My Internal life as a writer has been a constant battle with the small whispering voice (well, sometimes it shouts) that tells me I can't do it. This time, the voice taunts me, you will fall flat on your face.
~Dani Shapiro
"Writing?" Asks Rob drying his hands.
"Something like that." Annoyed, I close the laptop on a losing game of spider. "Dammit Rob, don't leave wet paper towels hanging from the roll."
He ignores me. "So, how's the book?"
My plot sucks, so I shrug.
"That good huh?"
"Just mow the lawn," I snap, "and quit feeding bunnies on the lanai."
"Oh good," says Rob, his head in the fridge, "you bought carrots." He disappears out the back door and before I can launch twitter, he's back. "Have you posted anything new on the blog?"
I shake my head.
"So, let me see," he taps his lip, "you've taken a break from the blog to write a book, but instead, you check e-mail and play solitaire." His eyes twinkle. "Better not quit your day job."
"Stop," My fingers splay into the international stop sign, "talking to me."
He laughs. "Want to go for a bike ride?"
Movement catches our attention as baby bunny sneaks onto the lanai, gives a cautious glance to either side and then launches into a series of leaps and pirouettes. When he stops at the sliding glass door to peek inside we hold our breath.
"Yeah," I sigh as bunny wanders off, "I'd love to."
"Good, get your shoes and I'll get the bikes." He stops with one hand on the garage door. "Don't worry, you're smart, you'll figure it out."
Fall flat on your face, but find someone to pat your back ~ Kelly
I can't imagine someone that writes as well as you, being worried about writing??? Bunnies... that might be something to worry about, or... there's always falling off the bike.
ReplyDeleteHow'd you know about the bike?
DeleteIf the plot sucks...change it? Really, it is that simple and honestly, that difficult. I know, I get it, but do something.
ReplyDeleteThe book is running around in your head...so listen to it.
The type it.
And the blog...well, I do have to admit, I am happy to see an entry now and then! Shut up Rob...♥
Yep, but as the veteran of three plotless books, I worry. Oh and Rob? Rob's chuckling.
DeleteThis guy sounds like a keeper. We writers can be pains in the ass to live with but your guy seems sensitive and extremely cooperative.
ReplyDeleteRob is priceless and hey, who are you calling a pain in the ass? :-)
DeleteAww, that was really cute. And hey -- where can I get one of those pirouetting bunnies?
ReplyDeleteI don't know, but I'm a little crushed that bunny is growing into a cautious adult. Sigh.
DeleteRob does sound like a great muse. I'm not a writer, but I know good writing when I see it, and you certainly produce it. Get your second wind. You've got this~
ReplyDeleteOh no you don't, your writing is lovely, deep and true.
Delete"Stop talking to me."
ReplyDeleteWords often spoken at my house while I'm trying to write.
They don't.
Power through, Oh Mighty Queen of Dialogue. I KNOW you can do it. :)
"Stop talking to me." Yep, we're soul sisters, now if you could introduce me to the Princess of Plot. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
DeleteWe're all here for ya!
ReplyDeleteWe all know you can do it.
Just trust us until you know it.
:-)
(yea my husband told me that one - i liked it and thought i'd use it on you...but it's true for you!)
Awwww, you have bunnies??????? What more do you need?
DeleteGet focused! Set some goals! Turn off the internet!
You can DO it!
Nano is coming up... that really helped me get my novel finished.
In the meantime, buy more carrots.
Oh lord, NANO is were I wrote my first plotless mess so I'm a bit wary, but maybe ...
DeletePeg, I'm clinging to your hubby's quote and Cathy, way to go with the new blog.
I have begun several books - my plots all suck! Thanks you...I like it.
ReplyDeleteWe need a plot review board!
DeleteI could SO see your hand going up, and the evident pause between the "stop"... and "talking to me," moments. Take a breath, and enjoy something outside of what you are pushing for, usually when you let go, so will it.
ReplyDeleteMy muse is napping, Is it okay to kick her?
DeleteThanks K.
DeleteKeep at it. You'll rock that thing.
ReplyDeleteMy silly blog is a direct result of your great group. Have I said thanks?
DeleteSometimes it's only the difficulty of thinking up excuses that keeps me going.
ReplyDeleteIf we have an excuse fest will you bring cookies?
DeleteI need you around, Kelly. I smile more with every post you do. Hope you enjoyed the bike ride.
ReplyDeleteI always like a good bike ride, but we could use some of your exotic red dragonflies. I'm smiling back Dannie.
DeleteSorry you're having such a rough patch, but I have no doubt you'll get through it. Keep writing!
ReplyDeleteI'll do that Emily. Thanks for the visit.
DeleteKeep going. It will all come through. Send positive thoughts to the universe.
ReplyDeletePositive thoughts are my favorite. Thanks tikulicious.
DeleteI'm agreeing with-and giggling at-Ms. A. You are truly good. And you have the guts to give it a try. That's halfway there. An occasional bunny and bike detour is good for you!
ReplyDeleteI've given up Ben & Jerry in favor of, gasp, exercise. Maybe the synapses will start to fire again. Love the bunnies!
DeleteYou will figure it out :) Give it time, don't be in a hurry to do anything..
ReplyDeleteSpill Beans is a lovely blog. Thanks for the visit.
ReplyDeleteIf wrecked almost everything on two or three wheels. I would have been inspired to write just to avoid the bike ride. Good luck with the book!!! It will come to you. Exercise almost always helps.
ReplyDeleteWeighted just landed on my kindle. I'd downloaded the sample, of course I did, gave up and bought the book after the first paragraph. Can't wait to get started.
DeleteWriting is more difficult than I realized. I have book ideas... Just don't know how to make them into something interesting. And a bike ride sounds quite nice.... ( good luck - love YOUR quote)
ReplyDeleteMe too Daphne, me too.
DeleteYou absolutely need that kind of support, especially when you're hard on yourself as most writers are.
ReplyDeleteHope the bike ride improved your plot! :-)
Well, I saw lots of bunnies and I'm working on plot.
ReplyDelete