from offline – I have such a long list of people i want to meet but may never get to. That “time won’t let me” problem… LOL! I’m in the same boat on writing and everything. this trying to buy a house thing is way more time consuming than I imagined.
been there done that – good luck
Thanks. I need to get caught up on your blog! I’ve missed it!
😀
There’s never enough time for writing and reading and editing and … let’s see what else is there we writers do … more writing. 🙂 Great point on the reading part — it’s a writer’s best weapon. Reading and more reading, in any genre but especially the one we write in.
So glad I found this blog of yours, Susan. Love it.
and so glad we met. I’m not sure if the reading in our genre is the point but just the reading to see how other authors tackle problems. For example, the author I’m reading now does body language better than most anyone. It’s so visual. Oh right I said that in the blog – oh well – it’s late here and I’m tired.
What are you reading? It’s late here, too … 🙂
you’re three hours earlier than me. Reading Kim Harrison – urban fantasy – vampires, witches etc.
Your eloquent words speak to me so very much. Great photo too.
I already got most of your travel stories when we chatted on the phone, and I’m finally getting to read this now… (I know, so long ago… 10 days…)
I second the meeting other writers, and in my (most recent, and applicable) experience, other artists.
…Semi-planning with a girl from Italy for her and I to each fly from our respective parts of the world to meet in Japan to stay with a Japanese artist 😉
…wouldn’t that be an awesome time?
My seminar starts tomorrow. So freaking excited!