Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Smell Something Burning?


            Where has Cora gone? Why no post this week? Gone to writing for NaNoWriMo, that’s where.


            I am in the middle of pushing out my next novel. The thing is, I think I have two novels in one, or it might even be three novels. The realization hit me when I remembered I’ve done this before—too many subplots that maybe weren’t subplots. I had to take the weekend to sort it all out as to what my story was, losing precious time and momentum to reach my quest for 50,000 words completed by the end of November.

            In the midst of burrowing through mounds of paper trying to sort it all out this past weekend, I burned the stew I was making—twice. After the first time, I picked out the parts not burned and then added them to a fresh pot of vegetables only to burn out the liquid and bottom layer, again. All that was left was a salty mush of potatoes with some puny carrots and meat peeking through.

            My husband was not happy (who would be?) but he bravely picked through the mush stew to find the meat and vegetables that were edible. Not a harsh word came out of his mouth. (Yes, he is as patient and wonderful as he sounds.) Afterwards, I felt so guilty I drove to Baskin Robbins for ice cream to soothe our stomachs.

            Ah, well, I will have a story by that date, just not sure which one—and it may not be finished but I will know which story and what direction. Meanwhile, I will be writing full steam ahead. (With no more cooking until Thanksgiving.)

            
So how are all you NaNos doing?  Any tragedies to share?

Ever burn the beans? That is so much worse!


11 comments:

jrlindermuth said...

Ah, yes, Cora, you're not the first to have a story distracting from other tasks with unpleasant results. Hopefully the final result of your writing project will make up for the spoiled food. Good luck.

Unknown said...

YOU BURNT THE STEW!!!! It's ok! Just don't burn down the house. That's the last thing you need while trying to get 50000 by end of this month. Can't wait to see how everything turns out.....including round three with the stew!

Lesley Diehl said...

Gosh, when I read the title, I too thought maybe you burned the house and then when your lovely, leafy, blog background came up, I worried you'd set an entire forest on fire. Here comes Smokey! Good luck on your writing adventure.

Eileen Obser said...

I think the least unfortunate thing that can happen in one's household when writing a NaNo is to burn the stew. I've gone through many burnt pots in my long writing life. I have to have a whistling kettle for the tea because I've ruined a few of those pots, plus the electric burners underneath. Good luck reaching your goal of 50,000 words. I admire you for taking on that challenge!

Cora said...

There will be no round three. I will not cook anymore while writing.

Cora said...

Thanks, I hope it will all be worth it by month's end.

Cora said...

Wow, didn't mean to freak you out. Just a smokey kitchen. Yuck. Now I'm burning a candle to try and erase that smell.

Cora said...

I've learned my lesson about cooking and writing not mixing. The total absorption in story simply erases time.

John Brantingham said...

Every year, I want to do Nano, but November is one of my busy months. I'm up to my eyes in essays and helping students to transfer our of the community college. It's twelve to fifteen hour days and I dream of how I'll be able to do more than just work in a month. My heart is with you Cora. Take all the time you can to do the work you love!

Cora said...

I've reached the 20,000 word mark and am so glad I am doing NaNo. I would never push myself like this unless there was this opportunity and community of people to encourage me. More than the words, I've figured out a lot of the story in a short amount of time. I know the holidays start in November and it is a busy month for everyone, and last year I flaked because of that and didn't finish. This year I have the bones and a lot of the meat for a novel I am very excited about. Thanks for the kind words.

Ellen Gregory said...

Well I'm not doing much cooking during NaNoWriMo. It's all reheating soup or frozen meals with salad... Keep it up, Cora!