Last week was one of those weeks. It wasn’t all bad, but the bits that were sapped most of my energy. Safe to say, not much was achieved on the writing front.
I did read though. I seem to be able to distract myself (from stressful situations) with reading more easily than I can with writing – do you find that? When there’s a lot going on in my head, dealing with my own characters can feel too much; I can’t find my way through the maze to make sense of their story. Reading is different – a story in someone else’s words just rushes over me and is easy to get lost in. Since my last #WhatImWriting post I’ve devoured two books by Jodi Picoult (The Pact and My Sister’s Keeper) both of which kept me suitably gripped. Reading is an excellent way to learn about the craft of writing anyway… so it kind of counts as writing research doesn’t it? I think so. 
But as for my actual writing, well, I was waiting for feedback on my picture books which was due in the middle of last week. I had geared myself up to receiving it and then to putting my energies towards making changes to those manuscripts. But the feedback didn’t arrive (turns out the place I submitted them to hasn’t had the chance to read them yet – argh!) so I now have to wait another few weeks. Sigh. I am not the world’s most patient person and I’m dying to know what they think! But I guess I’ve waited this long (seven weeks) so what’s another couple?
So what do I fill the next few weeks with instead? Well, the state of my diary suggests I won’t have much time for writing anyway (everything seems to be happening all at once!). I’ll try to squeeze a limerick or two in somewhere though, just to keep my brain ticking over.
Aside from that, I’m just hoping for an emotionally-calmer week!
Sorry to hear that Maddy, there’s nothing worse than your fate being in someone else’s hands and that someone else being super laid back about it all. I agree with using reading as escapism, although I tend to fall asleep while reading at the mo. Hope this week is better hon. Hugs xxx
Thanks Reneé! It’s frustrating but Ive got plenty of other things to occupy me so hopefully the time will fly by! xx
Yes, waiting is hard isn’t it. I’m not terribly patient either and have had to teach myself to be better at waiting over the years! And emotional upheaval and stress is often not conducive to writing for me either-my head just feels too full of things. That’s where drawing helps me-I do tend to relax totally when I’m sketching away. And of course reading counts as research
And I really do appreciate you taking the time to read my manuscript but please don’t stress about getting that done-don’t want to add to your worries xx
Don’t worry Iona – your manuscript is a welcome distraction! wish I could draw as well as you as that sounds like a great way to relax. xx
Oh no! That would drive me mad not getting the feedback when I was expecting it. There’s so much emotional input when it comes to writing that these things can feel far worse than they logically are. Do you get a partial refund?? I definitely agree that reading counts as research, it sort of almost counts as writing as it helps you think about your own plots and characters. Fingers crossed you hear back soon xx
There was no mention of any sort of refund although they did apologise and say they normally get feedback done in much less than the 30 days they quote. Bad timing in terms of book fairs I think! Anyway, there was so much else going on last week that I got completely distracted away from all thoughts of manuscript feedback. I guess that’s the silver lining to the other complications in life – they take your mind off obsessing about writing stuff! Its all an emotional business though isn’t it, you’re right. Thanks for commenting Emily xx
Sounds like a few people have been catching up on reading at the moment. Sorry to hear you didn’t get your manuscripts back yet though, how annoying. It’s going to be crazy from now on as we hurtle towards the end of term isn’t it?
Ah I didn’t read this before I wrote my post but sounds like we’ve had similar weeks!!! Reading definitely counts. But I totally feel your frustration. Hopefully things all start falling into place soon! xx
Oh I am sorry Maddy. I hope things get better for you soon – think positive. xx
Hope you had a better week. Waiting is the worst, isn’t it? Glad you have it all now x