So, I missed last week…because I was dead.
Mostly dead. I had Covid, which pretty much equates to being dead.
Have you had it? Then you know. Haven’t had it? Congratulations on keeping two solid weeks of your life intact because I don’t know where mine went. Oh, wait, yes, I do—to the couch. I practically lived there all day because I would wake up between 8 and 9 am—mind you I’m up naturally by 6:45—and I would slump my way to my side of the couch, grab my pillow, extend the recliner, and go back to sleep. I just slept. All day. I never thought I would need so much sleep, but apparently I did, because my body was fighting its own war, and all I could do was nothing.
When I wasn’t napping on the couch, I was hating all of our streaming services for making my eyes bleed and my head spin for having to click through everything. All the categories: Trending. Previously watched. What’s recommended based on previous viewings. No. Stop it. There’s too much to choose from, and most of the time, that’s all I was doing. Choosing what to watch instead of actually watching anything, which is incredibly exhausting.
The few times I cracked open the door to outside, I burned alive in the billion-degree heat (because it’s July in Florida), and all because someone just *had* to play fetch, even though I was OBVIOUSLY DEAD, APPA. Burning alive, bleeding eyes, and sleeping all day and night consumed the last two weeks of my life.
I’m telling y’all—I died. Batman right along with me.
But, we’ve emerged from our Covid comas and are (mostly) ready to get back at it! I’m again between jobs because that is my lot in life, but now that the Covid fog has cleared, I’m diving into the NEWEST (and can we say best?) rewrite of still-Untitled story, but I’m *loving* it. There’s actual action and reason pushing the events and characters forward, unlike the randomness I pansted my way through the first three (four?) drafts. This is the winner, baby. I can feel it.
Well, I missed the last IWSG post because of reasons, so no missing this one. If so, I lose my coveted place in line which I’ve been working for since 2014. That’s right. Seven years strong, so can’t fall off the track now. This month’s optional question:
What is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why?
Well, this is embarrassing. I can’t think of a single book on craft I’ve read. I mean, I’m sure, I must have read some in the past at some point (right?) but none are coming to mind. I should note, I am a Creative Writing major and, not that that gets me out of anything, but we did read a lot on craft in all my classes. Maybe I learned all the stuff there? I’ve been meaning to pick up Romancing the Beat since every romance author swears by it. Just haven’t gotten around to it. Oh! I think I read something by Annie Dillard.
*runs to tiny library in adjacent room*
Aha! Here we go: The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
There were a few other books on craft, most from my FSU days (go Noles!) but I don’t remember much from them. I don’t remember much from this one either except feeling inspired, and realizing I’m not a total looney for wanting to transform all these thoughts in my head into words for someone else to read. It’s, like, a thing. A popular thing, I guess.
Well, anyway, there you go. Not dead anymore, still working on BEST version of untitled story, not losing my place in the IWSG line, newly unemployed, (but been here before), and also waiting on mysterious amounts of inheritance to show up and sweep me into my fulltime writing career where I can tend to my gardens and alpaca farm like Jennifer Armentrout, and continue to enjoy life with Batman and Appa.
One day…
Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) is a monthly blog hop for writers at all levels to share their fears and insecurities in a safe and encouraging place. Please drop by and say hi to Alex Cavanaugh who started this nifty concept in bringing us all together.
Make it a great week, and survive Covid!
~ Lady Caitlin
Ugh, that sucks. I’m glad you’re no longer dead, still it’s no good how much you’re going through lately. Sorry to hear the job didn’t work out, but yay for writing the best version of your untitled story so far.
I don’t actually own a lot of craft books, and I haven’t even read all the ones I own. Even the one I mentioned in my blog… I haven’t read through all of that either (I skipped over the whole hero/heroine journey that’s the last section of the book.) So I can’t say I blame you for not having a lot of books. 🙂
Glad you’re better! We were lucky, and our covid run was pretty much nothing except a loss of taste and smell. My aunt and uncle had it like you, though, where they were super tired.
As for craft books, I’ve only read one that someone gifted me, and I can’t remember author or title but the theme was being truthful in your writing – basically telling the true story your characters want to tell and not sugar coating it or changing it for the masses, or something like that. Oh, now I have to look. Hang on. Okay, it’s not where I thought it was, so now it will remain a mystery.
Glad you’re feeling better and keeping up with the writing. Good luck with the WIP and with all your endeavors.
I glad that you made it through Covid okay, CG. It sounds awfu! Fortunately, my husband and I haven’t caught it, but we’ve been laying low for too long. Good look with your writing. Take care!