We're still deep in puppiness here at the moment. If it goes quiet I jump up and shout 'Where IS he?' in a great panic over what he might be up to. I actually lost him this morning. He was herded the wrong way by a miniature schnauzer that he was too scared to pass and suddenly decided I must be off in the opposite direction and scampered off to find me. I had to sprint past peaceful Sunday morning back gardens shrieking his name in the exciting falsetto voice that the puppy training lady says they respond best to. He stopped in the end when he found a Jack Russell that he wanted to jump all over.
When I say I was sprinting, it was more of an uncomfortable flapping lollop. It felt as if I was running through treacle. Makes me think I need to work on my fitness a little. Early morning running again? I don't know how I stopped. Although of course now I will have to sneak out past the puppy. I'll give it some thought...
I'm also giving some thought to a novel idea I have. Not a novel idea, as in exciting or new, I don't have any of those. But more of a fiction story thing. I have a rough plot and lots of ends and threads. They need to be woven together in some sort of order, neatly and coherently. I'm still doing non-fiction writing, but I'd like to write some fiction too.
I think I'm the sort of writer who likes to have it all planned out first. I need to know what everyone's going to be doing and work out the twists and turns. As I say, I have a whole ball of ideas. Some of them are even written down. But they need to be connected and the ends worked in neatly. It's a bit like knitting no? All of those individual stitches. Different strands being pulled together to make a pattern. No holes. And slow progress, row by row, until suddenly, one day, there's a whole thing. My knitting record isn't great, except for non-wearable items like blankets. But I've never let it stop me. I have a huge amount of optimism. One day I might pull it off, you never know.
I shall spend the day tackling the post-camping laundry mountain (only one child went away, but still, you know how it is) and thinking about threads and how to tie them all together. Wish me sunshine and good ideas.
I wish you the very best. Based on your writing here on your blog you will do perfectly. I tackled the son came home from summer school at the university laundry yesterday. Oops I still think I have a blanket or two to do today. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you are full of great ideas! Knitting a novel, so very poetic. I love your blog writing and I am in no doubt that you have several novels inside you, just waiting to be knitted up. I am looking forward to seeing your novel at Waterstones. I shall buy it and give it to all my friends. No pressure of course. I hope you don't have to type it with the typewriter above.... Boy camping clothes - yuck. Only men's cycling lycra tops this. Hope the camper had a great time. It was rather wet here but maybe it was lovely down South. Puppies love running, you could both go together xx
ReplyDeleteHusband running kit would give cycling Lycra a run for its money. I'm not sure which is worse! :o) xx
DeleteI agree with the others- you are more than capable of writing a novel and I for one would look forward to reading your wordy knitting.
ReplyDeleteHad to giggle at your running after the puppy. A perfect excuse to start running again and you know I will encourage you :0).
Good luck with the washing mountain. It never seems to entirely recede here! Xx
I love your writing style. Looking forward to seeing a whole novel in print. Go girl!!
ReplyDeleteI am happy for you that you have a fiction story percolating in your mind. You might be the next JK Rowling! As for the puppy running off.. don't you walk him on a leash? Gosh.. if we didn't have ours on a leash he'd be long gone by now, plus they can easily dart right out in front of a fast moving car and that would be the end of him. I also agree with a commenter above... maybe take the pup jogging with you? Have fun! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteI see lots of people jogging with their dog. I'm sure if I tried it (not that we have a dog!) I'd end up in a dreadful tangle, but it does appear to be possible! Can't wait for your first novel - happy knitting!! x
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your blog and look forward to a book. Like a hand knitted blanket I'm sure it will bring pleasure, comfort and joy. I've just caught up after a bit of a gap and Bertie is a treat, not to mention your descriptions of being a tree and chasing after him!
ReplyDeleteBertie is sure keeping you on your toes so to speak. I empathise with much of this post as I've had a novel drifting around in my mind for years.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week. xx
I hope that everything all knits together well for you and that you don't have to do lots more dog chasing! It is like a child isn't it, when they go quiet you suddenly get very suspicious don't you!
ReplyDeleteI have a children's story all written up that needs illustrating if I ever get around to it
ReplyDeletemy knitting always has lots of holes in it, I fear my writing would be the same x
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lot of good ideas to knit a hole proof yarn. I am in awe... not sure where I would even start with fiction, although I suspect having a good storyline would help.
ReplyDeleteOh lovely CJ,
ReplyDeleteIf anyone could pull those ends and threads together it's you. You are a natural storyteller, with an eye for details, a natural rythmn and a quiet, dry sense of humour. I'm so excited for you!!
Leanne xx
Oh you made me smile when I read about your running - I so agree! I attempted the Couch to 5K a while back but only managed the first few days. I can see why it's 'couch' to 5K, I felt like a great big couch potato lumbering along the road. Where has that nippy little girl gone who was the fastest runner in the class?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the story writing xx
Oh, good luck with developing the novel. I've participated in quite a few 'meet the author' events and love to hear their different approaches to writing (Jo Nesbo and Sophie Hannah are, like you, meticulous planners). I often see a woman out running with her little dog. In full make-up, whatever the time of day. The woman, that is, not the dog.
ReplyDelete"it was more of an uncomfortable flapping lollop." hahaha this is exactly how I feel when I do almost anything these days that a child would do with ease. Although, I'm sure you felt more ridiculous than you looked. I'm so excited to hear about the novel. Please do tell the process as it goes on. I'm so curious and I will certainly be eager to read it once it's done. xx
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ReplyDeleteI love it CJ. Sounds like you have the beginnings to a great story and an early outline! Go with it. If you start the work, no matter where it goes you'll be grateful for the effort. I believe in you. Congratulations on all the puppy love!! It sounds like having a toddler again! Exhausting but filled with so much love and joy. I think you are a very active person, don't sell yourself short.
ReplyDeleteGreat post title. I'm fully expecting your books to be stocked in Waterstones soon CJ, you can do this! Xx
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