It is all consuming, this being an author. Even when not sat here typing away, I find myself constantly constructing sentences in my mind, or planning the next section. Or thinking should I move that here and this here.
There is the issue of self doubt too. Who wants to read this anyway I think to myself, especially when a bad memory needs to be faced head on, in a way that I have never previously allowed myself to do.
Grammar and punctuation issues keep confronting me also. I may appear a confident writer but I can assure you I am not. How I wish I had finished my education. Do you know I never passed a single exam? I am indeed a self taught man, and it is beginning to show. Mind you I suppose that is where the editors and proof readers come into their own. At least I am hoping they will, should I be fortunate enough to reach that stage of proceedings.
I still struggle with the word processor. It is mighty complicated. I have had to call for assistance a few times. Last week I could not access the manuscript at all, and believe me I was in despair. Two nights ago, I could not shut the programme down for some odd reason. A sign popped up warning me that all data would be lost if I switched off manually, but I was tired, and refused to believe it. I lost two thousand or more words because of my stupidity, and in this case they were lost truly nowhere to be found.
Thank you Paul for coming out late at night to help me in my hour of need. Thank you Steve for never failing to help too, and not complaining when I interrupt your dinner. If this book ever gets published, your two names shall be acknowledged.
One positive though from Paul coming to help, was that he asked to read a chapter or two. He couldn't stop reading. In the end I had to tell him to wait for the book to come out. Now that is promising, don't you think?
I am going to take a short blogging break now, and concentrate solely on the book for a few days. It is a good job I have Sadie the German Shepherd to take out walking, or else I would be glued to this chair permanently.
I will be back soon. Take care.
Take care...see you soon.
ReplyDeleteJane x
Hope you remember peons like me when you are rich and famous! Take care and good luck.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, do what you have to do. I am having trouble focussing the mind, it's darting all over the place. Now what next....ah yes, time to eat.
ReplyDeleteOf course we will miss you but in the end we should have a book to read. Sadie will help you take a break now and then. That should keep you refreshed.
ReplyDeleteTake all the time you need, after all, you have got a good book to finish writing, so tally ho!
ReplyDeleteWe are all waiting with bated breath for the book to be published.
Best of luck to you John.
Focus on what needs to be done and we will all be here when you are ready to return
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to reading this book so keep up the good work. Dont forget to look after yourself though, you need to keep your strength up. I hope Sadie remembers to feed you and take you for walks.
ReplyDeleteJohn, at times, we all need to take a break and focus on other things and for you it is writing this book. Hope all goes well nd I understand about having to write and rewrite as it happens to me all the time and I used to work at this for a living. It shows the sign of a creative mind at work, at least that's what I want to believe and sticking to that theory. Good luck to you and let us know when you return.
ReplyDeleteA good idea take a break and concentrate on the book. let us know when it is done.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your blogging break. I'm sure your book will be snapped up and I'll be first in line. Writing can be particularly frustrating, 2000 pages? Ouch! Well, onward and upward. I'm sure some of the classic writers had their stumbling blocks along the way and it will all be worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with that. Write when the muse is strong, but don't forget us!
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful writer, John! You have had a colourful life I know although painful at times! Hope to get back blogging soon as getting internet on this weekend. Be in touch next week!
ReplyDeleteWe will all be here waiting for your triumphant return, and best of luck with the book. It will be just fine and I have no doubts it will be a tremendous read. Take care buddy.
ReplyDelete