Melissa Barker-Simpson

Writing Marathon

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Well, for the better part of a weekend I’ve been holed up in a room with nothing but a keyboard, my corrections, and water on tap! It was great fun to be able to concentrate solely on my writing. Although I didn’t quite reach my goal of completion, I’m more than half-way there so I’d say that’s a pretty good achievement.

I’ve already decided that I’m going to continue my ‘run’ and set aside a few hours each night. Hopefully by the end of next weekend I’ll have something to send off that I’m proud of.

I still think I’m the kind of writer who can slip into the ‘zone’ anywhere, at any time. As I don’t have the luxury of putting everything else on hold whilst I lock myself away, I won’t be making a habit of it any time soon. But having said that, I’m curious to know what kind of experience I’d have if I were to start a new project that way. Would I get so tuned into the work that I’d find myself writing until my eyes bled and my fingers were frozen to the keyboard?! One of these days I might just find out.

As always, thanks for reading.

Until next time

Mel

6 responses to “Writing Marathon”

  1. Laura Finger Avatar
    Laura Finger

    How many words did you rack up?

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      Good question! If I had to guess I’d say between 8 and 10 thousand. I worked like a trooper!

      Reply
  2. Kioko Avatar
    Kioko

    You’re very lucky that you’re able to get the words out. It’s very difficult for many–including me. What do you think helps the most in getting into the writing mindset?

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      I think it depends what kind of mood I’m in. If I’m working on a novel, then the characters seem to take on a life of their own, so they are always in my head. If I feel like writing, but not getting bogged down in anything heavy I sometimes fall back on an old favourite where by I find a sentence to start the story.

      When I was younger, my brother liked to give me five random words to use in a story and see how cleverly I could weave them in. That certainly gets you in a mindset.

      We’re all different aren’t we? How does it work for you?

      Thanks
      Mel

      Reply
      1. Kioko Avatar
        Kioko

        Right now it’s just something that strikes me in the middle of a conversation or an opinion I might have on a matter–I’m pretty opinionated! But, I want to get to the point where I’m ready to write a novel. I like the idea of finding a sentence to start a story.

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar
        mbarkersimpson

        Striking in the middle of a conversation is the worst! You have to appear interested on what is being said, whilst you mind goes ten to the dozen in a world of its own! Or maybe that’s just me 🙂

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I’m Melissa

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