By Marcia Mickelson
Thanks to Tristi Pinkston's Book In A Month Challenge, I am almost finished editing my manuscript, One On One. I made the goal to edit 1.5 hours a day for six days a week during the month of July. I have done very well in keeping my goal. I have about two hours left of editing to finish. Then, I will print it out, read through it one final time, and hopefully submit it.
I spent a lot of time working last week. On Friday, I decided to leave the house for a little while to finish up a scene. In our new home, I don't have an office where I can close the door like I did in our old house. The office is an extension of the living room. I gave up the office and decided to let the kids have playroom with the extra bedroom. If only I could get them to actually play in the playroom. They spend most of the time playing in the living room which doesn't offer much quiet time in the living room.
Also, can I say that my kids are never thirsty or hungry when I'm gone. As soon as I walk in the house, it's "Mom, can I have a snack?" "Mom, I'm thirsty." And I have to say: "Weren't you thirsty two minutes ago before I came home when Dad could have gotten you a drink?" No, they're only thirsty or hungry when I'm here.
So, I thought it would be best to go out for a while. I only had about an hour an a half before we had to pick up my son from Cub Day Camp, so I didn't want to go too far away. I opted to go to Bill Miller's Bar-B-Que, a fast food place and find a quiet corner. It was after lunch, so there weren't many people there. Also, I had already eaten lunch, so I wasn't very hungry. I ordered a drink and a loaf of bread. They have very yummy bread, but I think most people order it to take home. The lady looked at me kind of weird. I wasn't ordering a meal; just a drink and bread to stay, not to go. She asked me if I wanted it sliced, so I said 'sure.' The guy doing the order seemed puzzled. "She wants it sliced?" he asked her. "All of it?" Yes, all of it. I know they thought I was all kinds of weird.
So I took my bread and Coke and found a quiet corner. I was able to write for an hour and a half and am just so very close to finishing this thing. In my Bill Miller encounter, I think I just reiterated the fact that writers are just weird.
6 comments:
I've done this quite a bit. It can be so freeing to get away and work without any other distractions (besides food, which never distracts me. I love to eat while I write...waaaay too much).
Congrats on being so close to the finish line. I'm not too far behind you! :)
That's a funny "scene" you just described, you in the Bill Millers with all the weird looks being shot at you. Makes me laugh.
In my old house, we tried a playroom, and never could get the kids to play in there. They always wanted to be in the living room. I think kids just want to be whereever you are.
Congratulations on being so close!
And I think Amanda hit it on the head -- kids want to be where their moms are. It's flattering, yet, not . . .
Tamra- Actually I got the idea from you. I think you mentioned going to Whataburger once. I think I might go there tomorrow for a shake while I read the hard copy I'm printing tonight.
Amanda-That is a funny scene. I will file it away to use one day in a novel, maybe,
Tristi- I am flattered, but not really.
If I had a laptop, I would take it in the playroom and write there. Now that's an idea
Even when my husband is home and I'm locked in my room, the kids still come and find me.
That is so true, Janette. Me too.
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