Once upon a time, not all that long ago, if we’re being honest, I fancied I might do a woodworking blog that would focus on my meager hobbyist efforts. It was going to be titled “Never Enough Clamps” after the eternal struggle of the same name. I’m not announcing the revival of that idea, but I did have the chance to do some woodworking today and it got me thinking.
Specifically, I spent some time at the local chapter of the Men’s Shed and got the chance to work on some tables bound for donation to a furniture bank. I was able to try out some tools I’d never handled in action before, and I don’t mind telling you that I did so quite inexpertly. BUT! That’s all part of the learning process, isn’t it? As I was meticulously filling in some gaps with plastic wood, I was reminding myself to embrace the process.
The drafting stage of my novel is also a process, one that doesn’t get done in a day or two. I’m even rethinking a change I made to my main character’s motivations from the first draft, considering reverting back to what it originally was. It feels daunting in its way, but I’m willing to put in the effort if makes for a more believable character.
I’m also at a point where I want the characters to have some moments between themselves, but I’m trying to be mindful of the pacing. I hadn’t appreciated in earlier drafts how often I slowed things down during the narrative and I’ve been trying to trim the fat. I just need to be mindful that I don’t take out all the quiet moments.
Beyond that, my unemployed status persists, but so do I! I’m working on improving myself and I’ll root on anyone else doing the same.
Until next time,
-Marc
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