I returned last night from a whole two days away, deciding that a houseful of visiting Kings might e sufficient to keep catastrophe at bay. Two entire days, driving down to Big Sur and talking to the redwoods. And although I didn’t take my laptop or a writing pad, and only took a cell phone in case of problems at home, I find I’ve come home with work accomplished.
I now know the new character for the next Russell book, and his name.
I have some ideas for a fabulous standalone novel.
And I’ve found an amazing setting for a possible writers’ workshop.
Sure I love my job, but isn’t it a little unbalanced to go off on a mini vacation and come home with more work than I’d started with?
Younger Son says
November 2, 2007 at 10:50 am“A houseful of visiting Kings.” Sounds like a jumbo-sized Epiphany.
I bet you get that all the time.
“Sure I love my job, but isn’t it a little unbalanced to go off on a mini vacation and come home with more work than I’d started with?” Yes, but you love your job. Of course a couple of days’ relaxation after weeks of hard work would open your mind to pursuing what is a very close part of your life. You probably found the same with respect to your children (if you ever did get away from them).
So in spite of my “Yes, but,” it is perfectly, and strictly, balanced. It came as a result of adding to the balance of your life.
Roxanne says
November 2, 2007 at 11:00 amHmmmm. I want to hear more about this “possible writers’ workshop” . . .
Roxanne says
November 2, 2007 at 11:01 amMore hmmmmm. Does that mean ‘possible writers’? Or ‘possible workshop’? (Or both?)
Carlina says
November 2, 2007 at 12:14 pmThat’s how you know you’re a good writer, when little things inspire you. Well that’s always been my take on it. Nah…I don’t think you’re unbalanced. When we are at ease, our creative minds always kick in.
*ears perk up* What was that? Russell? New character? *waits*
Real Icon says
November 2, 2007 at 1:58 pmOhhhh … New Russell character? If my brain and eyes were able to start watering to show their appetite, just as my mouth usually does when confronted with my favourite dishes, then I’d be soaking wet right now. The perfect message for freezing me who has only just returned from an expedition to her icy attic compartment to dig out a pile of books needed for a perfect Friday evening – all things Russell I could mine in the depth of all the book-filled boxes up there, still waiting for the day when I finally have enough space and shelves to unpack them all. I managed to grab “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice”, “A Monstrous Regiment of Women”, “Justice Hall” and “The Game” before my fingers became numb. Now for a candle, a nice hot soup and some most satisfying adventures … (Considering the weather I should have picked “O Jerusalem” – I just couldn’t find it quickly enough!)
nkk1969 says
November 2, 2007 at 1:59 pmHey Roxanne,
Or, it could be a workshop for possible writers. 🙂
Nikki
kitty says
November 3, 2007 at 5:56 amIt’s it wonderful how a “brain rest produces even more ideas? It happens all the time, good luck.
Kerry says
November 3, 2007 at 2:43 pmYou drove down to Big Sur to talk to redwoods. I’ve been there. Nothing that happens in such magical surroundings could possibly be considered unbalanced.
I miss it!
Becca Shmeka says
November 3, 2007 at 6:16 pmOh yay! The next Russell novel?!?!? I am so excited! This just made a horrible day wonderful.
:]
Sara says
November 4, 2007 at 1:52 pmI am reminded of the passage in “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice” about the ‘bat qol,’ something about speaking in whispers when the mind is not focused on the topic at hand, coming elliptically, or in other some such beautifully worded metaphor that I cannot attempt to paraphrase.
The mind is a curious machine, with different fuel for everyone. Glad you filled up, as it were.
corgimom says
November 6, 2007 at 12:15 pmI guess I thought the very definition of vacation was coming back with more work than you left with…
I have to join the chorus of readers and fans proclaiming, “Lucky us!”