Saturday 6 June 2009

Step Away From The Novel


Two posts in one day, Amanda! What’s happening?

Well, it’s a displacement activity. I’m avoiding my novel. So if you see it, you haven’t seen me, right!

Initially, I was thrilled by the bond I had with my novel. I would put everything into our relationship, and it would never let me down. But now, I guess like any long term relationship, it’s all gone a bit stale.

Anyhoo, we’re off to Dartmouth next week, my novel and I. (Oh and hubby too!) And I’m hoping, once there, some of the passion we once felt will come back (I’m still talking about my novel here you understand!)

But if I return feeling like this, we’ve agreed a mini-break, while I try new ventures. My novel has agreed to sit in ‘my documents’ waiting for me, until I'm ready. But I hope, for both our sakes, the holiday does us good.

17 comments:

HelenMWalters said...

I've been pursuing displacement activities all day - oh dear! Hope you and your novel come to a suitable agreement soon x

Lane Mathias said...

I'm sure the holiday will do you both the world of good. The passion will be rekindled (and I'm talking novel of course:-)

Jenny Beattie said...

I've just taken four weeks off and come back fresh and ready to get on again. I hope your break works for you too.

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I'm the queen of displacement activities, but at least the last couple of days has seen me clearing out wardrobes, spring cleaning the house from top to bottom and even mowing the lawn.

Maybe now it's time for some writing?

Hope you have a great trip.

Pat Posner said...

Have a great holiday and fall in love all over again cos you have GOT to finish the novel.

xxPat

Amanda said...

Here's hoping, Helen - just need some time away from it me thinks!

I'm sure it will be, Lane :-)

Ooh, that's great, JJ - good luck!

Thanks, Pat x

DJ Kirkby said...

Hmmmmm...yeah....I've been there too. My novel sits on my memory stick, it doesn't trust the computer.

Bluestocking Mum said...

Good luck with the novel.

Be warned - now you are along the line with it, it is likely to be with you 24-7 so make the most of the holiday (although it is usually when on holiday that I come up with some of my best ideas!)

warm wishes

Amanda said...

Oops, sorry Debs, I missed you there! Wow, they are reallly good displacement activities! I'm displacing (is that a word?) from those things too ;-)

Yes, DJ - I should probably put mine on a memory stick too - In fact I'm off to do that right this minute!

Hi Angel - Thanks for visiting :-)
I come up with my best ideas when away too - here's hoping!

Chris Stovell said...

I've just laughed at your previous post (they are indeed sprouting all over the place... tempted?). In the mean time, have a great holiday and here's hoping that you and your novel will feel the love!

DAB said...

Enjoy your wee break. Eat plenty of icecream ;-) TFx

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

I'm avoiding my own novel so can't offer any advice.

Have a great time in Dartmouth.

:-)

Karen said...

If you're still not getting on when you come back, maybe you'd better utter those fateful words "it's not you, it's me darling" and start dating other, er, novels. (It sounded good in my head ok??)

Anyway, have a lovely holiday and come back refreshed :o))

Fionnuala said...

Displacement Activity? Wot's that then? Sitting at the computer at 10.42 when you're supposed to be in Sainsburys?

Kat W said...

Ah yes. The precarious relationship between novel & writer - I know it all to well. Its amazing how passion can turn cold overnight & you don't even know what went wrong. Sometimes a break is a good thing. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. You will grow to love each other again.

Kat :-)

Maria said...

You're doing exactly the right thing in my opinion.....

Amanda said...

Hi Chris – They are indeed – and yes, I’ve been tempted – mine is the poor example at the end! Oh dear!

I did, TF – Twas lubbly! X

Thanks, Suzanne – The break did me good. I think I have my thoughts on my novel in order now –ish! ;-)

Hey Karen - I’m back and thinking ‘it’s not the novel it’s me’ Ha!

Hi F – It’s what animals do when they are frustrated with something – Yep, sounds about right! X

Hee hee, Kat – The break did us both good – I need my novel to stop doing certain things – and my novel's agreed! X

Thanks Gaelikaa 