Writer in Residence and a thought on momentum

As you know I love my manor and the Hotel Avo (@avohoteldalston) is fast becoming a Dalston institution. A family run business, owned and run by the same family who ran the post office here for years; when the post office got edged out by bigger shops they decided to capitalise on the new cool of Dalston and open a boutique hotel in the same location. They were on to a winning idea, the hotel now frequently hosts visiting DJ's or musicians playing at the Dalston Clubs but is so welcoming it doesn't leave you feeling you're wearing the wrong shaped jeans.

If any of you follow my Twitter feed (if not, you should: @kerryswindow) you'll know that a while ago I became the Hotel Avo's Writer in Residence. What began as a few jokey DM's on Twitter between myself and the Manager Sunny (who is also a writer) became me sticking a sea of tourqiose blue post-its to the hotel lounge table on Monday afternoon while working on the restructure of Thirst.

So, I sat with a coffee and wrote my (many, many, many) scenes on post-its and began the massive, mind-mangling jigsaw that is rebuilding the structure of Thirst, gave out some writing advice and enjoyed an environment free of distractions. Well, mostly free. The truth is I love hotels. I am fascinated by the guests, the staff - the holidays and business trips the casual and not-so-casual interactions of strangers in an environment made to simulate the intimacies of 'home' - you can see why a residency at a Hotel might appeal. Besides, the Avo Hotel has big windows staring straight out into the passing people traffic of a busy Dalston street. What better way to snatch a bit-part character or two for Thirst?

I know I also promised a post on momentum so this this is what I have learned recently: both long and short-term plans change. Life fragments and falls into place again, and yes, you can be stunned and shocked and humbled and then rally yourself in the course of a few short weeks. The truth in all this, when it feels like chaos, is that writing can be enduring, your constant, a foundation when you feel you have none. Then it is easy to keep your momentum. Make writing your constant whatever else changes. 

Next: Paris and ch-ch-ch-changes