Yes, it looks bad. I haven't posted since July 2nd and that probably means the writing has fizzled, right? Nope. I *did* work ahead because I knew I was going on vacation and even a Herculean effort wouldn't save me if I tried writing during vacation. It's just not that kind of trip. Very little fun, lots of obligations, and catching up with friends that are very much family (and sometimes just as annoying and hard to get along with, even thought I love them dearly).

And since most of them read this occasionally, I have to add: I'm not talking about you. You know you're the exception. It's those other friends... LOL

The story's still in that stage where I'm struggling to get a handle on the emotion, the heart, of my character. Not *exactly* sure what her real story is, you know, the stuff that underlies the events not just the events themselves.

In truth, I was just tootling along until I started listening to The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. He's just too good. I'm just so involved in his characters and world and why can't I get the same feel when I'm writing!?! Foot stamp. Whine. I suppose the answer is, if I'm going to go wandering off down an unknown road and not bother with maps (or ye olde Medieval GPS daemon), then I can hardly complain about feeling lost and anxious and indecisive, now can I?

And I'm still on vacation, so though I can blog about my writing process, I can't actually do some writing... oh crap, time to beat myself into constructive action, then. The lesson for the day, then, is (now pay attention, folks!): if you're feeling directionless, don't know where a plot or some characters are headed and thinking you need to do some backing up and better planning, well, maybe so, but what could it hurt to keep wandering around a little bit more? Have some faith in the occasional zen outcome of your creative subconscious. Wander some more, enjoy the scenery, and keep a casual eye out for crossroads or dragons. You'd be amazed how fast you'll get to the one or the other.

Now I gotta go see a man about some organic conditioner and a pile of brass grommets.