Needing a kick!

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Published by: Mcallan on 29th Aug 2010 | View all blogs by Mcallan

I really should start writing again.

Since finishing my novel I am in that strange limbo land. I know it still needs editing, and I do tweak in frequently. Sometimes you can't see the wood for trees though.

So, I should start on a new project. I have a few ideas. Don't all look so surprised!

There are a few early stage pieces littering my laptop, but I am bored with them. I think I may go back to one of two stories that I almost finished years ago, see if I am inspired.

Or I could pick up my guitar again. I haven't played properly since a gig in early July, and that is criminal. Use it or lose it. I tend to get the urge when we have another gig looming, and panic sets in. Of course my finger tips hurt like buggery afterwards and I always vow not to leave it so long next time.

There is a pub not far from us. A forty five minute walk along the beach and I have an inkling there may be live music there tonight, it being a bank holiday. If we go I will slip a capo in my pocket and a few picks, and if anyone asks I will do a few songs. Or not!

I'll let you know.

Comments

17 Comments

by Kiki 1 year ago

You definately need to start writing again. Never stop, as your well oiled machine will seize! My advice is look back over your old stuff, if it doesn't excite you, start something new!
As for your guittar.... pick it up! My son plays guittar and is having lessons, he is currently learning some ACDC and plays The Jam, Street Spirit - Radiohead and the obigitory smoke on the water! I gently encourage him to pick it up everyday otherwise he moans about sore fingers too. You take your capo & go for it dude. Wish I could play guittar :( You live by a beach!? I'm jealous. I'd be sitting on the beach jamming and scribbling everyday. What a whimsical life you lead :) My favourite word is whimsical!
by Mcallan 1 year ago

Well yes I llive by a beach...must be a pic of it somewhere in my albums here!...but I should point out it's a north sea beach...and this morning the sand was flying horizontal from a force 8!!
by Wrathnar the Unreasonable 1 year ago

I also am failing to get on with the writing (I'm facing a complete rewrite of the novel I thought was finished, arg arg arg.) And I haven't picked up my guitar in ages. But you can't force it! So I'm mucking about with blogs and short fiction, in the hope of getting the juices flowing again soon. Not making progress with my novel gives me terrible existential angst!
by Kiki 1 year ago

Put up a wind-breaker! hahahaha (god, im funny)
by Mcallan 1 year ago

Bloody hell Wrathy!...can I have some of the existential wotsit too!...sounds ever so grand!
by Gerilyn 1 year ago

Keep up the guitar playing. x
by maryluv 1 year ago

It sounds like the beach walk to the pub is the perfect antidote to the creative blues. Mine's a glass of pinot please.
by maryluv 1 year ago

Oh, hang on, you'e oop North aren't you. Women allowed in pubs yet? Or do I have to sit outside with a glass of vimto and a bag of ready salted?
by Gerilyn 1 year ago

Maryluv, I can vouch for northern women that we are allowed in most pubs. The ones we aren't allowed in are the ones we are barred out of for fighting over a packet of pork scratchings- but that is a sensitive issue and one I am not ready to ellaborate on.
by maryluv 1 year ago

I knew I'd seen that face before! Give 'em back, Gerilyn. And stop licking the bag.
by Mcallan 1 year ago

Vimto!...don't you use that to scour the bath!
You all think Geri is joking don't you!
by maryluv 1 year ago

No, Mac, that is Vim. Or rather, that WAS Vim - about 30 years ago. Showing your age now, matey! And, btw, you puts him in the bath.
by mike 1 year ago

Is there another part of the world you are interested in? A sequel to the Italian setting?
What about non-fiction? ( I always have leads to follow and stuff to research. Unfortunately nobody is interested in the subjects I choose, so it is only a hobby)
Your 'blog's have a humour that is slightly absent from your novel. How about doing something in this direction? A novel about childhood?
Michael Frynn is in the news again. I read his novel 'Spies' I can imagine you doing something similar.
A wannabee pop-star? A biography turned up about a pop-singer aged fifteen!.
by Mcallan 1 year ago

Some interesting ideas Mike. Someone else suggested a novel on similar lines..childhood right of passage thing. Of course Johnathon Coe did it with The Rotters Club...but there are possibilities. Thanks again.
by Kiki 1 year ago

Just do it Mac, thats two of us now. It would be a crime if you didn't, you obviously have the gift of the gab etc :)
by karen 1 year ago

If in doubt, just play your guitar! Always works for me...............I remember VIM, marvellous stuff, gets rid of anything, especially skin! I thought Irn Bru was a good old Northern drink or is that just Scotland? Anyway I'm digressing - I find listening to songs is a good way to re-discover my creative self - pick a song and write a story around it? Consider this a good kick.......... by the way, I did wave as we raced past Northumberland on our way to and from Bonnie Scotland!
by Mcallan 1 year ago

Hi Karen!...yes I did feel the waft as you passed by!...the whole north sea was churning!..I have started playing guitar again...and may even go to an open mic night at a pub in Alnwick on Thursday..:)