Monday, December 17, 2007

Going bug-eyed from writing withdrawal

I love Christmas. The tree, the gifts, the guests. Usually, this is when all my restlessness disappears for a few weeks, but not this year. This year, I'm distracted.

I'm jotting notes on everything in sight. I'm huddled under the blankets well after midnight with a reading light (so I don't wake my husband) writing dialogue I'm worried I'll forget. There's nothing I'd rather do than hunker down at my computer and write, but I can't...

You'd think I'd be frustrated, but I'm not. Instead, I'm smiling all goofy like I've got this huge scecret or something, because I feel so fortunate to have a job I love this much, and doubly so that my creative muse is tap-tap-tapping on my brain, impatiently wanting to get back to work on a novel I'm excited about.

If you're a writer, you know what I mean. There's no feeling like it, is there? That tug and pull that makes you want to slink away from your own dinner party, not to sip wine by yourself in the kitchen, but to write!

16 comments:

Melissa Amateis said...

Yes! I know the feeling! Unfortunately, I usually want to slink away from the day job and go write and darn it, I need the day job too much to risk it. ;-)

Ramona said...

I envy your genuine enthusiasm for your work!!! I wish I felt like that about my job.

Larramie said...

Holly, what a great gift you'll be giving yourself in the New Year. Enjoy the anticipation!

Travis Erwin said...

Too bad life has bigger feet than my writing muse. She gets skittich after getting her toes stepped on so often.

Anonymous said...

I have a lot more trouble coaxing my muse out of hiding it seems though I do think it's great that you're so keen on getting #4 written and published.

Victoria said...

I'm curious, do you find you gain more selfconfidence with each novel?

Anonymous said...

You're excited about writing your next novel (which is great btw) and I'M excited about the clock ticking down to April 1st so I can read The Silver Compass.
I can't wait!!!!

Holly Kennedy said...

Victoria -- In some ways, yes, with each new novel I feel stronger and more confident, but more on the writing side of things. I don't second guess myself as much, for example.

Beyond that, this is such a tough business though, that it's humbling to recognize over and over 1) how much is beyond your control when it comes to success 2) how many wonderful authors there are out there and 3) the sheer volume of books published each year you must compete against.

I believe, for example, last year alone there were 173,000 books published in North America. Trying to stand out in that crowd is no easy task unless you have a big publishing house and tons of marketing $$ behind you.

BUT... when a story bites you in the butt and has you hunkered down under the blankets late each night scribbling with excitement? That is what gives you hope that all will be as it should be with your chosen career soon enough.

Holly Kennedy said...

Thank you, Linda. Gulp. I hope it lives up to your expectations. They seem a little high!! Chuckle!

Adam said...

I don't host dinner parties. I leave that to the wife *grin* but what writing I do has yet to call to me quite so enthusiastically, and that probably explains why I'm not published.

Wendy Roberts said...

Great post and great enthusiasm! I find it hard to get my mind on writing at this time of year.

Sandra Cormier said...

You're so fortunate to have your muse beside you at such a busy time. Mine went slinking under the sofa, or maybe it's hidden in the tree. Anyway, I hope it comes back soon.

Adrienne said...

Totally know what you mean! I was giving myself December off from writing, but ideas are just flooding in now . . .

And Holly . . . I've awarded you a Roar for powerful blog writing . . . anyway, check out my blog for the details!


all best!

Trish Ryan said...

Sometimes I want to sip wine when I write, but YES I know the feeling you're talking about!

Anonymous said...

If your enthusiasm means we get another book to read faster ... YAYYYY!!

Nadine said...

I wish I had your passion and enthusiasm. It sounds wonderful. I've never had that sort of drive for anything. Unless reading counts?!! Does it?