Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A new low...

A while back (although it might have been yesterday given the regularity I am reminded of this sad episode) I told you how I’d gone to sleep in Starbucks. I hadn’t accidentally fallen asleep; I’d realised I was tired, it was nice and warm in my armchair and I’d clasped my handbag to my front, and settled down for forty winks.

Honestly, you’d think I’d done something really dreadful like vomit down my front in public. I am reminded about this low episode, almost weekly. Thais sleep everywhere; on the pavement, in coffee shops, at traffic lights (I kid you not.) I was just showing how culturally immersed I’ve become, honest.

Anyway, today I sunk to a new low (no, not sleeping on the pavement; that is going too far.) Today, I had a little weep in Starbucks. It wasn’t quite a fully fledged sobbing episode but definitely a moist eyed, wobbly chin, in need of a tissue to mop up my runny nose, kind of weep.

I was writing you see. I’d got to a scene where I thought my MC was having some thinking alone time in the kitchen garden, when quite suddenly, Jean was out there, confessing stuff. Before you tell me how great this is – that if I’ve moved ME, I’ll move my readers – I don’t think the scene is ready yet, but it will hopefully get there.

When I got home I found
this article. The website looks as though it will have other useful resources too.

*****
On a cheerier note: Yesterday I discovered that I have won a copy of Short Circuit from
Salt Publishing: HURRAH. I cannot wait to read it.

11 comments:

Sue Guiney said...

I think this is called "living in the moment," eh? Not a bad thing, though perhaps a tad embarrassing. Sounds like you're making great strides on your book. That's great!

Jenny Beattie said...

Sue, it cleared the chairs in my vicinity though. Next time I go in there and there are no free armchairs, I shall have a little weep to clear some space. The men, especially, cannot cope!

And thank you.

Lane Mathias said...

It's great you feel so relaxed in Starbucks (I'm still smiling at the sleeping - sorry).

Agree with Sue - sounds like you're really immersed.

And well done on the word count too!

Queenie said...

Ooh that IS a good sign. Keep on keeping on!

Chris Stovell said...

There we are - no tears in the writer, no tears in the reader, perfectly demonstrated.

HelenMWalters said...

Sounds really promising. And personally, I don't have a problem with people sleeping in Starbucks. If they don't want people to sleep in there they shouldn't make the chairs so comfy!

Marcie Steele said...

ohmigod JJ, I'm so chuffed for you. There's nothing like feeling your character's angst, going goosey when something awful is happening to them, lauhging with them, crying with them.

My, how you've grown in a year ;) good for you x

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

It sounds like you're definately on the right track. Mind you I wonder what the other people in Starbucks are thinking?

I nearly cried at the hairdressers the other day, but I was reading a book rather than writing one, I was so embarrassed.

Fiona Mackenzie. Writer said...

Well done on the prize.

Did no-one offer you a tissue or anything in Starbucks? I get terribly upset when I see someone else crying and ply the poor cryee with mountains of Kleenex.

Jenny Beattie said...

Lane, I still think sleeping should be allowed by my friends. I have contemplated it but I'm worried that they might walk past and see me!

Queenie, thanks.

Chris, well I hope it'll get there.

Helen, THANK YOU. Nor should anyone: those chairs invite the snoozes.

LPlate, :-D

Debs, I did wonder. The (western) man opposite just pretended it wasn't happening. We westerners are so emotionally constipated!

Fia, thank you. I can't wait to read it. No, but I had some paper napkins and tried to pretend I was just sniffing... a lot.

Angie said...

You're on the right path if the scene has you crying while you write it! Onward and upward. :)
Thanks for sharing that article. It's very thought provoking.