Anna Scott Graham's Blog, page 40

Setting aside the WIP

Rare are the times I begin writing a book, then close up the document, not proffering a satisfying conclusion. But last night after going to bed, I realized that I needed to take a break from A Rose Blissful, from National Novel Writing Month, from something that most times brings me great pleasure but over the last couple of weeks has felt like a.... Not a burden or a big fat drag, yet not an activity enticing or soul- soothing. Yes I'm disappointed, I don't like leaving things unfinished. But better to walk away now than kick myself later for not following my heart.

I honesty don't know what will happen to this story; a dear friend is reading the six chapters I have managed, and depending on her assessment, I will choose either to file it under unfinished manuscripts or.... I will give myself this break, then see what happens in December. I have two other novels requiring revising, one of which will be released next month and needs to be formatted.  Edits and formatting is about all my brain can handle right now, and recognizing that and not trying to push through a new idea is what Present Me calls being smart. Past Me might scoff, but I hope Future Me can somehow flick Past Me on the ear in a cool your jets honey kind of way.

I wanted NANOWRIMO to give me the kick in the butt I felt I needed to get a new novel underway. But for whatever reason, I don't feel as connected to it as in years past. Is it my age, the age of Discord, or just some random bunch of reasons that can't be property cataloged. Again I truly don't know, but it is what it is and sometimes this happens. Not often, but occasionally great ideas founder when put into practice. Like I said above, it's disappointing, but not the end of the world.

Yet, I didn't want to gloss over that sometimes writing fails. Sometimes all the character sketches and timelines and marvelous brainstorms fizzle out. 5K, 10K, or the 20K that I've accumulated gets shoved in a folder, saved on a flash drive, tucked away because files take little space and maybe one day.... Maybe I'll finish that book. And maybe one I might. But if I don't, that's okay too. For even the incomplete books have purpose; I wrote six chapters. A lot of dialogue. Some great sentences. A few clever jokes. All of this enhances my skills, even if I didn't get to The End.

Swamped by books

Miss Buttercup from 2017; she is definitely the basis for North the dog.

Oh my my, I am up to my neck in novels! And while that's a marvelous sensation, it's also a little.... Too wonderful? Maybe. Perhaps it's like being inundated with chocolate; all things, even the great ones, in moderation. But when the muse is whirling, it's hard to put on the brakes.

Yet, I am trying to maintain a semblance of patience. We loaded wood into the garage this afternoon, my hubby and I, cool weather upon us. Dishes required my attention, ahem, not sure what awaits this evening; there is always hand-sewing or some crocheting. I've enjoyed myself by making some cowls, although most of them are just a wee bit large, but will do the job, keeping my neck cozy. Crocheting is truly an indulgent pastime; no needles to thread, just pulling from a skein of yarn, proffering my simple double-crochet stitch enough thread to keep my hook busy. One of my grandmothers knitted, the other crocheted, but I learned from my mother-in-law, who taught me right before I had my first child. I make blankets, scarves, and cowls. Nothing fancy, but certainly useful.

My books could be deemed a similar thrill, well, useful for me to stay outta trouble, lol. Not fancy other than some clever plotting, so keen that I don't know/remember a secret shared between two characters, yikes! That's not from the novel I'm currently writing but one I'm revising, originally drafted in 2013. Hopefully what that illicit connection revealed will one day pop into my brain, but until then I'm editing with what I have, whittling down from the rough draft something relatively sleek and entertaining. I'd love to release it by the end of the year, we'll see how that goes.

I'll be over the moon to finish A Rose Blissful by 31 December as well, just a matter of writing every day, or almost daily. I managed 1,600 words this morning, will hopefully wrap up that chapter tomorrow. In this ever curious world, I thrive on routine, and writing does too. Here's a little sample from the new book, in which Mallory and her Aunt Wendy talk about North the dog. Enjoy!

An hour later the women collected green beans and cherry tomatoes in the garden. Mallory wasn’t surprised at how overrun by weeds were the plants, although she kept those thoughts to herself. Wendy half-heartedly had apologized for the usually tidy garden’s derelict condition, and after filling all their veg containers, they sat on a metal bench by the side of the expansive enclosure. “Maybe I’ll clear out some of this after lunch,” Mallory said, gesturing toward the ground by the tomato plants.

“Do all you like,” Wendy said, putting on her readers. “Looks fine to me.”

Mallory giggled. “Gonna ruin your sight doing that.”

“Who cares?” Wendy stood, facing the tree line, from where the sun shone brightly overhead.

Mallory kicked at the grass, which needed to be mowed. “Aunt Wendy, maybe tomorrow we can visit your vet.”

“Don’t get uppity Mal.”

“He hasn’t touched his food all day.”

“He ate like a pig last night.”

Mallory stood, joining where her aunt still gazed at the sky. “Travis said they use the same vet, said she’s….” Mallory paused, then sighed. “That she’s a very good doctor.”

“I heard what you really said about her, just so you know.”

“Well, why don’t you let me meet her, then I’ll retract my statement.”

Wendy laughed hard. “You won’t change your mind.” She faced Mallory, blinking her eyes, but still wearing her readers. “But what’s money when I can still holler steak fat?”

“You could get another dog,” Mallory offered. “Name that one Steak Fat.”

Wendy shook her head. “Oh Mally-Mal, I don’t think so.”

Mallory’s heart pounded. “It’s been ten years Aunt Wendy. You said Mom didn’t help pick him out. I miss her too but….”

Wendy grasped Mallory’s hand, squeezing hard. Then she released her, motioning to the vegetables. “Take those to the mudroom honey. I’m gonna split some wood.”

“Sure,” Mallory said as her aunt walked swiftly through the open garden gate.

Past and present

The Pacific at Trinidad, California, November 2021.

Taking a day off from noveling; it's my beloved's birthday, hehehe. A year ago today we went to Trinidad Head, just wandering around the beach. I'd been busy writing That Which Can Be Remembered, sewing Honeycomb Stars quilts for my grandsons. Funny how twelve months later it could be said not much has changed. Yet a lot goes on behind the scenes, as in any life, what I choose to set here, what remains tucked away. Memories, tragedies, small sorrows; all intermingle despite where they fall in the timeline.

I used the Moonlight collection by Wishwell for this Honeycomb Stars quilt; November 2021.

Yet it's so easy to scroll through a photo app, bringing up this day last year, two years past, three, four.... What ages ago took pulling down photo albums or flipping through boxes of snapshots is no more than asking one's device for shots from this or that day. I can peruse my published novels by merely tapping on a books app, tapping again.... In the writing from yesterday, I conjured the demise of a device, not quite how I'd planned that to occur when plotting out this story, but as I've said, characters act of their own accord once the writing begins. And sometimes in real life, that kind of spontaneity happens, at times in joy, occasionally draped in angst. Life is precarious, real and fiction.

A little morning mist from 11 November 2021.

In celebrating my husband's birthday today, I've stepped away from my usual activities, other than some crocheting, which I've picked up needing some cowls for autumn's recent arrival. Two inches of rain in the last few days makes it truly feel like the seasons have altered, nice to have cozies to wear. Tomorrow I'll be back to the story, back to cutting fabric for a quilt, back to a routine that needs some shaking up in a mild manner. I don't need to dwell on what occurred years in the past, just stay in this moment. And be mindful of the grace that swirls all around me. And that's what I know for today.

Honeycomb Stars quilt

What to say about this baby quilt that I haven't already mentioned.... It's beautiful, hehehe, and large enough for a little one to crawl around on initially, then cuddle with later. Lapsized for sharing, it's backed with flannel for extra warmth and snuggliness.

Above and below the sloths are fabrics from the Earth Views collection. I do adore those sloths!

Dotted with animals and nature, I also used some of my Karen Nyberg prints from her Earth Views collection. Various Kona solids in green tie together the beauty of Bonnie Christine's Wild Forgotten fabrics, a woodland theme I was happy to expound upon.

Yet for how lovely is this quilt, it will be my last, unless I am utterly compelled beyond reasonable boundaries. Which means while I won't say, "I will NEVER make another quilt like this again," I am fairly certain this is my final Honeycomb Stars blanket. The effect is truly marvelous, but the creating wasn't a similarly fantastic experience. Yet this is how we grow, by stretching ourselves. And at times returning to our comfort zones. No need to overextend continually for the sake of it. I have enough aches and pains as is, LOL.

The design is by Rachel Hauser of Stitched in Color. I do recommend it, a well-written pattern that also has instructions for larger (4") hexagons to make a king-size quilt. I used the smaller (2") hexagons for this abbreviated throw-size blanket, but I've previously made the larger version, although not for a king bed. Again I reduced the overall scope, fashioning a quilt for my eldest grandson. (His little brother received the 2" hexie version.) It's definitely a special design, and I'm glad to have made it for a baby girl due next month. Her awesome folks are dear to my heart, and I can't wait to send this their way!

A novel start and quilt finishes

A Mandolin quilt, perhaps one of my fave EPP patterns!

NANO 2022 is underway; I've amassed over 3,300 words, a little above the recommended daily 1,500 words to hit that awesome 50K goal. Which isn't truly novel-length, but certainly a good amount for any writer to strive toward. The writing itself is...nothing to be ashamed of. It's..fine, and for now fine is fine with me. What has surprised me was the run-up; I had forgotten how magical the last couple of weeks in October are, waiting for November first to arrive! Autumn in full swing, although sunny and dry, conjured memories of past years when I was itching to create something new, be it in characters, a realm, or merely the sense of a season that lived in the San Francisco Bay Area was so anticipated, summer this long slog of endless sun and heat, bleh. A Humboldt summer is very different, lol, yet I was thrilled for the notion of change.

I've decided to approach this novel as perhaps a stream of consciousness sort of story, at least that's how I'm feeling on day #2. If nothing else, I have one chapter under my belt, and for whatever this book's eventual purpose, I am writing something NEW!

Sunflowers form the centers of attaching blocks while a different sunflower print resides in the corners.

As for the quilt front, the Mandolin quilt, pictured above and throughout this post, is on its way to the beautiful soul for whom it was created. A scrappy binding completed the overall fanciful nature of the fabrics, some from very far back in my sewing era. A generous lap-sized blanket, I am considering starting another, using one collection, but for now I am *SO PLEASED* with how this turned out! Special thanks to Jodi Godfrey for the marvelous design, and to my husband for assisting with the photography.

Obligatory shot of what I thought were the final stitches, until after closer inspection I located one white square in need of quilting, lol.

Meanwhile, draped over our sofa is the Honeycomb Stars quilt, pattern by Rachel Hauser, which is almost done, big WOO HOO! I spent much of yesterday afternoon plowing through the basting, machine quilting, and binding attachment, then last night I hand-sewed two sides of the binding in place. We watched the Warriors lose to the Heat (boo....) and the Phillies beat the Astros (YAY!). Despite not fully embracing how this quilt came together, the result is very pretty, and I'll post pics after it's washed and crinkly. Maybe by then the Warriors can figure out how to achieve a victory and the Phillies could be within a game of winning the World Series. And who knows how the novel will be progressing. Stay tuned!

The never say never conundrum

What I'm planning to write tomorrow, fingers crossed for a wordy NANOWRIMO start!

Several years ago I made a decision that for a good while caused me a lot of consternation, a choice that I said I would never make again. Well, I'm strongly considering going back on that pledge.

I'm thinking about publishing the first of a series without having subsequent novels written.

Quick backstory: in writing The Hawk, I released the first 40K fully aware that I wasn't done, nor would I be able to gauge when I would be done. I did that because I rightly, if not painfully, assumed it would perhaps be the only impetus to keep me writing until the story was DONE. But OMG what pressure, tension, commitment! How many times did I say to myself, "You will NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!" Um, many. Yet here I am, giving serious thought to doing it again.

Why, you might ask. Good question! Well see, there's this intriguing novel I've dug up from 2013 and....

Really, that's the reason? Huh. (Never say never again, let me just note.)

But this is a great story, and has the potential to be an amazing series! And if I release this first book, well then of course I'll write the next one. Of course I will. 

Uh-huh. Of course.

I worked on this novel extensively over the summer, mostly because I wanted to do something different amid prepping That Which Can Be Remembered for publication, a series I completely finished before releasing it, might I add. I overhauled said novel, titled The Earthen Chronicles Book 1 (an apt title for the first of a series) in a big way, which is appropriate since that draft is over nine years old, lol. Having just finished another round of revisions, I changed/added where I had made notes a few months ago, tightening the prose ever so slightly. My only hesitation in choosing to publish the book is that I don't have the necessary attachment to a couple of characters, who received some major overhauls. Yet I'm not hoping to release this story tomorrow; further edits would enhance their personalities, as well as plumping up some other thin characterizations.

All of this comes on the eve of my return to NANOWRIMO with a completely different story, hahaha! Not to mention one last book in the TWCBR series to be published in December, which will require a final revision before I upload it. If the NANO book, titled A Rose Blissful, comes out well, I might release it, but that wouldn't be well until sometime next year, leaving plenty of room in my schedule to write Book 2 of The Earthen Chronicles. Weak characters notwithstanding, something about it makes me want to share it, which wasn't why I initially published The Hawk, merely as insurance to make sure I finished it. Which I did indeed do, hehehe.

Writing is a vital element of my well-being, and that I can publish is so liberating. Hopefully I'll be feeling the same way in six months regardless of which fate I choose for The Earthen Chronicles. Meanwhile I have a Mandolin quilt almost completed! Time to close this entry and move on with other joys.

Reassessing the purpose

Displayed on the old laundry line makes for a visual quilty treat!

So I have finished what might be the last Honeycomb Stars Quilt I ever make. Never say never (and more about that very soon!), but boy getting through the end of this was.... Not quite a slog, certainly contemplative, and ultimately not that enjoyable. Not due to any fault of the pattern's creator; Rachel Hauser's delightful and informative write-up was clear, concise and if one is inclined to quilting beyond a beginner's level very do-able. Yet I am not the most precise cutter, nor am I super-fussy about scant quarter-inch and full quarter-inch seams. In matching the dog ears when attaching rows together, often I encountered the smallest but meaningful excess fabric and after the first three or four rows I grew tired of adjusting the ears just so. As I completed the final rows yesterday afternoon, I had to admit that while this pattern produces a beautiful result, I am not the quilter best suited to using it.

Accepting one's limitations, be they in sewing, writing, gardening or any other pastime, is an essential aspect of fully enjoying said hobby. I'm facing that realization as I prep for NANOWRIMO; recently I spent an evening writing (in longhand) timelines for the next WIP. I thought such detailed notes were necessary, but man after an hour I was OVER IT, thinking to myself, 'How much plotting do I truly require for this novel?'. I haven't worked on it since, needing space from the plotting and for myself to cool down, not quite like a time out, but definitely a redirect. Felt the same about the garden too, although I did get most of the dahlias cut back, leaving a few stalks still bearing flowers. While we've received no rain, it's nearly November, time for the garden to be DONE. In spring I had big plans to plant winter veg, hah! I need a break from that otherwise pleasant pastime, just like I need to put away one quilt pattern and maybe not worry about novel timelines.

Past Me would scoff at such nonsense, but Past Me isn't Present Me's age, ahem. Present Me is far more attuned to what matters, as well as being aware that Future Me is relying on Present Me to not spoil what hopefully will be beloved hobbies for years to come. After my first few years of quilting I grew bored with patchwork, branching out to improv, but I've returned to simple squares, not all the same size mind you, as my preferred manner of making quilts. If I'm in the mood for something fancy, I pull out paper pieces and voila! English paper piecing is great for spectacular, if not speedy, results. And as for noveling....

I need to remind myself, constantly it seems, that writing is best done when the subject matter touches my heart as much as piquing my intellect. That plotting is often helpful, but not always required. That spontaneity, while sometimes abrupt, enlightens a story beyond my initial expectations. So yeah, a timeline can be helpful, but I shouldn't strangle the soul of the story (or myself) just so the dates align. Rough drafts are just that and should be started under the guise of, 'Here we go, woo hoo!'. This isn't my first rodeo in writing, I know my routine. Some books ache for microscopic backstories. What I'm hoping to write isn't one of them.

So with all that, I'm very grateful to have completed another Honeycomb Stars quilt; while this one is a little darker than I had planned, the somewhat ombre effect is pretty, and all those autumnal-themed fabrics make me want to start a fall quilt for Present and Future Me, lol. I have it prepped to baste, but then I've begun hand-quilting the Mandolin quilt, so as usual I have plenty on my plate. But the pace and complexities of these projects is constantly being tweaked according to my level of energy. That is the key to joyful creativity. Future Me will appreciate Present Me's self-awareness and Past Me can just sulk in the corner. I'll never be any younger than I am right now, honey. Check yourself before you wreck yourself, as my youngest likes to say.

Some big finishes

On the basting table at last!

So while I didn't complete the Honeycomb Star quilt in total, I did get all the rows made, and even have five of them attached, with a sixth pinned in place, waiting on my work table. That alone is a win, but even better was hand-sewing the final stitches in a long-suffering Mandolin Quilt, which is now basted and merely needs some (or several) runs under the quilting foot on my machine!

Having recently given to my granddaughter her Grandmother's Flower Garden EPP quilt, I am feeling very.... Pleased is one way to describe it, victorious is another, LOL! Also grateful, humbled too. The Mandolin quilt is for a dear family member who lost her home in the Camp Fire almost four years ago. Somewhat scrappy in nature, it also reflects her love for the Seattle Seahawks, hehehe. And especially it attempts to express my feelings toward her and all that she lost; her home, possessions, keepsakes. Nothing can bring back what she and so many others have endured, or those suffering from similar tragedies be they by fire, flood, hurricane, conflict.... Yet I can do my small part and in this quilt every stitch is a prayer for healing, for happiness, and for all that my heart feels toward her.

I plan to do quite a bit of machine quilting on this, but some hand-quilting will probably sneak in, I love combining those processes. I loved making this quilt; the main blocks, while large, come together relatively fast as do the connecting blocks. The only time consuming part, other than actually sewing it together, was in fashioning the corners, but even that was straightforward once I laid it out. I began this quilt when the pattern was free, but the PDF is well worth the money if English paper piecing is your gig. I mostly used papers from Paper Pieces, a few from Tales of Cloth; I like them both, so it depends on where you live for shipping costs. In my opinion, those from Tales of Cloth are *slighter* thinner than Paper Pieces, which makes large projects easier to wrangle but thinner papers can be a little tricky to thread-baste, which is my preferred method.

Of course now this frees up another EPP project to take precedence; I'm currently working on two, no three, LOL! One is for me, one is another long-suffering pattern that might end up being appliqued onto squares as I can't fathom making all the attaching blocks, the other to be gifted far in the future. Most evenings I sit and hand-sewn, very meditative and as long as my hands aren't balky, I'll keep it up. And when I can't, I'll peruse books about the subject and think back to the thrill of such joyous activities. For now there are rows to attach, quilting to do, and another quilt idea to consider, once I free enough space on the design wall! Insert smiley face here....

Taking my time

Small blocks turning into short rows!

November is quickly approaching, but I'm not rushing to get a novel prepped; we've had some beautifully sunny afternoons and I take my notebook outside, sit in the sun, then write what comes from my head and heart about various characters. I'll probably need to organize a timeline of past events; at times I am a bit OCD about that kind of plotting, but the main cast is about done, just need to ramble about the supporting characters, of which there are several, ahem. However I'm not scrambling (yet), preferring to soak up the warmth that disappeared yesterday and doesn't seem likely today either. Instead I'll work on a Honeycomb Star quilt that is coming together more quickly than I thought it would.

But this project has been in the works since August, when I first cut the hexagons, so it too is not in a hurry. I did accomplish more with it yesterday than I had planned, which is sometimes the case when I dither; inevitably more gets completed, which is fine; it's like a bonus, and I'm grateful to be ahead of the game. I've mentioned that this quilt is as futzy as I get, and I really felt my boundaries being stretched yesterday, not that it's hard, just very slow-going. Careful sewing to attempt to match dog-ears for crisp points, meticulous pressing as not to fold over those necessary dog-ears, lol! Yet this is a baby quilt, so the rows are short and very sweet. Makes me want to dig those fabrics from my stash and make an autumnal blanket for our household.

Really want to make a quilt from these to use myself!
 

Spending time this past week seated on the patio while enjoying the sun was truly marvelous, as well as necessary. Daylight is lessening, shadows lengthening, maybe some rain falling soon? I hope we receive precipitation but I'm not counting on it, not wishing to raise expectations until a strong storm rumbles through. Even the rain is feeling lazy, a colloquial manner of putting it, or maybe I wish it was that simple. I can't control the weather, or lack of it, but I can keep myself on even keels, and perhaps by Sunday I'll have a completed quilt top to share next week. As for the character sketches, I'll get to them before Halloween; I'm so eager to start a new book, hoping a few intriguing souls muscle themselves into the story once it's underway. While I'm definitely a plotter, I love it when a novel-in-progress becomes self-aware, hatching schemes I wouldn't have considered. Autumn is in full swing, best to let it proceed naturally, imbibing in all the unfolding joys.

Sunny starts

Today's beautiful view.
 

The last two mornings have been full of bright, clear skies, a wonderful change to our recent grey horizons. Shocking to see how far south the sunrise has moved along the treeline; mid October is here in force, but I appreciate the seasons. And with NANOWRIMO just a couple of weeks away my writing mojo is emerging, or I think it is. Character sketches are coming together in a rambly sort of manner, although a timeline of familial events will probably be necessary. But it feels good to spin those kinds of details, dramatic elements as necessary as the blue sky greeting me today.

Years ago autumn used to mean big-time writing prep, as well as anticipating precipitation. Rain might indeed arrive this weekend, but I'm waiting a fortnight before diving into a new story. It's celebratory in nature, both the rain and the words, continued growth for me as a novelist as well as heralding what is so badly needed here in California. I recall plenty of soggy Halloweens from my youth, but now those memories seem vaguely unreal, or perhaps I'm uncertain due to climatic change.

But what remains steadfast is how eager I am for November, for writing a new story, for the infusion of literary thrill. It's a little silly, in that writing has become for me not easy but certainly a solid accomplishment, like acknowledging a bright morning, which previously was so routine; now I gape at the sunrise as though it's brand new. The commonplace becomes extraordinary, not to be taken for granted. Writing novels is marvelous, good to be reminded of that gift. And in just two weeks, I'll be ankle deep in fictional melodrama, hooray!