Downtime

I was reading another blogger's posting and had to laugh. She wrote that downtime is creative time. I've usually found the opposite to be true.

When I broke my back in two places a couple years ago, I was sure I would write prolifically. Didn't happen. I spent the time in a chair watching endless junk. Finally, my daughter got me the Sharpe series of books by Bernard Cornwell. They filled my soul. Lots of battles with swords and such. So I spent my time in recuperation with a British soldier. Fun. But no writing done. 

Now I'm in the midst of this battle and finding that again, I have no compunction to write. I discovered that this can be overcome with will and the Muse breathing down my throat. It's not pleasant, but it's doable. 

Last night was the first night I have slept more than three hours. For weeks now, I've been battling pain and it usually hits right around the time I slip under my bed covers. Cute!

I woke up this morning around 9ish, took my granddaughter to ballet, then came home and fell asleep. Never woke till around 6ish. Must have needed it.

I'm hoping the meds will kick in soon and my metabolism will kick back up -- and I'll be able to write. Until then, of course, the story and the characters fill my mind. Whisphering, ever whispering. Thankfully!

Life is recovering.

A Word of Warning

I know this blog is about writing - but this has affected my writing. 

Take care of yourself and listen to your body.

For more than three months I have felt ill in numerous ways and saw a doctor. Lots of things happening, but the doc would look at one 'problem' at a time, try to fix it, and then go on to the next. Most times, I got the impression that he was  humoring me. I felt such guilt. That perhaps I had let myself fall apart. Didn't take care of myself. Etc., etc., etc. Taking care of a five-year old was too much.

The doc finally ordered blood work. Discovered I had a major, life-threatening problem, and prescribed some easy meds to fix it. However -- and don't you just love it -- the doc never told me about it. His office called me the next day and said he'd ordered meds. No discussion. 

I went to another doctor. This one told me that the diagnosis impacted my life in every way possible. From my eyesight - to my extreme fatigue - to my 9 out of a scale of 10 back pain - to my deep sorrow. He said all will slowly be corrected with the medication.

I can't tell you the weight that was lifted from me. Especially the weight of guilt. Incredible feeling.

Had to share this with you all. If you have recurring problems with your health, in any way, seek a doctor. And if you don't get answers, go to another, and another until someone finally takes the time to tell you what's going on. 

Life is too precious.

Something's Wrong With Time

I swear it's Wednesday - but my calendar says it's Tuesday.

Exhaustion can do bad things to you. To me. I'm discovering that the stresses of life have been a bit too much and my body has rebelled. 

So I'm giving myself an excuse for the doldrums that descended upon me of late. Not that you, dear friends, need an excuse. You know I can be such fun. 

I tried to write today, but I read instead. I've been trying to do that more lately. The book I chose was good. I finished it this afternoon. 

That means, I can write tomorrow night. Daytime writing just isn't possible with my little one. Though she is sweet beyond measure, she likes to play with her Ammie. That means Barbies, princesses, coloring, cooking.... lots of things. The day is full of joy and fatigue. 

Kathleen is still in full command of 'Blue.' I hope she lets Kaspar come out and play sometime soon.

Life is full of deep breathing.

I Should Whine More Often

You know, this seems to happen a lot. When I get discouraged and start to feel sorry for myself, the Muse kicks in (and kicks me) and off I go.

Wrote a truckload last night. I wrote some fluff, too. But 'Blue' insisted that I spend some time on her. Did research, too. The terrain has changed, where they're now heading, and I had to get a firm idea of what it looked like. There are places all around the world that are like where I'm sending them. New Zealand, the US, Turkey, lots of places. That's great for me because it means it will seem familiar and yet seem unfamiliar to my readers. Not a fun place to send my poor hero/heroine -- but that's where Bryan's at. 

Only a couple more chapters to go before the next 'incident' and then I'll be writing the climax. Seems incredible. Especially since I was so low yesterday! I have to thank friends, especially Minnie, for hitting me upside the head!

I'll go back, after the whole story is written, and incorporate Bob's thoughts (see Nov. 12th posting). They are all feasible and most should really put zing into the work.

Life is being flexible.