Sunday, February 08, 2009

PROGRESS REPORT #51: THE IMPORTANT NOTEBOOK


THIS WAS A PECULIAR CRAFT I DISCOVERED ON A LITTLE POOL ON MY WALK TODAY

I have had some days off over the weekend and tried to get caught up with my writing on "Shadow of the Lion". I was trying to work out the last part of the chapter and having some problems with it. Then on my way to meet my friends on Friday night I had the whole scene including dialogue worked out in my head. Trouble was, I'd forgotten to bring my notebook. I always carry a little notebook for moments like that and there I was without a thing to write on. Of course, by the time I got home later I'd forgotten most of what I'd had in my head, although I do have a gist of what I will write.
One of the things I always tell people in my writing classes is to 'always carry a notebook'. I don't know how many times I'll get a brain wave while waiting for a bus or riding on the bus and especially, like to day, when I go out for a nice long walk.
HMCS CALGARY
I had ships on my mind today. Triremes, sailing into the harbour of Ephesus. War ships, part of Ptolemy's fleet. And strangely, it seemed to turn out to be a day of ships. First I discovered the odd little vessel made of twigs and branches floating on the pond at Crab Tree Park. A most peculiar discovery. Then I walked down to the Convention Centre (which in itself is built like a huge ship with sails) and there was this Canadian warship HMCS Calgary. Another unusual sighting.

I had hoped to get a lot of my novel figured out in my head today and yes, I did have a notebook with me just in case. But I was troubled by some other thoughts that kept getting in my way and was unable to focus on Shadow. Anyway, I did sort something out. I realized that the scene I have already written is lacking in some important ingrediants. So when I got home tonight, I did a few hours of research. Yes, I have made a slight error in what I wrote so now I'm trying to figure out how to fix it but after I sleep on it I'm sure it will come clear to me.

Meanwhile, I have tomorrow off -- no classes til Tuesday -- so I can catch up and at least try to finish this one important scene that leads off Part VII and the finale of the novel.
TRIREME


Add to Technorati Favorites
Posted by Picasa

3 comments:

Wynn Bexton said...

Thanks. I've taken to carrying my camera with me most of the time now. Especially on my walks.

Father Park said...

That's not nice stealing my "logo".

Wynn Bexton said...

Yes, beautiful trireme isn't it? I have a couple on file but like this one the best.