After yesterday’s internet failure this blog is a little behind and I’ve forgotten some of the things I was going to discuss, so I’ll work my way backwards and hopefully cover most of it…
Yesterday I spent much of the day in London, celebrating a birthday (not mine!). There is a definite vibe to the city that engages my senses – the juxtaposition of crowded streets and tree-lined parks, of overwhelming traffic and tame squirrels, that really reminds me how important it is to look beyond the surface of a place for the underlying stories. I see and hear people from all over the world who are experiencing the same sights and sounds as me, but in an entirely personal and unique way. I always knew this was the case but only since I’ve been writing have I thought about it so clearly.
I’ve also been working on the poetry for the wedding. I have to write it all up and spend the next few weeks fixing it all because it’s very rough and ready at the moment – but I hope it’ll be a bit of fun for people at the event as they go round from table to table and see all the different verses set out!
The notebook has been a great help with this, not just because I have it with me all the time so I can quickly grab it and write down my thoughts, but also because it engenders a sense of routine about writing which I need when I have so little time to do it! Plus if I see or hear anything that I think will spur a few ideas along the way I can refer back to it whenever I like – as long as I write it down!
And finally – We’re up to book 52 on the list – Lolly Willowes, by Sylvia Townsend Warner. It’s a new one to me but sounds like a book I’d enjoy reading so I may see if I can find it somewhere!
A short one this week, but I have been, and continue to be, so busy I can hardly think straight; this is the only way to keep any semblance of focus to the post!
Happy writing,
EJ
🙂