That's what I've decided to do.No, I haven't built a time machine or a quantum leap accelerator- but I have decided I need to put my priorities in order and well, I know I'm in the middle of writing one story that I've left unfinished in my lackadaisical haze- set in modern times, but I'm contemplating submitting my historical romance with paranormal elements, so I need to get it in the best shape I possibly can.
And that's why I have given myself over to another time and place in recent days- rereading my manuscript and making necessary adjustments in late 1790's Virginia.
I'm wandering the sandy coastline, knowing the mist hides an apparition brought on by guilt, or perhaps a soul at unrest... I can't be sure. Chilled breezes sweep in, sand and surf enveloping me in this other world- a world that rose up within me and came to life the moment I set it in words with each clickity-clack of the keyboard. I've been away for a while, having forgotten myself as a writer, forgetting how this story haunted me until it was finished.
This one stuck to me like glue for months, even before I started writing it, all the while I researched the time period, it hovered around me during the day and then followed me to bed at night- not just the story, but the characters, the setting.
I guess it needed me... Needed me to tell it, to write it, to release it, just as all the stories I write do. For me it's such a personal process and though I joke that it's like having multiple personalities, sometimes it really IS like that.
A few years ago they wouldn't shut up, but for a while now the characters- the voices in my head- have hushed- absolutely clammed up. They've lain dormant for well over a year- since the infamous Misplacement of my Mojo and the Hibernation of my Butterfly.
I'm starting to think they knew I needed a mental break from them. You can only hear so many voices telling you this, that and the other before it makes you a little batty. Mwhahaha!
But, perhaps that's what I needed all along.
And perhaps now is the time for me to travel backward for a bit- into a time I can't possibly know, but that seems to know me, call to me, embrace me.
Perhaps the things I feel have gone missing will wash up on the shores of the past and I can pull them back into my present once I'm done.
Off to wander the misty haunted shores....
3 comments:
Beautiful pictures... and a lovely blog post. I know what you mean, about the voices hushing, and the rush when you finally coax them back out!
Here's to getting back into your characters' heads, and them getting back into yours!
Amy
Taryn, glad to hear you're working on a historical romance. Best of luck with the polishing and submitting.
Dear Taryn, I decided to respond (Hope you dont find my responding annoying) because I saw much sense in what you write... "putting priorities in order and well" ..i dont know what exactly you mean, but i do LOVE where your thoughts led you.. linking 'going back in time' to 'putting priorities' right, or 'in order'... and perhaps this little smarts of yours might put MY life into 'good oiling' as well... i do hope for a better life.
PRESS ON fellow-nanowrimo !!
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