I've posted before about the book of short stories at the publisher. Today, the really, really good editor lets me know in no uncertain terms that I need to perform some massive re-writes and tightening and fact checking on some key scenes.
As I'm in the middle of tax season, I laid my head on my keyboard for a while and tried to knock myself unconscious.
I raised my head to find an email from my daughter with the above cartoon which seems to speak to me.
There is no room for multi-tasking if you want to be a writer.
Or knitter.
Or tax accountant.
PS (added later).
I was saving this award from Jenny at South Belfast Diary for a down day, so here it is. Boy, do I need cheering up today! Thanks, Jenny.
Great Graphic.
ReplyDeleteI had a fidgety day, thanks for the reminder to stick to one thing until it is finished!
OOOoooh! I hadn't read about your book WWW.
ReplyDeleteCome on now...sing along with Peggy Lee:
I can wash out 44 pairs of socks and have 'em hangin out on the line
I can starch & iron 2 dozens shirts 'fore you can count from 1 to 9
I can scoop up a great big dipper full of lard from the drippins can
Throw it in the skillet, go out & do my shopping, be back before it melts in the pan
'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again
You're a woman W -O -M - A - N-......say it again!!!
:-D
My sympathies on the editor's ultimatum, www. I guess you just have to comply or there won't be a book? Love the graphic. Does it cook the evening meal and do the hoovering as well?
ReplyDeleteSame goes for me, GM.
ReplyDeleteT: it is the thinking jobs that I can't seem to multi-task. Like writing AND tax accounting. But thanks for the reminder about that great old song. Just love PL
N: Yeah, no choice. Some of the criticism, which *gulp* was all valid, was for not fact checking enough.
On the graphic - if you're into virtual hoovering and meals, absolutely!
XO
WWW
don't lose your focus on the prize, WWW. a book! published! of your stories!
ReplyDeletethat's huge. what's a little rewriting? rewriting's fun.
Try hitting your head on the desk next time, it is a little bit harder than the keyboard. You may get a black and blue bump, though. I have warned you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on you award. Isn't it nice to have those for a rainy day?
Good luck on the rewrite. You can do it! I know you can! You are wise and all powerful and an inspiration to us all.
L:
ReplyDeleteDo you really think so?
I honestly thought that these stories were finished and done with and had been working on a novel.
I:
Thanks, you're so sweet. I'll photograph the bump. ;^)
And now, on top of everything, I think I have the flu.
Ever notice how things fall in heaps and piles.....
WWW: my sympathies. As one who is re-writing exam assignments I understand just how poopy and demotivating it is to be told to tighten things up and do them over again.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I am re-writing an assignment at this moment (voice of conscience, you lie Hullaballoo lol) and am having to take regular breaks to paint my nails bright colours and bop to crazy music, just so that I stay sane. So I know how bad it is, really.
Poor you, although the image of you trying to knock yourself unconscious on the keyboard did make me giggle, in a kind way of course {{{{{{WWW}}}].
You are amazing and fabby and if you dare think anything less of yourself, I will be very, very cross. And there will be words. Understood?
What a great cartoon, with numerous funny variations. Aww, your daughter sounds lovely, sending you a cartoon like that.
More huge WWW shaped hugs. You truly are an excellent blogger. And how will you celebrate this lofty achievement? Hmm?
Do the tax accounting first. That pays the bills. Then do the re-writes. From my experience writing books never pays the bills! Save the knitting till you're way, way too old to do either.
ReplyDeleteSound advice, RJA, that's what I'm doing!
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Glad the award has cheered you up and I have IMMENSE sympathy for the book issue. It's so frustrating when you think something is finished and an editor wants changes. But you have to stick at it!
ReplyDeleteI've shelved the short stories for now, Jenny and will get at the re-writes when back in NL in May, the head needs to be clear and focussed!
ReplyDeletethanks for the boost.
XO
WWW