Friday 1 June 2018

ANK on Could I Be A Full Time Author?

Writing to my heart's content, being able to immerse myself in my stories all day - every day. Powering up my laptop in the morning and not leaving it until those 5k plus words are achieved... or more...
Sounds like a blissful existence - right? I would agree... where it not for the pesky little thing called "life," which kind of stops once you retreat to your "writer's corner."
I know it - because I live a writer's life... part-time at least. And I love it! I love the days of the week, which I have "to myself" - mundane tasks of daily life permitting. Because, no - I am not rich and cannot afford to pay somebody to do my washing, cleaning, cooking and shopping for me. This is still all very much a DIY job. And it bloody gets in the way of writing!
It doesn't get in the way of my "proper job" - the one that not only pays the bills but keeps me connected to reality; the people, the science, daily trivia, and - not so trivial - current affairs.
The commute to work gets me talking to people, the work I do gets me thinking outside the irreality-box (that's my brain in author mode. Because let's face it: anything goes in fiction!)
As much as I hate leaving my laptop behind: it is also essential for me to get away from it.
Even if it is only for a walk, taking in the scenery on #Anglesey is beautiful, breathtaking, and endlessly inspiring. I can go out and come back with bags full of ideas. Ideas, I couldn't come up with by sitting in m "writer's corner" and wrecking my brain.
A lot of my third novel, Homecoming (Sphere-World Series Book 3) is happening on Anglesey. Not only because of its natural beauty, and inspiring environment,  but also because it is a place of great mysticism, with a history drenched in myth and lore; a place that once was considered to be the centre of the #Druid world.
I am not a Druid, but Druidry is still an integral part of Welsh life, rich in history, and shrouded in mythology. Therefore, I examine it and learn about it. I can easily relate to its concept of living in harmony with Nature - not as an unknowing slave to its rhythm, but as a knowledgeable scientist, who understands its workings.

As a scientist, I endorse the educational aspects of Druidry.
As an author, I am intrigued by its mysticism and history.

As an author, I need the interaction with reality: real people, real problems, real life, real world. I couldn't write fiction otherwise.
I am glad I realise those restrictions. It makes me feel less guilty about not writing. Because I know it is not a waste of time, but a period of gathering ideas, digesting new impressions, think outside my brain-box.
And in a writer's life, that translates into words, and there is nothing better than sitting down and being able to hammer away at the keyboard, getting down those precious words, which get you closer to finishing your novel.
Din Lligwy; Ancient Settlement near Moelfre on the Isle of Anglesey


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