Halfway
Feb. 14, 2012
Have been feeling wordless lately, or anyway, blogless.
Absorbed in this project of writing a first draft of a new novel. It’s a world unto itself, just like summertime in a tourist town diner is a world unto itself: Very intense. Also, at the end of a day of that, no words left. At beginning of day, no words to spare.
So, interim report: Days of surety: no comment; Days of self-doubt: no comment; Days of putting head down and plodding forward: all.
Woke up this morning realizing that it is a halfway point: halfway through February and halfway-ish through our winter closed at the diner. Also halfway-ish through a first draft of a novel. The draft is messy, vague, incomplete even in its half-ish-ness, and horridly written, so I don’t make too much of it. But it’s not nothing either. Onward.
I also woke up thinking, “It’s Valentine’s Day!”
Happy Valentine’s, everyone.
Category: At Home | Tags: West Bay Diner, writing 17 comments »
February 14th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
I understand the most important process is putting any words on paper at all…good or bad….every day!
February 14th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
That’s what they tell me.
February 14th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Writing is hard work. No matter how long you do it and how good you are at it, it NEVER gets any easier. Wishing you well with that draft.
February 14th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
Ellen,
You are such a hard worker — I am in awe at your capacity. I’m so glad to know you’re writing full-time, full-blast, every day. That matters a lot to your many fans. We’re okay if you don’t blog so much. Wishing you an inspired Valentine’s Day! Godspeed!
February 14th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
I liked your first book. The characters especially the old people stick with me. And the setting is one that I’ve taken an interest in because of your book.
Last night I found out my husband’s job might be moving to China . My sleepy life just woke up. Thank god I love to travel. But what about my dog, Shiloh.
February 14th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
Very happy Valentine’s Day to you and Rick, Ellen! You continue to be productive–comment: “Great!” You inspire me.
February 14th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Happy Valentine’s Day Ellen. I’m sure even in all it’s half-ish-ness it leaves one begging for more!
I still haven’t written that Wisconsin radio station. (Is it too late?) At least your half-ish-ness beats my nothing-ness!
Mike
February 15th, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Thank you, Mike. Hope you’re right about the halfishness! It’s too late for the contest to write to the Wisconsin radio station, but never too late to write. : )
Ellen
February 15th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Thank you Pamela–Happy Valentine’s to you and David. Wish I could swoop down on a magic carpet and visit with you guys for the afternoon. Thank you for always being kind and encouraging about this writing gig I’ve undertaken. xxoo
February 15th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Elizabeth, thank you. I love your comment that the characters stick with you–that makes me feel great. And, my goodness, CHINA. Great description: your sleepy life just woke up. I guess so. If you do move, happy adventures. And I’m sure you will think of something perfect for Shiloh. I am the original pet-loving homebody, and understand how hard it would be to contemplate being apart from your dog even for a while. I’m guessing Shiloh couldn’t go? Anyway, my best with everything.
February 15th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Kathleen: yep, they tell me that too. And I think it’s true, that it never gets easier, or at least, not much. What I hope is that over time one feels less terrified, but–maybe not so much. Thank you for your good wishes!
February 15th, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Loved the book!…was reading it while we were in Grand Marais MINNESOTA, last week, and your description of the big lake could fit that area also. Can’t wait to read the next one!
February 15th, 2012 at 10:42 pm
As usual, I am a day late wishing you all a very happy Valentine’s Day. Hope you had a good day.
It sounds as if you are making progress, slow but sure. Before you know it, it will be time to reopen the diner. Will you be happy or sad?
John and I are now looking for a vacation rental for this summer. You wouldn’t happen to know of any?
Seems like this winter has lasted a lifetime and I am so ready to retire to the north.
Take care,
T
February 16th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Thank you, Patricia–that’s a nice compliment!
February 16th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Hi Therese! Thank you so much for your good wishes…There are lots of places to rent, and maybe the easiest place to look from where you are is Grand Marais’ website.
February 25th, 2012 at 4:21 am
I just finished South of Superior. WOW!!!!
It was so much the kind of story I love. I hated it to end.
You are a wonderful storyteller. I wish you much success in writing many more wonderful stories.
You are awesome. Yours is the best book this year and I read 4-6 books a week. Keep up the great work.
February 26th, 2012 at 5:30 pm
Brenda, Thank you so much for this incredibly kind comment.