Saturday, February 23, 2008

Backlog And Block

Words, words everywhere and not a word to write.

Or something like that.

I can't even come up with anything remotely clever or "literary" today.

It's been a frustrating week. I haven't been able to do as much writing as I would have liked. The blog has suffered. My novel has suffered. I feel stretched in far too many different directions. I suspect the main reason is I have an essay to write for University and it's hanging over me like the sword of Damocles. In itself it's not too onerous a task to accomplish. 4000 words is pretty meagre by my wordy standards. A couple of days and it'll be done.

However, we've got to come up with our own essay titles.

Sounds a wonderful opportunity doesn't it?

But I'll be blowed if I can come up with a title that doesn't sound limp, lame or just plain lobotomized. I know what I want to write about but I just can't bring it all together into a neat, academically satisfying little package.

Not a global disaster by any means but I'm one of those sadsacks who cannot relax until a set task is completed. I hate having something hanging over me. Absolutely loathe it. Karen on the other hand is happy to leave things to the very last minute. How do people do this? I almost envy her the ability.

Anyway. I feel like I just can't relax and write anything properly or with any kind of enjoyment until the essay is completed... and I'm stumbling at the first hurdle: the title. It doesn't bode well.

As for the picture of Keeley Hawes...

Well. Eye candy. A spoonful of sugar and all that.

Completely unjustified and all the sweeter for it. Enjoy.

14 comments:

Glenda Young said...

Be kind to yourself. One word at a time. I'm supposed to be up here in the spare room writing my novel but as you can see, I'm blogging. One word at a time, you'll get there.

Steve said...

Yes, blogging has become my favoured mode of prevarication too! Up here in the spare room same as you... ho hum!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photo. I was feeling cheerful anyway - but had I needed cheering up that would have done it.

As for the essay - I can empathise with that. I am the same. I can't see past big tasks at all. That's why I haven't been blogging - I have told myself I have to finish this project and I can't blog until I get to a certain point on it and well, I am, like you making slow progress. I have been writing late at night and going to bed at 3am or whatever feeling really good about what I have written and then when I read it back in the morning it is just rubbish.

But Keeley is gorgeous!

Time for a beer, I reckon. I can't watch rugby without one!!

Hope you have a good weekend.
gina

Old Cheeser said...

She looks a bit like Natalie Imbruglia in that photo.

However unlike her, I trust you are not cold and naked, chained upon the floor, Stevenage.

One step at a time, you WILL get there with your writing!

TimeWarden said...

Despite your poor week, Steve, I hope you still managed to enjoy "Torchwood" and particularly "Ashes to Ashes"! No less than two Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music tracks in the third episode of the latter!! :)

Steve said...

Thank Gina - I did actually come up with a half decent title eventually. I just need to get it approved by my tutor now and then I can actually start writing the essay. I'll feel so much better to have it out of the way. Sad eh? Hope you're having a good weekend too and aren't burning the midnight oil too much!

Ha ha! Hi OC, I have to say that no, I am not not cold, naked and chained upon the floor... is that a cure for writer's block or a recommendation for a good Saturday night in? ;-) I know you're right@ one step at a time and all that... I guess I'm just very impatient!

I did indeed TimeWarden - nice to know you are still popping back occasionally. I noticed the double hit of Roxy Music and thought of you. Mind you it also featured "ay ay ay ay moosie" by Modern Romance which was far less appealing! Shock ending to TW - not sure it's wise getting rid of Owen; he's one of the best characters...

-eve- said...

yes, i hate assignments too! Glad you found a title *and if not, i was going to suggest some so you could get started :-)*

Steve said...

;-) Thanks Eve! If my tutor disapproves of what I've come up with I might come to you for suggestions!

The Sagittarian said...

Definetly one word at a time, then the sentence then the paragraph. Pretend you're blogging?? Good luck.

Anonymous said...

Hi Steve!

I am back...can you believe it? Back to the winter although thankfully the days are getting longer!

So you are a Keeley fan...lol Did you watch...I can't remember now, aside from Spooks...Sarah Waters one...you will know the one I mean.

Sorry it must be all that jet lag and then straight back into work. I know what you mean about frustration. Now that I really want to write, I don't have the time. But soon that should all change.

How is your little family doing?

All the best

Janete

Steve said...

That might help Amanda - but I'm even having trouble blogging at the mo!

Hi Janete - so nice to hear from you once more! I must admit I hadn't quite twigged that you were ultimately coming back to the UK. This really isn't the season to do so! But at least Spring is on the way and this has been an incredibly mild winter (yet again). I am a Keeley fan yes but for some reason - God knows what - I've never got to see Tipping The Velvet... though I read all about it, of course!

The family are all doing well - can't believe that Tom will be 5 months old next month! The time has flown by. He's a real darling - if only Karen and I could just get more sleep!

The Poet Laura-eate said...

What's the subject of your essay Steve and we'll try and come up with a title for you...?

MOTHER OF MANY said...

It's good when they sleep through the night.My 7 year old has never been a good sleeper but it was the 22 year old,the 18 year old and the 16 year old who stayed awake ALL last night in our house.At 5am I threatened to kick them out!

Steve said...

Aw, that's very sweet of you Laura but hopefully I've now cracked it. My tutor has approved: Is it the case that confessional poetry, like any confession, requires both a penitent and a confessor? Discuss with reference to the work of any two poets.

All I've got to do now is write the bloody thing!

Hi Ally, Karen and I can't wait for Tom to sleep through the night - it feels such a hard slog at the moment; even though he's such a lovely baby in every way. I don't function well when desprived of sleep at the best of times...!