Another week closer

Yesterday I stood in Chicago, staring out at Lake Superior from my hotel. It was before the obligatory geocaching (I would have been more excited if my crappy shoes hadn’t given me blisters the previous two days – and I, in my infinite wisdom, chose to pack for minimal luggage), the air was just a touch crisp, and the wind was blowing (in Chicago! Go figure.) I had left for Chicago on Wednesday with grand visions of getting some writing done in my down time, but in the end I succumbed to peer pressure on Wednesday, which went something like

“You wanna come with us after dinner?”
“Ah, I don’t know…”
“OK, well we’re just going down the street-”
“OK!, I’m there!!”

Yeah, heavy peer pressure, I know. But the next night I succumbed to slumber after the off-site dinner (mmmmm…..), and then there I was yesterday morning, sipping coffee, watching the waves just start to white cap near the Navy Pier. I think I’m a little disappointed in myself, although it was only human to take part in a group activity.

But then I look at the calendar. The last shreds of summer are shaking off, and the promise of Autumn and Winter are in sight – the classic weather for writing in my opinion. To complete it, nanowrimo is fast approaching – there’s only five weeks until November first – and I haven’t done any real outlining for my project. I’ve done research, doodled some plot points, but nothing structured to help me make the finish line. And if I’ve learned anything in the last year of play-writing, its that as annoying and schoolmarmish as it may be, I actually produce better if I have a structure to flesh out. I’m not the kind to detail every nuance in the outline, and I certainly allow for room to change direction, change focus, etc., but it was only with a well thought out outline that I was able to make any promise when I tried writing The Dreaming Pools.

OK, I’ve waxed enough here. Off to take advantage of the minimalization of my desk (this morning’s project).

Have fun kids,

~Mike

One thought on “Another week closer”

  1. I just sent a hoard of writers over here to say hello and get you amped up for NaNoWriMo, Mike.  You’re going to be just fine.  In fact, you’ll be better than fine.  Don’t worry and just knock it out!
     
    Think how proud your wife and kids will be the day you put the period after word #50,000!!
    p.s. Thanks for the link on your earlier post!

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