This
week I'm both teaching and taking a retreat. I'm teaching a wonderful
group of fifteen book writers on Madeline Island, one of the Apostle
Islands in Lake Superior. Island life is naturally isolated and perfect
for focusing on creative work without too many distractions. Since my
online courses are on break between summer and fall semesters, I decided
to use my after-class time on the island to focus on my own stalled
novel.
Spring and summer derailed me creatively. Two beloved
elders in our family took seriously ill, requiring much attention,
travel, and help. I kept one toe in the water of my novel-in-progress,
writing when I could. I put aside all radical changes; no time or head
space to consider them--and their implications for the rest of the
manuscript.
Posts
