No more excuses

/ J. F. Riordan

It’s back to work day, an idea our French family members find ridiculous. January 2nd?? The day after New Year’s? It’s too soon!

They’re not wrong.

I suppose I should take down the Christmas tree, which has reached the death rattle phase of balsams. One touch and all the needles fall off the branch.

But I won’t.

Back to work day means back to writing the novel day. No excuses. Not even the fire hazard in the living room. Because somehow I have to discover the link between the beginning of the book and the end.

I recently encountered two different films in which the characters tell the author what to write. In one, people look at one another over the author’s head in a mutual understanding that he is quite mad. But, I must tell you, that is precisely the process: the characters do take over. It’s apparently a common—if not universal—experience of novelists, which, honestly, I find reassuring. So far as I can tell, I may be slightly silly, but not actually insane. At least, not yet.

So, today will be spent listening as much as writing.

Meanwhile, the owls are saying their good nights to one another, and the sunrise is brilliant orange against the blue night sky. I can just see the silhouettes of the roosting turkeys. Auggie snores nearby on the couch. Eli has gone back to bed without me.

My cleared desk awaits.

Off to work.

***

Your gratuitous dog photo

28 thoughts on “No more excuses”

  2. I love this. I have that tree. I enjoy reading your thoughts. I laugh and smile and they make my morning. Love the Germans as well. Thank you for sharing and this fan in North Carolina eagerly awaits the next novel.
    Peace,
    Peggy

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  8. Good morning. I’m sure you’ll hear from your characters soon. Unless you find yourself howling at the moon with Auggie and Eli, consider yourself as of sound mind. Good luck and we all look forward to reading your next book.

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  9. I agree with the French—it’s too soon, exclaim my body and mind! 😀 I think there is a similar interaction when making art. There can be an intuitive, creative call and response when I paint. I really enjoy when it takes over from the “brainy” side of making art.

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  10. That looks similar to the activities here this morning, albeit on a much larger scale. We all took a quick walk earlier in a slight drizzle. Now we appear to be confined to the house for the remainder of the day as the rain has intensified. Perhaps a lovely fire like I see in your photo would brighten and take the chill off the living room. Happy new year and I hope you have a productive day of planning and writing.

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  13. Hope the inspiration comes soon! I have looked up “gratuitous” in the OED, but please give me your definition when you picture the dogs! THANKS!

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  15. Off to work sounds like a good idea. I just can’t seem to get in gear. Too many things running around in my head. I’ll settle for cleaning up and walking the dogs today. I am sure though, that you will figure out what you need to do to finish your book.

    Love the dogs playing. Mine have gone back to bed after a walk.

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  17. Looks like Auggie and Eli are laughing at Mom having to go back to work.🤣 Although, I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to assist you at break time. I, for one, am so looking forward to reading the new book and can’t wait until it’s published. Happy Writing!✍️

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  18. It’s great seeing Eli and Auggie playing. Please continue sharing pictures of your boys. Happy New Year and productive writing!

    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad

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