The Merits of Research

I do remember sitting in a classroom which was always the temperature of the tropics a few years ago. I was sat next to LB, we were both randomly doodling with the giant pens that I thought would be funny. In my head I'm thinking the over-zealous heating is a ploy to see us prancing around in swimwear ala Club Tropicana by Wham. The song takes hold within my head playing in a circuit.

In the background AS, our then long-suffering teacher, is talking about something important, if I can only just focus on it. But that pesky George Michael is relentless. I lean to my other side and DH is scribbling furiously her notes. I make out one word RESEARCH. Crisis averted, no need to listen, research isn't really vital to my career as a writer.

BOY WAS I WRONG!!!!!

A few years have passed since I left my degree in Creative Writing. I left with a BA and stunted creativity. I thought this was down to overthinking my writing. I ditched all planning and research and just started writing from my heart. I ignored my brain telling me to correct spelling or grammar and ignored the critical voice asking where it was going.

I found it freeing creatively and actually began writing something I was happy with. It wasn't perfect but I liked it, which was an improvement. When I started looking at the work I was doing it was all inter-related. Unknowingly I'd started writing a trilogy.

As the work progressed I put down a plan. A PLAN! Totally unlike me. Two weeks ago I was suddenly struck by the fact that in order to make my work better I need to research quite a bit of information.

The big revelation is that I enjoy doing research. I'm surrounded by books and my own typed notes. Everything is covered in highlights and post its. It's all very surreal but I love it.

All those years ago sat in that classroom I never thought I would be in the position I'm in now.

This is serious now, not just a hobby, my life is this story now and I'm compelled to finish it. Scary

Back again

Again with the long absence. I guess not having regular internet is really affecting what I'm keeping up with. I realised yesterday that I hadn't talked to one of my friends for months. Thats pretty terrible. She lives in France and the only way to keep in contact is via e-mail.

I guess the problem lies with me thinking I have nothing to say. Which is not true. I have plenty to say just maybe not anything interesting. So I think I'm just gonna stick some new thoughts up here anyway. Send them to the great Muser in the sky.