Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Body doubling


I am in love with that floor, and that sun porch, and the sand and seascape beyond. Other than that, I stopped by to report that as the world stands on the brink of war in Ukraine, I have reached my contracted 85,000 words for the book. I am over here trundling toward the finish line, with one, perhaps two chapters to go. It all gets a little easier once the first draft is done, because then we have the complete story arc, and my subject and I can engage to create a final draft that will feel emotionally true to her down to the smallest passing detail. I marvel that I have arrived here again. It always seems so impossible at the start. My agent wanted to know if she should resume putting my name forward for new projects. "Not yet," I said. I think might want—need—a moment to breathe, to reconnect with my non-writing life, a nerve-wracking desire to contemplate, much less indulge if you're a freelancer.

Sometimes, my daughter and I video chat to keep each other company while we work. She calls it "body doubling," which she explained is the term for when you need another working body in your field of view to help keep you focused. Yesterday, she had to conduct five interviews with candidates for a fundraising project position, her first time being the one who decides which applicants move on to round two in the hiring process. She FaceTimed me after the interviews to debrief with someone completely safe, her mama, before writing up her report. I screenshotted that photo of her when Munch clambered into her lap in response to commotion outside their window. Munch is a happy goofy boy but loud noises rattle him. My girl jokes she's the emotional support animal for her emotional support animal. She is entirely a dog person, and one hundred percent a Munch mom, so this might be her favorite role.


16 comments:

  1. I sold a concept more than once and then wondered how I was going to actually complete it. So I get it. And when we do? Such a relief, not just relief but a little bit of pride. I also get needing a breather in between.

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  2. Congratulations to another satisfying assignment completed or almost completed. You deserve a break.

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  3. It is great that you and your daughter get along so well. Good job getting through that big project!

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  4. Congratulations on another job finished! Or at least finished-part-one. Not really finished. But you know what I mean.
    Your daughter is a glory.
    And if I had a bucket list, the only damn thing on it would be to own a house like that.

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  5. Such a sweet screen shot of your daughter and Munch.

    I hope that you can take a break and visit the ocean as a reward for the work you will soon complete on this recent book. As always, I look forward to reading it.

    The sorrow of war. Is there no end to it?

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  6. Love the photo. I have a dog daughter too and have some fine photos of the two of them.
    I am living vicariously in your photo - blowing snow here.
    Well done - first draft is the hardest, IMHO. And it is very H.

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  7. Congratulations 85k is HUGE! You inspire me.

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  8. Take a little break! I'm always so impressed at your ability to do what you do.

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  9. I think a break after this latest book will be wonderful. I hope you do something relaxing and fun.
    Love that photo of your daughter and Munch. So sweet!
    (PS-- This is my new account after my computer got a virus. The old robin.andrea had to be deleted. Sigh).

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  10. Having a dog definitely involves a lot of mutual support! I think it's a great idea to take a breather after this latest book project. Congrats on hitting your word count!

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  11. Congratulations! Munch is such a sweetheart! Congratulations to your girl too on her new responsibilities. I’m sure she’ll make the right hire!
    Xoxo
    Barbara

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  12. That floor is spectacular. I too am a freelancer (editor/writer). I took today off to get a simple break. And it feels wonderful. Unfortunately, today is it. But it feels glorious, even if all I am doing is laundry. May we all count our blessings and think of those in Ukraine fighting for their lives.

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  13. The floor is beautiful, the war is horrific. I've been crying. There are a lot of Ukrainians living in Edmonton. I feel we should be doing more. The Ukrainian President said it feels like they are alone in the world while they are being invaded by Russia, just because the rest of the world is too afraid to confront Putin (piece of shit).

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  14. Well, hearty congratulations to you on reaching your writing goal. With the limited experience I have in writing, I know how difficult it is to get it started. I think a break is well in order. And I love the notion of an animal support person for the animal support dog! It's a win-win. I know it well.

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  15. Thank goodness for video chat; it works well especially when working alone at home and there is a need to bounce ideas/exchange opinions. Sweet Munch and your daughter are precious. Their bond is beautiful. 85K words is impressive.

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  16. I don't know how I've missed several of your posts, so I'm busy catching up. Your daughter just gets more and more beautiful -- it's hard to believe she's an actual adult doing such important things! And congratulations for reaching your writing goal! You deserve some time off -- a good amount of it.

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