The Lost Ones

Today is one of those days where I am sat here enjoying the change of pace in life. I ignore the burning questions on money, future career and all those big ones that would make any other day seem like a horror movie. Life post-teaching does have some interesting points to consider, but being able to sit down on a half day, and write, has to be one of the positives from the decision to focus on mental health and a general work life balance.

I was given a 4 hour shift today, so I have worked and can do no more there without getting a different job. I like to think that I have been given the gift of time. The best example of me using this phrase was recently when we went to see a film at the cinema, planned the evening around sitting there watching, enjoying the show. But then the bulb blew up when we were 10 minutes into Avatar. The weekly shop was done on this gained time! Even got to bed early that night and woke up feeling like I was ready for the weekend. Granted, when we went to see it at a later date that ‘gained time’ was technically lost, but who actually thinks such frivolities . For the choice to see one film, I got two good nights of achievements.

As I am sure you can tell, I am using this time effectively today. Whilst trying to finish the 2nd edit of a story that is proving more joy than normal as I am changing it from 3rd to 1st person. There is also the potential to finish the 2 parts of The Bus Driver so I can declare the draft finished. While also considering a short story inspired from an advertisement board that has been left for a long time, probably from before Covid (at least). There is something about an advert of a happy event and the growing of wildlife around it that sparks an earie idea.

Despite these options, and the joy of the cuteness of my dog sleeping behind me on the bed, I am most bothered by those stories that I know I have lost. Not that these would have won awards, become a best seller or anything (Well they might, is good to dream of such things).

I am sure I am not the only one, you are sleeping at night and a dream comes to you, . This idea of a new story is not just interesting but creates a buzz of excitement and wonder. You spend ages thinking about it, you might even go through subtle plot points, character’s background or just a general layout that will keep it together to make sense.

Then it happens. You wake up. Either in the middle of the night or the morning.

‘Always keep paper and pen by your bed to write ideas down when they come’

This, and similar, is some of the advice I have read or heard that all writers should do to help develop their craft. Well this is great, as long as you can reproduce the ideas that you have had on the paper in front of you.

When I have looked at some of these I wonder what they could have been. Amazed at how when I woke up it was there. When I tried to write them down it seemed to be disappearing the more I typed it on my phone.

However, when you are half awake, frantically trying to write down an idea that is in your mind. The result is not something that is reflected from the original idea.

So to all of those ideas, passing thoughts, damaged pieces of paper or broken phones. The lost ones may have gone, but the original organ that made them will hopefully bring them back. Just need to not be distracted, focus on one task at a time and let each story develop to what will hopefully be a finished draft.

The great saying that has become my mantra thanks to my lovely wife, ‘Just write’. Once that starts the rest will follow.

Have a good day all 🙂