Friday, September 4, 2009

A Detour in the Journey

After six weeks with three grandchildren, ages 10 to 16, my husband and I left on a long-planned trip. I had no preconceived notions about the journey. I was just happy to be going where I didn't have to cook for three weeks!

The subject and location of the journey were complicated, but as it turned out, we were lucky to have a guide who brought tremendous perspective to what we saw. Three days into the trip, the writer in me was screaming "article." The trip focussed on a subject that is little discussed and yet very important in today's world. When we returned, the article was half written in my head. Now I'm doing the research to support my ideas.

However, I'm already halfway through my current novel. Letting the novel's manuscript sit will certainly cause me to lose momentum. Perhaps the non-fiction writing will help the fiction writing. We'll see.

6 comments:

  1. It is difficult to put aside one project when another calls out to us. Sometimes you can put the new one off for a bit, but it sounds like this idea is yelling at you. I think anytime you take a break from a project to work on something else, you come back to it more refreshed.

    Good luck. Can't wait to read the article.

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  2. This is so vague. You didn't show any real concept of story or plot. I'm left wondering what the actual conflicts are in the article.

    *dodges flying paper weight*

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  3. Sometimes writing non-fiction clears your head and makes you think in a more organized and linear way. Maybe this will be a bonus when you return to the novel.

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  4. Linda, you've certainly piqued my interest. Where were you? What was the little-discussed subject? I'd sure like to read the article. I agree, when it's done, you'll be raring to go on your fiction ms.

    Aimee, you really crack me up!!

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  5. Yes...do tell!! I think switching gears helps you gain a fresh perpective.

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