WELCOME!
I have been appalling at writing a regular blog and being able to keep my website up to date and now I have a much easier system. Here’s hoping the bad habits change as well.
Other than building web sites and redesigning logos. Letter heads and a new business card I have managed to squeeze in some writing. I recently went and heard acclaimed author Garth Nix speak about his writing habit and process. I was much relieved to hear him say that he writes no more now he is a full time author than when he had to go out and work elsewhere. But that in its self raises the question, what is writing and how does an author use time?
I see myself as a full time author / illustrator yet if I had to answer to a boss (not including publishers and contract deadlines) I would always be crawling in asking for leave. Seeing as I am the boss I just squash my whole life in as many layers as that entails in together and take the leave as required. How many words have I written in the car waiting for teenagers to arrive on the bus, finish a music session or practice netball? Plenty.
How many ideas have I had whilst churning out the domestic drearies, washing dishes, clothes, dogs (actually my husband does that) mop and scrub? Heaps.
How many ideas have occurred and words have been written without fore thought, distraction and mundane activities that allow me to enter the world of my subconscious? Very few if any.
My work day begins with the rooster’s crow; literally, he starts at about six am each morning. Sometimes I spend some midnight hours churning over ideas and plots as they wake me for their attention. This last month had a new picture book idea arrive, develop, evolve and start on the drive back home from dropping the kids at the school bus. By lunch time it was a finished story. They don’t often happen like that. The day ends when the lights go out upstairs and my grey matter can do no more.
I am always on call, without roster or holidays, it never ceases. Thank goodness. If I couldn’t create, write or draw I would literally explode and that would be very messy.
So, to all who sail these seas of creative thought, all the very best and happy whatever it is that wakes you in the wee hours. I love that I am full time plus.