Tuesday 29 March 2011

Taking Time Out

We’ve not had a proper holiday for some time and, with son’s wedding at the beginning of July, we don’t know when we will. So husband and I took Friday to Monday off and went out on inexpensive away days. We both work at home, me downstairs, he upstairs (and never the twain shall meet!) but we decided we needed proper time together, so we could actually talk for a change and enjoy a different environment.

Over the four days, we made sure we had no cooking to do and ate out at lunch time or took a picnic and shoved something in the oven later. We didn’t stay out all day but we stayed off the computers, except for a short time in the morning before going out, and I sneaked some time on mine again late afternoon. Otherwise I’d have been in an agony of suspense – maybe it would be the time an editor or, hopefully, an agent was trying to get in touch. And I’m sure you all suffer from that suspense!
Country walk
So in those four days, we went to one of my favourite restaurants in Ayrshire, near the new Robert Burns Heritage Centre, took a ferry trip across the water to Dunoon, had a long walk and coffee down the coast at Largs, and walked around the nature trail at a beauty spot in the countryside, finishing with a two-course, cheap lunch at the coast.
Approaching Dunoon
It was great fun. We talked and walked more than we have for some time and still enjoyed being with each other after almost 36 years of marriage. Yet, being away from the desk and the routine freed my creativity again (as it did on the train journey in the previous post). I didn’t sit and write (it was too cold!), but I absorbed all the sights, sounds and smells of those days away, especially the day on the boat. And I’m ready to get on with the next piece of writing.

I didn’t get that call from the agent, but I did get my advance copy of the May issue of Take a Break Fiction Feast as my very short book review of The Little Stranger is inside the front page. I also received an email to tell me a little meditation is being held by The Upper Room, and I’ve received the cover of my novel! But I’m going to wait until next week to show that off. All that in those four days – maybe we should go away more often! So, back to work now, and blogging and chatting etc...

Happy writing,
Rosemary

10 comments:

Janice said...

That was a most productive Time Out, Rosemary! Can't wait to see your book cover!!!

Frances Garrood said...

You are so right about couples needing quality time together, Roemary. When I was a Relate cousellor, I aksed all my couples have at least one "date" together a week. If they were short of cash, just a bottle of cheap wine on the sofa; time to talk to each other. It invariably made a big difference to their relationships.

I'm glad you enjoyed your break!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Yes, it was so enjoyable being away from the computers for a while! I'm keeping the cover until next week, after your launch, Janice, so I concentrate completely on your book on Friday.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Frances. We're on our own now so you'd think it was easier to spend quality time together. But we both work in different rooms and I don't always want to talk!

joanne fox said...

That sounds a lovely break. It's easy to forget the importance of having some quality time together when you see each other every day.

I really enjoy my days out. They can be as refreshing as a proper holiday.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Joanne - you're right about days being refreshing. That old expression works: a change is as good as a rest!

Joanna said...

This sounds wonderful, Rosemary. I'm really glad for you. My husband and I also work in separate rooms for half the week (he works away from home the other half) and when we take a break, we tend to talk about our three daughters and money and how tired we are etc! But we are always anxious to rush back to our computers, which can make life seem a bit of a non-stop treadmill. I love the routine, but a break sometimes is essential and I think, now that our children are growing up, we will try to do the same as you and find time to remove ourselves from everything, then return to appreciate our lives even more. I've noticed that I'm feeling very tired these days, and so is he, so we probably need a change of pace and scenery.

I am excited about seeing the cover of your novel. What a fantastic moment it must have been for you when you recived it!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks for your comment, Joanna. It's so easy to caught up in our daily routines, isn't it? And don't worry, we still talk about all the usual things like our grown-up son and daughter, and money, and careers (before we're past caring!).

I was more excited about getting my cover than anything else - I'll reveal it next week! I'm interviewing/promoting a friend's book on my blog on Friday and want to concentrate on that first.

Karen said...

I'm always in an agony of suspense if I'm away from the computer for too long!

Sounds like you had a wonderful time, and I saw your lovely review in TabFF :o)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks for your comment, Karen. I'd bought TAB FF for researching the stories (I live in hope of finally getting one accepted!) and saw the Favourite Book slot instead so gave it a go.