The long holiday vacation is over and part of me is glad. It's always nice to get back into a routine. But the other part of me, the part that doesn't like getting up in the morning and plunging into that routine, isn't happy at all. :-)
I spent New Year's Day editing my novel, hanging out with my daughter and husband, and reading. The roads were a mess all day and I had little desire to get out. This morning the roads weren't much better. But I'm at work and trying to adjust my mind to the "dayjob" schedule.
Yesterday, as I was letting my dog out, I watched a car drive by our house. It was a young guy - probably in his early 20's, and apparently he wanted to show off to his girlfriend how savy his driving was on the icy roads. Well, he ended up losing control and smacking into a parked Lexus SUV, then getting stuck on the opposite side of the road. Something made me continue watching this little event and sure enough, when he finally got his car unstuck, he took off. He didn't bother to leave a note on the SUV, didn't bother to walk up to the owner's house and tell them that he'd hit their car. So my dog and I decided to go investigate. Sure enough, there was a nice, big dent in the SUV and it looked like the wheel was knocked loose. I marched up to the neighbor's door and told them what happened. Whether or not they pursue the "criminal" is another matter, but I felt better having done it. It just never fails to amaze me the audacity of some people. The whole incident was caused by this young kid messing around and when the consequences of his actions weren't to his liking, he just took off. I hope they catch him.
The edits are going well on the novel. But I'm struggling with ideas for my next book. It's not that I'm out of ideas - quite the contrary! I have so many churning around in my brain that I'm not sure which one to focus on. I'd really like to write a book about the German resistance in Nazi Germany, but that one is going to require quite a bit of research. Not that I mind, but I'm not sure that's the one I want to focus on. I guess I'll listen to whichever characters decide to speak the loudest before I decide.
I'm also looking to join another writing group. While I have belonged to RWA for a number of years now, I feel like my writing is moving in a new direction. The only drawback is my local group. Since they are a part of RWA, I have to belong to the national group if I want to stay with them. So I'm conflicted. It could be that I'm just burned out, though, after serving as my chapter's president and vice-president for two years. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.
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I hope you find a group. I have never belonged to one, other than my Net pals.
ReplyDeleteRegarding ideas for the next book, my onyl advice is to wait a little longer to start. I have a ton if ideas as well, and when I start a book too early - when I think I have everything mapped out - something else enters the picture.
There is a lot of pressure to start writing ASAP, but I say don't rush. When you think you have the answers, take another 2 days before you start.
It is like a double-edged sword when you witness an accident. A few years back I witnessed a teen barrel around a curve at 50+ mph. His tires were screaming, and the zone was a 25mph limit. He went off the road and into a house.
The insurance companies called me so many times that I wanted to run and hide.
SW - I'm beginning to wonder if the people whose car got hit even have insurance. I don't think they even called the police yesterday to report the accident. Oh well. I did my part. :)
ReplyDeleteYou did indeed the right thing, and that's commendable. I can't believe how some people are so selfish and sly.
ReplyDeleteWay to go on the editing... it's a tough old slog. I'm kind of in the same situation, wondering what to work on next. I have mss all over the place, some half done, some just one chapter done. I think I'm going to collect all of that, do some file cleanup, and try to look objectively at them so I can determine which ones have the most follow-through potential -- i.e. which ones are solid ideas as opposed to mere "intriguing incidences." Of course, I'll listen to my gut too -- it tells me which one I'll truly enjoy working on.
Re: the writing group. I belonged to the RWA for two years, and to the Toronto chapter for a year. I didn't renew my memberships after Nationals because romance really isn't my focus anymore. I don't feel I need a group now that I have several outstanding cps. However, if you like the group environment, why don't you stay a member but not be on the board??
Take care!
Stephanie - The only problem with staying with my current group is that I still have to belong to the national group. Truth be told, I can't afford that right now. :( So it's a difficult decision.
ReplyDeleteGood job on the editing! That can be a fun part sometimes, and sometimes a big old pain in the neck. And you did the right thing about the kid and the dent in the SUV. What a jerk.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to tell you about the writing group. I live in an area where there is no local chapter to RWA. And the city I live closest to is huge! I don't get it.
I felt really burned out near the end of last year after two year's of the VP and one year as prez. Now that I'm starting my 2nd year as prez (glutton for punishment anyone?) I've realized that after 4 years, I am in the clear for a good long time! 2008 you will see me kicking back and watching everyone else do the work!!
ReplyDeletetough call on the writing group thing. It is a shame you have to belong to National RWA to belong to the local chapters.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of new writing group are you thinking of looking into/joining?
Perhaps some free writing about various characters vying for your attention will help.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on finding a new group. Support is essential!
I know what you mean about writing groups. I'm looking for one too, though I'm a member of RWA Online. I'd also like to be in more direct communication with those writing historicals like me.
ReplyDelete