Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Part II: What's Your Writual?

Here's Part II of the post I started last week.  I've included the photo above of the wretched sewing table mentioned in last week's post just because Novel Woman asked me to do so.  You will remember that I do have a gorgeous quarter-sawn oak desk and chair, but prefer to write in the space above.  I open the blinds in the window and have a view of the mountains.  

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?  
Good gracious, I can't listen to anything if I am writing.  Occasionally I'll pop in one of those awaken-your-creativity CDs that plays mindless tones.  I think it actually helps.   

IS THERE ANYONE ELSE IN THE ROOM?
Aye.  I have my two most understanding friends with me all the time I'm working.  Sparky is a brilliant novelist in her own right, as well as an actress.  Her current WIP is based on a true story.  I'm sure you'll remember the commune disaster of the 1960s in which the residents, ratty-vampire-undead creatures, terrorized northern New Mexico.  In her novel, Spark, as she is known to her close friends, explores the theme of freedom of religion vs. fencing sheep.  With infinite skill, she centers all this around a very moving love story.   
Mojo is also with me.  He may not be the brightest bulb, but he's the most loving fellow you'll ever meet.  

When the writing is going badly I'll read aloud something to him, and no matter how much it sucks, he always wags his tail in approval.  Sometimes you just need someone to lie like hell and tell you you're great.  

WHAT TIME OF DAY DO YOU WRITE?
Anytime, anywhere from dawn until 10 p.m.  

WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? 
The inside of my eyelids, with the covers pulled over my head.  Nothing like a good night's sleep to inspire me.  

WHAT IS GUARANTEED TO REMOVE YOUR CONCENTRATION? 
Teenagers talking in my face about whatever, but wouldn't trade their ramblings for anything.  I'd like to make a video of my very own valley girl helping me shop for new tennies, but she says no.  "OMGosh NO!  MOTHER!!!  Those shoes are soooooooo gray.  You've got to be careful with gray, Mother. Before you know it, you'll be swallowed by it!"  

ALSO:   Smells of food cooked or burning in the kitchen below my loft.  I cook by my nose, which means I know when something's done by the smell. Or when Sparky rings a sleigh bell on the bottom hinge of the front door, I bolt, because she's telling me she has a potty emergency. Mojo just craps on the carpeting, so no worries there.  Or phone calls from mother; but that's a whole nuther post.   

6 comments:

Nana's Quilts said...

Thanks for your note on my blog. I'm never sure if folks actually read it or just look at the pictures, but that's OK - it's really for me. :-> Love your dog - looks like quite the character. I have lately fallen in love with Nancy Pearl. She gives me so much permission to read whatever I want - as much or as little as appropriate. Great stuff. Keep up your writing - I'm impressed with folks who have the skills.
Good wishes,
Marne

Lottery Girl said...

Dear Marne,

Thanks for stopping in. I do like to read the posts that accompany the photos. I'm going to have to find out about Nancy Pearl.

And yes, Sparky is quite a character. Love my dogs dearly.

A Novel Woman said...

Sparky has lovely teeth. Who's her orthodontist? And I think it's time for her manicure, no? As for which nail polish, she looks like a "Saturday Night Red" kinda gal.

Lottery Girl said...

Dear NW,

Funny you should mention Sparky and possible spa treatments. She is quite fond of the spa. Been trying to get together a photo spread of her at the spa. Hopefully that will come together soon.

Jenny Meyer Graman said...

I love reading about where you write. Especially that, despite your oak desk, you prefer to write on the card table. Sort of like comfort food -- it's not always what you think you should eat, but it's wonderful all the same! I have a roll-top desk with all these wonderful cubbies, but get too distracted by the computer anymore when I'm trying to write - so I've taken to writing long-hand wherever it's comfy. I spent two hours last night mopping and, yes, vacuuming the front porch so it's all ready for me now!

BellaRose said...

Awww, sparky looks loverly. So does the little devil.