by Sandra Gulland | Sep 27, 2009 | Adventures of a Writing Life |
Spurred on by the possibility that I might not be typing out the sacred words “The End” before we head south at the end of October, I’ve been writing over 2000 words a day. And I have to say: that takes (me) all day, and most of the evening, as well. That’s eating on the run, dressing on the run, relaxing on the run.
But I did it: 2 chapters in 2 days. (My chapters are shorter than most.) I hope to finish another chapter tomorrow. My husband is away, and I’m taking advantage of the solitude. I begin to think I can do it, finish before the commotion of transition.
by Sandra Gulland | Sep 26, 2009 | Adventures of a Writing Life |
On Wednesday, in a large auditorium in Kingston, Ontario, I saw Margaret Atwood‘s The Year of the Flood performance. Wow! Each city on this (twenty? thirty?) multi-city international tour puts together it’s own dramatization of the script. I can’t imagine any city doing a more beautiful job than Kingston. (The article in the U.K. Guardian was less than enthusiastic about the London event, alas.)
In Kingston, there was a choir of about twenty, three musicians, three actors: all in wonderful costumes. The choral arrangement of the hymns in the book was spectacular.
Ms. Atwood has hit the ball out of the park, yet again. She’s 70, performing at a different city every night. Kingston was half-way through the tour. She visited organic gardens on arrival in Kingston. After the hour-long performance, she signed books for about an hour, then went to both the cast party and the Kingston WritersFest reception. (I’m told: I was far too tired to stay up that late.) Then, a TV interview the next morning, and off she went on a train for the next pit-stop. I’d like to know how she does it!
I’ve been enjoying Atwood’s blog while on tour: here.
by Sandra Gulland | Feb 23, 2009 | Adventures of a Writing Life |
t’s the day after the San Miguel writers’ conference week-end and my brain is buzzing. So stimulating! My own workshop on Net promotion for writers went very well. I’m thinking of making the information available on-line … but first, first …
First I have to give some thought to my PEN lecture tomorrow afternoon. I need to have a look at my usual talk, revise it for the occasion, and incorporate some of the things I learned at the conference.
And then: practice, practice, practice. My gown is ironed and ready to go. I checked it: I can still get into it—but barely!
And then, quickly, before it all slips away, I need to organize my Conference notes.
Wednesday, the day after the PEN lecture, will be the first day of a two month “free period”: time to settle into normal life. Time to get at the plot of The Next Novel.
(Photo credit: James Brylowski)
by Sandra Gulland | Jul 8, 2008 | Adventures of a Writing Life |
I’m at home (ahhhh) and unpacking, making lists—lists and lists and lists. First item: do not get overwhelmed!
I did fairly well with all that moving: I left behind four things.
One, my wireless mouse. Too bad, but at least it’s replaceable.
Two, my Body Shop face cleanser, which I learned I can travel without.
Three and four, books I was reading and very much enjoying. The first, Conceit by Mary Novik, has been generously resent to me compliments of the author. Thank you, Mary! It’s a story told from the point-of-view of John Donne‘s daughter, every sentence a joy, and I’m eager to dive back into it.
The other book lost was Ghostwalk by UK writer Rebecca Stott—another stunning historical novel—which I left on the airplane on the very last leg of this long journey. I’m upset by this loss! This book was signed to me by Rebecca, with whom I read in Kansas City—is not replaceable. So, I add to the top of the list: see if I can track it down.
And, also on the list: prepare to have my MacBook Pro replaced. Apple has seen the light.
