July is here with some glorious days; my garden is looking colourful and the bees are happy. I wish I could say I was out there enjoying it with them but I am indoors attempting to edit/rewrite A Blend of Magic. The deadline to submit it to the NWS for critique in August is looming and I am beginning to admit defeat. My plan was to have it complete for the RNA conference this weekend, instead I am 20% through. Why? Life, health and being naturally slow at typing and thinking but mainly panic and procrastination – a writer’s curse. One I need to learn how to resolve – fast.
This weekend I will be at the RNA conference, I am a bundle of excitement and nerves. Excitement at being in an environment full of literary energy, authors to inspire and things to learn but nerves because to gain as much as I can I have to reach out from my introvert shell to talk to real people without the protective barrier of cyberspace. It is easier to be you on a screen when in reality nerves take over. Reading the emails others feeling the same and the RNA have been very supportive and friendly to try to break down those feelings. There are many writers I follow on social media and it will be good to put faces to their names and ideas. I also have a one to one sessions with an editor and two agents. This seems so unreal that my brain has forgotten to the worry about those at the moment. It will happen; it feels premature to talk to them but any pointers and advice they give must be helpful. Even if they tell me my plot sucks and try something else.
Another worry, is my health. Travelling and a couple of hours socialising always pushes my medication and the delicate balance between living and a flare to its limits. I am asking for a weekend of talks, workshops, socialising and learning. Maybe it will be kind and the inevitable payback will be delayed until I get home. If not, strangers will see dystonia in its full glory with me being unable to speak, and my body contorting into impossible positions. It is bad enough when it happens with family but in public the word embarrassment does not cover it but writing has become my escapism and if I want to move forward, I need to take this next step. Luckily, my daughter is stepping in to be my carer and accommodation is on ground level so there will be no stairs to argue with. My plan is to attend the activities on top of my agenda and anything else I manage will be a bonus. Even meeting like-minded people will be worth it. Wish me luck.
Other news:
Last month I was interviewed about book blogging at From Under the Duvet for the RNA blog. It can be found here.
I wrote a piece of flash fiction which would please Elsie and it can be found here.
Happy writing!
Love
Kate Kenzie Writes 