Thursday, July 17, 2008

leaving that laptop behind ...

The boys are up early stuffing their backpacks full of clothes, food, gum, jerky, action figures, transformers, stuffed animals and those unstuffed (our new kitten) and everything else that shouldn't be brought on a weekend getaway. We're heading to a place called Grand Mound (about 3 hours away). No, it isn't historic - it's a waterpark. I think I'd be a little more excited if it had to do with Indian bones/burial sites. And true to rainy Washington state, it is an indoor waterpark. Somehow I'm ashamed to even admit this! But it's foggy and 50 degrees this morning so the weather is cooperating.

It will be a wrench to leave my laptop behind but I never take it on vacation (at least the two we've taken). Maybe I'll just sneak a book in my bag - but which one? Luckily this indoor waterpark has a Starbucks and Pizza Hut and other fun stuff. There's a ride called the tornado tube that shoots you out at top speed in a raft. Somehow this makes my stomach churn and I'm not there yet. I'm no swimmer! I don't even like to get wet!

This third book has hooked me badly. Wish now I hadn't started it as I've muddied the waters by crafting 70 pages, falling in love with my hero, liking my protaganist, and now have to say goodbye for awhile and get back to book 2 which I've entitled "Many Winters I Have Waited" which will never ever fly with my publisher. This third book I've tentatively titled "An Inward Grace" from the Psalms. That doesn't sound very reader friendly either but it reflects the story. I never thought I'd be one of those writers that juggled several books at a time and I don't want to be. I think you must lose something by switching around so much and juggling characters. You need to be all there for the one story for an extended time. You can't microwave depth or feeling (or good books). At least that's how I work (unless the Lord wills otherwise!). That's how I've been writing for forty some years - one story at a time.

I am a galley slave to pen and ink. Honore de Balzac (1799-1850)

3 comments:

  1. I don't like getting wet either. I hate being away from my laptop, but if I do have to leave it home, I always have a notebook with me.

    Good luck on the books!

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  2. Wow, hope the water park is a blast for the boys! My kids love all of that stuff......amusement parks, water parks and have no fear of any ride or thrill! Good you are taking a book although I hope you go down a good tube ride as well, ha! It makes you feel like a kid again even if you don't like it! Talk with you soon. :)

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  3. Yep, Bobbi, You're so right about the notebook - don't leave home without it - and at least a couple of favorite pens!I'll let y'all know just how wet I get. Enjoy all that Kentucky sunshine. I'm heading that way in 3 weeks!

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