Where do we think we are?

At the group meeting in April we discussed re-assessing our writing projects – what we’ve achieved so far, and how we think we might progress towards a conclusion.It is three years since we did the Faber course and I think we have done well to keep the core of the group together, supporting each other and work-shopping extracts at regular meetings, as well as keeping the blog going and maintaining a Facebook page. However, like others in the group, my main project has stalled. Writing about my mother’s life was meant to have been completed in time for her 91st birthday, and she has just turned 94! Instead of agonising over the ‘chronicles of wasted time’ it would be more useful to decide how to use what I’ve written so far, find the gaps and fill them in , and produce that rotten first draft and submit it to the scrutiny of an editor – in other words, face the music. Sometimes one is so involved in the research and writing you forget that the main purpose is for it to be read by other people.

I have come to some conclusions about my project.
a] to concentrate on my mother’s early life [ 1920 – 1950] – not to try to write about it all.
b] produce it privately, for family and friends
c] to use as many photos as possible, as this brings it alive for younger members of the family.
d] to make realistic goals for achieving the various stages on the way to publication e.g.prepare the first draft for an editor
f] stop being afraid. I think the fear is holding me back. I need to recognise this , and “Feel the fear and do it anyway’, as Susan Jeffers wrote.
g] to remember the original idea and enthusiasm that started me off on the project – and remember writing can be fun too.

Meanwhile we are in the process of moving house, downsizing and throwing out the clutter after 37 years. There are plenty of diversions and distractions, as well as the emotional upheaval .The boxes of notes and photos will have to be stored away until I have a new study to work in. So I must use my time wisely and try to keep the end in sight. Maybe I shall be able to give a first draft to my mother for Christmas, or at least in time for her next birthday!