I wonder how many non-writers really understand how stressy the life of a writer can be? And how sedentary? Well that last is obvious - desk, study, staring at the wall - not much movement there. But it can, as we all know if we are IN it, be stressy. This last six months has proved that in spades - very hard work on the text book. Juggling the novel, trying to find time, trying to find space, and peace, in among the blather.
V's stress list might include: Deadlines. Proofreading, when my brain doesnt DO that well at all. Rejects. Writer's Block. (And the fact that it doesn't exist!) Coping with scratchy fleabites like having work/ideas nicked. And much bigger fleabites like finding cash for legal fees as a result.
So - I am on a health kick. I have joined a health club. Yes, me! And shall be swimming if not on a daily basis, then most days. And yes, that IS the pool, above. I shall keep you posted whether my hair goes green.
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14 comments:
Nightmare being plagiarised! What pilchards! Best of luck (funds) sorting that out.
The pool looks awesome! And, though I cannot swim, I would be tempted to learn if I had a pool like that to dip into! Especially if there was no one else in it (do you get it all to yourself?) :)
Pilchards indeed - smelling like them too! It is sorted, as much as I can do, anyway. Everyone who wants to knows the man's name now, so hopefully he will find it hard to take work from any other writers he works with. I wasn't the first - sadly. In all meanings of the word.
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Pool - nah, sadly again, not all to self, lovely as that would be. But I went yesterday with my son and we had it to ourselves for half an hour.
I find swimming the most amazing activity. I don't think when I swim...I mean in the same angsty way that I do on land. I am aqua-relaxed. It clears the head and as we humans came from the sea and then of course we are pickled in embryonic fluid before we are hatched - you will be returning to the most natural state you can achieve.
I like the rhythms of it too. It's all good. Hope it helps......
Hi V! How are you? It's been a while since I visited your blog. What's the story on the 'plagarism'?
Best,
J
I certianly like the looks of that pool! Enjoy it!
You are absolutely right about stress- this writing business is full of it. I think it's good to make excercise just a part of your day. I know I cannot touch the computer in the morning until after I have either taken the dogs for their 40 minute walk or have done aerobics with the DVD.
Hi Julia
I love swimming - that and walking are my two exercisey things. I find I can think better in water!
hey Jude (tra la - how many people crack that one?!) How great to see you here. Long time no see. It seems a long time since we met at Oxford.
The plagiarism story is long and rather boring, but you will get the gist in the covering post here: http://howpublishingreallyworks.blogspot.com/2009/08/plagiarism-whole-story.html
Hi Lauri
I am impressed. That sounds like one good discipline you've got... maybe I ought to take a leaf out of your book.
OMG Vanessa! I just read the whole sordid thing! Yikes, makes one very sceptical about trusting anyone with their unpublished work and ideas... Lord!
It was and is very sad. Many people, including lawyers, have read the published works concerned, and agree the close similarities are totally unacceptable.
Ditto, Jude. V. sad.
Noooo, Vanessa: your hair will not go green! Your muscles will say 'thank you', however - all that working-out without stress is just what they'll appreciate.
Yup, nobody believes writing - of any kind (ex-copywriter, ex-journo here) - can be stressful. But they don't consider the facts: it's personal; deadlines are invariably tighter than a duck's whatsit, and you - you, the writer - are being judged constantly (imagine the worst job interview you've ever had, then cube the emotional effects).
You're right, tho' - serene swimming is just the job. You'll find exercise helps enormously in so many ways. Bon courage! Minnie xx
PS Plagiarists are evil - the worst kind of sloth and dishonesty combined. All the same, while it must be bloody impossible to see the bright side: it really can be 'the sincerest form of flattery'. Although dealing with lawyers probably does a lot to hide anything encouraging ... Good luck, Vanessa. Min xx.
Thanks Minnie! And even if my hair does go green, I gather that is cool. Although my son says I will be banned from parents' meetings...
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