Catch up...

I was sequestered away in a rainforest cabin on the weekend while E had a boys' weekend at Tarzali, (this mostly involves complicated barbecuing of expensive meats). Of course, I was supposed to be writing madly -- and I made fairly good progress, but it was verra cold and dark in the rainforest.  At least I had my dressing gown and slippers.

And I went for a lovely, revitalising walk around the beautiful Lake Eacham. I could not get internet and mobile reception, so I was a tiny bit lonely, but I had a companion in the form of a rifle bird. The brochure said I could put fruit on my veranda railing for the birds, so I shared my apples with them. Mostly with this guy.

This one particular bird -- a Victoria's rifle bird, was very daring and got quite bossy after a while. He'd come and tap on my window where he could see my fruit bowl, letting me know he wanted more, and he'd put his wings up and look quite ferocious when he wanted to frighten other birds away from the food.

As far as my writing's concerned I found when I sat down to write this story (telling myself that I had to hurry) I hit a brick wall. Why? Because I didn't really know my characters and I'd been busy and hadn't had the usual thinking, dreaming musing time leading into writing this book.

So I decided to take another tack with it -- I've been outlining. As soon as I gave myself permission not to write the story, but outline instead, I relaxed and started writing madly. (Which I found rather interesting) So I now have eleven scenes outlined with snippets of dilaogue and little details about my characters' pasts etc. What I think I've actually been doing is "dreaming" on paper. Visualising the unfolding of my story but recording it as well, so that I at least have words on the page.

It's true that no two books ever emerge by the same process (even though we think we have a set routine). We have to keep adjusting our processes to meet the circumstances and context in which we're writing. I'm really glad I have this outline down now and I'm underway with writing the actual story as next week I'll have all five grandchildren here (plus their mothers, thank heavens) and then the other family members will arrive for a Christmas in July style gathering. Should be crowded (14) and fun!

But I'll need my writing outline to get me back on track when it's all over. Wish me luck.