A breath…

Booked before University was a week away for a significant birthday in the family. So, here I am, just North of beautiful Oban. Twenty-eight hours in and what a difference breathing a different air can make to a person. Re-laxed…

Just look at it, from the main window of our fantastic accommodation. I have to keep pinching myself to remember that it’s October. We’ve stayed here a number of times. Exquisite and immaculate, and wonderful hosts on hand to help. Craigneuk in Benderloch  –  don’t tell too many people, we still want availability each year!

So, what has this to do with writing? Well, some might say sod all. It’s a holiday after all. However, breathing a different air, being away from the library is when the ideas start to really bubble in the subconscious.

I over edit, I know I do. I have polished the opening of my thesis so much it can be seen from space. The opening is unrecognisable to its predecessor, for the better I feel. I now have the entry of narrator no. 2 (big reveal!). I am forming their role in the next 2k before I submit it for my first meeting. I am nervous, extra washing nervous. I will over edit. I am over editing.

At some point, I have to call a hault. I think I have with 1k – 1.5k. The new opening is so much stronger. Now the next 2k.

This week is about taking stock, a step back to think and cultivate ideas. Narrative two is the biggest deal. However, I have been here before and won – Man United could learn from me! I have my laptop with me. However, I don’t want to use it. Holiday is just that, and time out for a writer should be a ‘step back and breathe’ time.

I like my characters, indeed I am very attached to them. We go forward together into the great unknown with just a scrap of A4 to guide us.