TORTURE

Today I went to Waterstones to collect a book I had ordered. The staff in there are epic. Two of them have been in there for years and you know that you will get the most amazing service from them both. Today, someone I'd not seen before served me. Somehow, as seems to happen wherever I go (according to Jon), we ended up in a conversation that covered many topics, including writing, podcasts, minimalism and movies. The phone rang and the other staff member answered it. Someone came to the desk. The other staff member served them. We had a rare old time. His information on podcasts re minimalism (and also on Netflix) was so brilliantly timed as we are clearing our loft and some of the stuff is so hard to throw away). Eventually, I left with my book, having told the person behind me that the guy may have just changed my life. The look on his face was confused, to say the least 😂.

The TORTURE in the title is going to be not delving into the book before I have finished the 9500 word story, the serial synopsis and the first instalment to submit. Obviously, every new idea is 'genius' compared to the previous 'embarrassingly ridiculous' one, so it's nearly impossible not to dump it and start something new. I'm sure most people who create in one way or another suffer from this. If not, I am in awe.

The book it sitting about two inches from my leg. I should put it somewhere else, but I want to look at it, even if it's just the cover. Perhaps I can absorb the information through that? 

Obviously, I am going to be the next Sally Wainwright 😎😁.

Visitors tomorrow, and I will be meeting my sister and brother-in-law's granddaughter for the first time. I'm very excited. It's long overdue.

Popped into the tennis club this morning, which was so lovely as I haven't been up for ages. I can no longer play because of the pain in my thumb/wrist/arm, but just having a catch-up with a few people was revitalising.

Today's quote:

“If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it. 

Or, if proper usage gets in the way, it may have to go. 

I can’t allow what we learned in English composition to disrupt the sound and rhythm of the narrative.” 

 —Elmore Leonard

Ha how true that is. I fight against this all the time. I often fail. My early efforts at creative writing sounded like an essay. Hopefully, things have improved since then.