A flying visit between extremely exhausting bouts of doing relatively little.
Christmas has been unexpectedly relaxing. I’ve eaten too much, of course, and complained bitterly about just how abysmal the Christmas episode of The Royle Family was (Caroline Aherne has really lost the plot), but the time away from my work has provided me with an opportunity to reassess — something I felt was needed after recent conversations regarding Tomorrow Will Come.
To cut to the chase, I’ve realised that I need to set this piece of work aside for a while. Certain aspects of it are proving problematical and I now know that it’s because I’m not entirely comfortable with it. I could hammer away at it and fix it, of course, but that would only risk damaging the novel and its author! And so, it’s on the backburner.
I seem to be going through a period of creative flux. I’m very aware of the need to find something that stands out, especially in these difficult times. I am also very aware that I’ve moved away from the kind of material I do best — tragicomic, almost absurdist pieces that draw on my early influences (John Irving, Garrison Keillor, Joseph Heller et al.) I think Mike helped me see this, even though he possibly didn’t realise it, by mentioning Heller a few days ago. Cheers, mate.
And, so, I’m going to take about another a week or so away from the problem of what I’m going to do next. I do already know that I need to write something humourous — not flat-out comedy, but something with my trademark eccentric characters. I haven’t written anything like that for… well, since before I started writing this blog, and I think the market for that kind of material has probably improved in the interim. Nonetheless, I’m not rushing into anything. I have probably been pushing a little too hard.
Time to just sit back and let the story come to me.
Everyone have a nice Christmas/holiday/anti-Christmas?
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Hi mate. I would love to see some humorous writings from your good self. I know I haven’t been blogging much myself, as I’ve been in a bit of a creative flux also. Sometimes you find yourself inspired from the strangest of places though. For Xmas somebody bought me Jonathen Ross’ new book. It’s not a biography as such just a selection of picture postcard memories and viewpoints on things ranging from pets to Mexican wrestling. It struck me this would be a good way to go for my blog, rather than treating it like an on line diary. Maybe this could work for yourself as well.
Anyhoo, whatever. Hope you have a good Xmas and all the best for the New Year.
Hi John, mate,
I suppose, in a way, that’s pretty much what I do with this blog… or, at least, that’s how I view it. It’s never really felt like a diary/journal, although I often treat it as such where my work is concerned (and I’m beginning to wonder if this is an entirely good thing creatively.) It’s more a mishmash of thoughts and opinions on anything that occurs to me. See my recent Pope-bashing post 😉
My problem area has been the novels. I have had no shortage of ideas and I’ve been writing as quickly as I usually do — but I’m so aware of just how tough the market is right now that… well, let’s just say it’s been impacting LOL.
I think I have the solution, now, though. But I’m absolutely and categorically not discussing it here until I’m completely sure that it’s working out. 🙂
Will drop by your blog and check out the new approach!
You take care, mate and enjoy the rest of the holidays. Here’s to a great 2009!
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