*slaps wrist* Bad, Dawn.
No reading, either. Just a few pages from the edited WIP, and a chapter here and there of the current book in my bag. I'm so far behind my 100 Books in 2010 goal it's pathetic...
Apparently, random hot guy isn't the greatest muse. (Though, no question he's easy on the eyes...)
But here's the thing. The "break" from writing - from reality, in some ways - wasn't entirely wasted. In a formidable team effort, our house got a major overhaul. It's shiny and spotless, almost like new. And most importantly, I have my office back.
No longer will my space be a dumping ground for everything that doesn't have a home. No more will I sprawl out on the living room floor, or sit at the kitchen table, tempted more by the fridge than the computer. I have my writing retreat back - and yes, it is in the cold basement, but handsome hubby has created an environment that is warm and inviting. (And I have my beautiful Oscar fish in there...who apparently like candlelight and mood music. Who knew?)
During this Sunday cleansing process, I found boxes (literally) of writing notes taken from various conferences. The Maui Writer's Retreat. Thrillerfest. Sage Hill. Hundreds of tips and snippets of advice from mentors, from idols, from friends. Now that's inspirational!
And today, I found Michael C. Hall.
We missed Dexter last night (though it is recorded) but as I sorted through some of my writing stuff this morning, I couldn't help thinking about the show - and the actor who brilliantly portrays the lead character.
Though Dexter is one of my never-miss shows, I rarely talk about it in blog posts, perhaps because I don't "lust" for Dexter as I do for *cough* Damon in Vampire Diaries or *ahem* Sam and Dean in Supernatural.
My Michael C. Hall crush is more intellectual.
Dexter is a complex character. The show is brilliant, actually. More than once I've dreamed I could create something so clever. And 90% of the time, I'm staring slack jawed at the TV after each episode. Last season blew. my. mind.
This year proves to be just as compelling.
Dexter embodies great storytelling. The dialogue is wonderful, the plot lines are flushed out, and the characters are deep. Dexter's in particular.
As I give the WIP one final read, I'm using the notes I found buried in my desk for inspiration - and Michael C. Hall as this week's muse. Sure, he isn't as drool-inspiring as previous muse avatars, but there's something incredibly sexy about a true artist who continues to entertain - even while "life" presents some scary obstacles.
It's this kind of sheer determination and tenacity I can admire and respect. A worthy muse, indeed.
The Book In My Bag Today: Another One Bites the Dust, Jennifer Rardin
Yay!
ReplyDeleteGlad you have your office back! I'm hoping there will be some new pages to read for both of us.
Oh gosh, sorry to hear about your migraines! I know too well what having one means. I've had them since I was about ten. Ugh.
ReplyDeletePS: Really should check out Dexter. People keep telling me it's really good.
Did you make a little hidey hole for G.G and DC? It's not complete till then, I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had the exact weekend you needed to have Mrs.D <3
Yay for the office. I, unfortunately, have a headache right now (not quite a migraine) and just hope my comments all make sense. =)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting your office back! I agree, Michael C. Hall is very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how much more we pay attention to televion plots and story telling once we start writing novels. Sometimes after an episode I think 'geez. If they can pass that off on national television- I should at least get published somewhere some day' and other times I'm like you wondering if I'll 'ever be able to create something so awesome'. Great post!
ReplyDeleteDONNA - sadly, no pages THIS week, but next for sure. I just had to shake my head out of the fog!
ReplyDeleteJESSICA - I have many friends with chronic headaches. I thought mine were stress induced...but I think there's more to it. I'd love to discuss some coping strategies with you at some point. And yes, watch Dexter. Last season was awesome, but they are all really, really good.
JAMIE - I DO have a special place for my GG and DC :-) Though, not as much fun alone. When are we going away, again? LOL <3
CAROLYN - I sympathize with you, sunshine. Thanks for braving the computer glow to check out my blog :-)
BELLE - Thanks! (And thanks for stopping by...)
CREEPY - I love TV for dialogue tips - both what to do, but also what NOT to do. I remember watching 24 (a show I really miss) and being shocked by a sudden murder of an integral character and I was like, huh, I should kill someone. LOL The show was cheesy sometimes, but it taught me a ton about pacing!
Definitely something to be said for a little down time. I have been in a slight funk since finishing latest revisions, and I've been trying to sort and such, too... Hope it works for you and you can get back to it! (and thanks for the reminder to get my mitts on Dexter!)
ReplyDeleteHART - ah yes, post revision funk. I dislike that almost as during-revision funk. Hang in there, darling. I'd highly recommend watching Dexter for a break :-)
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