Friday, March 09, 2012

All You Need...

There's something wonderful about having another writer to talk to about writing.

It's even better when that other writer is your daughter.

Last night, we were relaxing in the living room. I was trying to describe to her how I had this mental block that I couldn't seem to get through with my latest novel. She kept nodding her head because she understood.

Then she said, "I have a problem with delay. I always delay writing. I want to write but there are other things I do first."

I replied, "You procrastinate."

"I like the word delay better."

I agreed. It did sound better than procrastinating.

Her eyes suddenly lit up. "I know! Let's light all the candles in the living room, turn out the lights, and write."

Even though I wasn't sure this would break down my mental block, I said yes. After all, who doesn't want to spend time writing with their daughter?

We doused the lights, lit all the candles, and we each started working on our respective laptops (her grandpa gave her a used one for Christmas which helps tremendously since we don't have to share mine any more!). I fiddled with my manuscript while she typed away, and I thought about retreating to my "fun" project instead of tackling the current novel. Yet something held me back, and as I kept fiddling, suddenly, it happened.

The words broke through.

I was delighted to be typing again, and was once more invested in my characters and their drama. Glorious.

And all I needed was a little prayer, a few candles, and an awesome writing buddy.


21 comments:

  1. Great idea, and I'm glad to hear it worked for you! My mum and I should try writing together too.
    On the subject of procrastination, I recently discovered Jackson Pearce's videos on YouTube. Her video Writers' Blok is fabulous. I must have spent two hours watching various other ones too (and therefore not writing...)

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    1. Thanks for the link, Aofie! I'll go check it out. :-)

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  2. So very cool, both to be able to share with your daughter and to break through and be off and running again!

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  3. That's wonderful! My younger sister really loves writing now too, and it's great to be able to talk all about it with her. She understands what I mean - it's kind of a magical feeling to realize that somebody else actually comprehends the challenges you're facing (and the fun parts, too!).

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    1. Yay! Another family member to share the journey with. :-)

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  4. What a precious time for you and your daughter to spend together -- what great bonding, great memories. Priceless!

    Linda

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  5. What a lovely idea and what a special way to spend time with your daughter.

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    1. It was a terrific idea - I love that she came up with it. :-)

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  6. Melissa, what a wonderful story and what a marvelous time the two of you had together. Those special moments together are priceless.

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  7. How much fun does this sound!?!? That is so great. What a wonderful daughter you have!

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    1. Aw, thanks, Kelley. I think she's pretty special. :-)

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  8. Awesome! I'm glad you're writing again, and such a special way for it to happen!

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    1. Oh, me too! I was getting tired of not being able to write! Almost like a part of me was missing...

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  9. How wonderful! Not only the writing, but you and your daughter creating that special time together. I bet she'll never forget it. (or you, either!) :-)

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    1. My hope is that we will create some wonderful memories that she'll cherish forever. :-)

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  10. Beautiful, just beautiful!!!

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  11. Anonymous4:23 PM

    What a cool idea! I love the idea of typing in the dark to candlelight. What a smart daughter!

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  12. Oh my goodness. Best blog post ever.

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