Well, it's July! Can you believe it? I certainly can't. But Wimbledon's here, strawberries and cream are gracing the grocery aisles, and the weather -- well, let's not talk about that. To top it all off, I've started writing my next novel, The Pollyanna Plan. It's always difficult knowing where to start, but I've found the best thing to do (after the preliminary planning) is to plunge right in. I'm very much of the mindset that I can fix it later, and I just need to get through the first draft.
Which brings me to the grunting! (Can you tell I'm watching Wimbledon as I type this?) Although everything always starts off perfectly clear and harmonious within my novel-writing brain, as the pages progress, I often find myself complicating matters. New characters crop up, plot twists occur . . . and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the surprises that happen when I'm creating, even though it leads to a lot of grunt work later. And now I can't even console myself with wine!
So, ladies and gentlemen, for the next few months, I'm looking for a new self-soothing method to get me through. If I can't drink wine... what on earth is a novelist to do? Grunt like a tennis player?
Help!
News! My wonderful friend Mel Sherratt has a new book out! It's a brilliant read -- take a look if you get the chance.
Well, in the light of Wimbledon, take a tennis ball and throw it against the wall. It makes a fantastic *splunk* sound as it hits the wall and may even lull you into a nap. Which is what I love most about my writing day.
ReplyDeleteWell, my thought is to get something sparkling like club soda and put your favorite flavor in it and mix!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the release of The Pollyanna Plan. I do have Construct A Couple all ready to read, but I must finish the book I am reading first.
Have a sparkling day!
Good luck with your new novel. And I'm with you on the surprise twists that pop up in the middle of the book. Love them!
ReplyDeleteSparkling apple cider!
ReplyDeleteCan't really drink coffee either...
I like Anne's idea of something sparkling with flavor to help keep you going. Get plenty of rest too, you have a lovely reason to!
ReplyDeleteYou could chew gum--I know that sounds stupid, but I think gum helps get keep your mind focused. Anyway, CONGRATS again!!
ReplyDeleteRaspberry lemonade is my new obsession. Or there's always chocolate. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest going on a walk! It's a great chance to step away and think clearly. Congrats again! :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard about the flooding in England. I wish you could send some of that rain here to Texas.
ReplyDeleteOnward with the new novel!
Great post, wonderful news.....not so good about your wine though.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Yvonne.
Ps still having trouble with Internet Explorer but have someone coming tomorrow to take a look.
I can recommend camomile tea. I drink some everyday and it certainly soothes me! However, if you've never drunk it before you may need to try it a couple of times before you enjoy it properly. But hey, wine was a bit like that the first time I tried it I recall lol!
ReplyDeletePeppermint tea - can't fault it.
ReplyDeleteThis might just be me, but I've found baking bread to be really enjoyable and relaxing.
Earl Gray Tea. Hot. It worked for Picard. ;)
ReplyDelete- Maurice Mitchell
The Geek Twins | Film Sketchr
@thegeektwins | @mauricem1972
Yup to the camomile tea - and you can use it as an infusion in your relaxing baths. New babe... new novel.. how exciting is your life right now!
ReplyDeleteI get a pedicure once every few weeks, partly because I do so much walking and I need to preserve my feet. But it is nice to be pampered, (and it is also pretty soothing) if only for a little while.
ReplyDeleteI heard they're trying to put a ban on female tennis players' grunts. That is, they're saying that the grunting is too distracting. Can you believe that? Sheesh.
some herbal tea might help soothe your tired mind:) letting loose and watching a favorite show can't hurt either:)
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I'm actually a pretty good grunter--serving my "fast" corner ball or bringing in a WIP with "The End." My family loves the grunt. It means I'm almost there. :-)
ReplyDeleteI, too, am just starting a new novel ... always daunting. This time is different. Visiting my best friend in the hospital, a mother of a young customer of mine called me to his bedside. To get there, I had to walk down the hall of the children's cancer ward. Seeing them in the various stages of bravery or tears put things into perspective for me about my own difficulties, Roland
ReplyDeleteSharapova lost this morning, but there are still a few grunters left! :)
ReplyDeleteI've got a shiny new idea roaming around in my head - it's a little different from anything I've tried before, so we'll see how it goes!
Ginger beer with a splash of lime juice or syrup - tastes good and the ginger is good for your stomach.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with the new book
For non-alcoholic liquid comfort, a cuppa hot cocoa's lovely. For all-around stress relief, I hear yoga works wonders.
ReplyDeleteSome Dark Romantic
My first pregnancy is when I took up baths in the evening. It took the place of a beer or two, as I was working at a microbrewery at the time (getting off work late sometimes and so in need of some quicker relaxing than 8 hours of time).
ReplyDeleteThere ARE a couple alcohol free wines for special occasion that aren't bad--also drank some cranberry and tonic as it sort of 'felt like a cocktail'. herbal tea. (NOT raspberry--raspberry leaves cause contractions, but other fruity ones)
Minty stuff is good if you're a little nauseous, too--peppermint, in particular.
ReplyDeleteI'm one that loves to jump right in and enjoy the twists and turns, too. Good luck with the writing!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with writing the Pollyanna Plan! I have no idea what would be good to help relieve the stress while you're pregnant beyond the teas people have already mentioned. :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to check out some great caffeine free teas and sparkling fruit juices. Have fun starting the new book.
ReplyDeleteNow i want to watch the movie Wimbledon. Paul Bettany can do no wrong, imop
ReplyDeleteOh noes! Bring out the grunt-o-meter!!! LOL! Oh but I say grunt away loudly and proudly as you go for an ACE and win the match in straight sets!! :-) Better than wine!! Take care
ReplyDeletex
Club soda with lime works for me when wine is a no-no.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd suggest coffee (lattes!) but you can't have too many of those either. Italian sodas are lovely - club soda with a flavoured syrup. Homemade lemonade... Smoothies made with lots of ice and frozen berries...
ReplyDeleteI refuse to watch some tennis players because of their GRUNTING. I'm just saying. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Deniz on adding Club Soda to everything! I do it all the time. Good luck with the writing (though you so don't need it)!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm don't know what to suggest....chocolate maybe? Happy to hear you have started on the PP. I haven't had a chance to read Construct a Couple yet because life keeps getting in the way. I am not impressed with this getting in the way nonsense that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteIt's time to switch over to milkshakes or smoothies. I think I mentioned them before, but throw in a little fruit, and you and TR jr are good to go! Happy writing! Julie
ReplyDeleteI've just read your happy news, Talli - huge Congrats! And a little boy too, how gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteDrinks wise, there are lots of pretty sparkling alcohol free things in the supermarkets - it was a complete revelation to me when I was pg, before then i'd always walk straight past them on the way to the wine aisle! Elderberry was a big fave for me, but there are lots to choose from. I found that drinking it from a champagne style flute helps make it feel more grown up and wine like - it fools your mind into thinking it's alcohol, I guess! Anyway, wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy. xx
Oh it's a boy you're having how lovely,my first was a boy too,he's nearly 31yrs ,I can't believe it. I know it's not the same but non alcoholic wine in a wine glass and just pretend it's wine it'll probably taste nicer,as long as it's in a really nice glass.
ReplyDeleteGood heavens, what WILL you do without wine?? CHOCOLATE IS THE KEY. It's what got me through the (highly) unglamorous parts of pregnancy and writing-while-pregnant! xx
ReplyDeleteAlso non-alcoholic pear Kopparberg cider. We became bestest friends and to this day I think it tastes better than the real stuff!
ReplyDeleteThe sacrifices we make in life. You're doing the right thing in abstaining. I suggest protein smoothies.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with that new book, Talli - just keep your scan photo nearby and remind yourself how creative you are!
ReplyDeleteThere are those very low alcohol wines but they arent the same are they? I'd agree with elderflower - and up the chocolate!
ReplyDeleteWait, what, no drinking wine?! That would be awful! LOL! Happy writing. That first draft is the hardest part for me. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteWell the latest research shows that drinking wine whilst pregnant is fine, but I still wouldn't do it. As long as you don't grunt like those tennis ladies. You'll find something.
ReplyDeleteDenise
LOL! When I think of grunting I have an image of Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally, though I know what you mean about the tennis grunting. I just wish the weather would be lovely just for a change. Happy creating...
ReplyDeleteRock climbing is obviously out too. More's the pity!
ReplyDelete