On the half hour journey into the city, I started writing the next part of the Victorian novella I’m trying to get finished before Christmas. But I thought it was going to be too distracting at first. Two young women, one of whom was obviously a psychology student, were having the most interesting conversation and I was sitting a little too near to avoid hearing them until I eventually managed to block out their voices.
The problem was that the psychology student’s opinions and theories about serial killers and psychotics was so fascinating that I started to imagine a whole new type of novel that could feature such a character. Fortunately, when they finally moved on to other subjects, their voices dropped a little and I was able to get on with my novella. And guess what? I’ve just transcribed the section I wrote to find it was almost 700 words! I definitely think I should be writing outside the house more often.
The hairdresser appointment turned out to be equally interesting. I don’t really like getting my hair cut and blow dried as it usually takes at least a week before I get used to the slightly shorter style again. And to make it worse, my previous hairdresser in the next village has given up her job. But today was an absolute treat, with the wonderful massage first, then a very nice young male hairdresser who knew exactly what he was doing and how he should shape my hair.
While waiting for the head massage, I picked up a small free publication about things going on in Glasgow and a few other places wider afield. And now I have two or three ideas for further scenes in my contemporary novel, although I’m hoping I remember them as I didn’t write them down.
So it turned out to be a great work day, even though some of it felt more like a holiday. Hope the rest of the weekend is so interesting and enjoyable, although I don't think we're travelling anywhere by train. The photo at the top is one of my favourite steam trains, not the one I was on today!
Rosemary
18 comments:
It just shows how getting out of the house can give you new ideas!
That sounds like a brilliant day, Rosemary, particularly the train journey and the head massage. Although I'm loathe to take a day off from writing at home, I'm always glad when I do because stepping outside my small zone is so inspiring, particularly other people's conversations!
I'm so pleased your word count is staying high and that the ides keep coming. I think November will be be an excellent, productive month for you. x
What a fascinating day, Rosemary! It sounds lovely from start to finish. Love the photo too - there is something so special about steam trains x
It always works for me, Jean!
Thanks for your encouragement, as always, Joanna! My productivity seems to go down if I stay in the house too long so I reckon I need that stimulation.
Absolutely agree about steam trains, Teresa - we've been on many in different parts of the UK!
Glad NaNoWriMo is going well Rosemary. I enjoy working on trains and in cafes. Sometimes I move out of the house when I'm not getting anywhere. The change of location always seems to make a difference.
Sounds as if the adage 'you should get out more often' could apply to you, Rosemary. What an interesting and productive day!
Joan
I thought shiatzu was a kind of dog...?
Eavesdropping is wonderful! Glad you enjoyed your day.
Sounds like a wonderful day, Rosemary, although I suspect you could find a sparkle in even the most ordinary situation.
I take my hat off to you for that great bit of eavesdropping on the train - a psychology student expounding her theories on serial killers and psychotics...well that was just heaven sent.
Hope you can remember the details. x
There are many advantages in writing away from home - and even more opportunities for distraction!
Sounds like you had a very productive day away from home.
No writer can resist tuning in to other people's conversations- it's like an in-built direction finder. :-)
Hi Anita - that's exactly what I find too!
Absolutely, Joan!
I think there is a dog with a similar name, Frances!
Thank you, Rena! It's keeping up the momentum now that might be the problem!
Distraction is either a blessing or a problem, Patsy!
I think you're right, Carol!
Sounds like an interesting journey. I can never write on the train and I'm always so engrossed in reading that I tune out of others conversations - think I should probably start listening!
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Thanks for commenting, Vikki - funnily enough I don't usually listen but they were kind of loud (as if they wanted an audience)!
That sounds like a fantastic day - especially the massage! And I love it when eavesdropping brings new story ideas.
Wow - a day off you say? Just goes to prove a writer can never switch off - lol!
Janice xx
It was a lovely day out, Talli!
Absolutely, Janice!
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