Friday 5 October 2007

Hoping for a return to squalor

Am up early and feeling unusually positive this morning. Yesterday was the first day for ages (months?) that I managed to write anything proper, and finally felt like I’m getting to know these new characters.

It's always instantly apparent when the writing is going well because the house (and me) descends into filthy chaos and neglect, the children go feral and meals are haphazard, last-minute concoctions usually featuring pasta. This week however, I have not only cleaned the fridge (oh yes, Rachel!) but also painted my toenails, taught Daughter #3 how to play draughts (and subsequently played approximately 87 games) and made jam tarts. All very bad signs indeed, although the lowest point came on Tuesday when I found myself scrubbing behind the basin taps with a toothbrush, and actually considering clearing out the airing cupboard.

It was a scary moment.

I'm hoping nothing that desperate will happen again for a long time. Today I feel like I'm back in business, and can't wait to write the bit where the hero and heroine have their first actual conversation. It's a tricky bit; my head is already with them, and I've been scribbling down snatches of dialogue since I woke up.

The house is a tip. All the signs are good. Normal service has been resumed.

10 comments:

Kate Hardy said...

Excellent news, India - yay for you :o)

Kate Walker said...

Feral children - house a tip - characters in your head . . .

Ah yes, now you're a real writer.

Keep going!

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness for that! I am smarting with shame about the fridge business. I'll say no more on the matter apart from the fact that Mr Ocado is going to have to bring a bottle of Heineken and a jar of gherkins on Monday.This to replace the ones that have been consumed by that pernicious lump of ice right at the back. I will get to it. Eventually...

Anonymous said...

Cleaning ... Scrubbing ... I had nightmares there and nearly had to call the paramedics. Living in a hovel, as I do, (without the feral children but with several feral cats), I was much relieved to read that my dreadline buddy is back in business. Given the snail's pace at which I am progressing - if such it can be called - you'll be whizzing past me in no time.

Love,
Mags xx

Michelle Styles said...

GOsh now I see what is wrong with me. I need to start my one which is due in December and have been spending far too long cleaning.
I like everything much better in squalor...generally it shows my mental state is much better.

Jen said...

Writer or scrubber... hmmm... I know which I'd rather be ;0)

Anonymous said...

The fridge finally saw a scrub brush?! Am celebrating with wine...then holding a memorial for all the creatures who have been swept away by the cleaning spoonge (wine will also feature in this)...

Ray-Anne said...

Wait until you get to the point where the socks need ironing.
Or what about the attic? Loft? Surely that needs a visit from Mr Dyson?
Feel the fear.
And write about it.
Great! LOL :o)

Amanda Ashby said...

Oh dear. Yesterday I made muffins and the day before I cleaned the bathroom, brushed my daughter's hair and then took the kids to park for some Quality Time. I'm so going to have to burn some dinner and try and get my mojo back!!!!

Unknown said...

I think we should have an online support group called Scrubbers Anonymous. Every time any one of us feels the need to clean something or iron a sock (that's serious, Ray-Anne!) we check in and are counselled until it's safe to return to the wip.

After my promising start on Friday I fell off the wagon yesterday morning and handwashed a jumper. All very upsetting. I had to come back and read all these comments until I felt better.