Susannah Conway

The Unbearable Lightness of Wobble

susannah — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:12:10 +0000

Day one 2.0

susannah — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:34:31 +0000

hello <———- tiny hello

I just realised that yesterday was the two year anniversary of my move to Bath. I didn’t think I’d last that long here, what with London sending out her tractor beam to pull me back in, but here i still am, and i’m glad. While i compete in the Writing Olympics it makes sense to be in this cosy place that held me during my latest evolution; i hadn’t seen that before, but luckily the universe had my back when it convinced me to postpone the move.

I’m looking at Bath with new eyes and I like what I see. It’s home… for now.

Day thirty-one

susannah — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:01:34 +0000

It’s the last day. This month (or maybe it’s just today) has felt really overwhelming for me, in terms of work and my own expectations, so having the August break Flickr pool to dip in to has been such a joy. I’ve loved peeking into so many Augusts around the world, and I’m loving that the Flickr group will remain online so we can keep sharing our photos and lives – it’s the August Break Continued, folks!

I have 12 days before I leave for the States, so I think i’ll stick with the minimal posting for now. I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a few guests posts on the blog while i’m sequestered in book-writing-land – what do you guys think? Would that be fun, or are you okay with tiny hellos from me? I’m really missing proper blogging, but also know I need to save my daily word allotment for the book. And it’s turning out to be quite the emotional roller coaster! No surprises there, I guess – my unconscious is throwing up all kinds of nighttime treats as i weave this story together. It’s exciting, scary, humbling, exhausting, challenging and oh-my-god-what-have-i-let-myself-in-for? And hard. And very very illuminating…

Day Thirty

susannah — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:38:21 +0000

Day twenty-eight

susannah — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:12:11 +0000

If you get stuck while creating a long piece of writing, try this:

1. Change your position. Get up out of your chair, moving furniture if you have to, so you can sit on the floor. Get as far away from your ‘desk head’ as you can by making a creative change – for me this was restructuring the book using coloured pens, a pin board and pieces of card. While sitting crossed legged on the floor. Sipping coffee. With loud music.

2. Avoid the desk from now on. It’s too constricting. Work on your bed. Work *in* bed if necessary (though not for long periods).

3. Keep a small notebook by your side at all times. On the first page write: Brain-dump notes and use it as a container for all the other thoughts that come up as you try to focus on your writing. Scribble them down and get them out of your head. Later, when you’ve finished working, you can copy the notes over into their relevant homes (most likely other notebooks & planners.) Anal but very effective.

4. Call a trusted friend or family member for support while taking a break for lunch. Skype them if you can, as the sight of their face will make you feel less alone in your writing garret.

5. Avoid drinking coffee after 5pm if you want to have any hope of switching your brain off before sleep.

5. Do not, under any circumstances, give up.

Day twenty-seven

susannah — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:51:44 +0000

Didn’t take any photographs today, but i did WRITE. It’s all i can think about write right now. I’ve got a couple of weeks left before my first deadline and then it’s off to the lovely US of A to teach at Squam Art Workshops and spend a few days in NYC <—- my first time. i’m so excited i think i may EXPLODE

For the August break.

* * * * *
Calling all former Unravellers! A little reminder that registration for the autumn session of Unravelling #2: Living in My World will be opening tomorrow! You know the drill – come join us for more unravelling, sharing and video making ;)

Day twenty-six

susannah — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:13:01 +0000

Had a good writing day today. This month has been s l o w going, and I haven’t achieved as much as i hoped i would. But today I landed on solutions I hadn’t thought of before, and the words just flowed. I don’t want to jinx it by thinking I’m back on an upswing, but, bloody hell, i’m in a better place than i was yesterday. Writing a book is turning out to be exactly as hard as i thought it would be. For the August break.

ps. the afternoon was awesomised by a dancing wobble imp.

Day twenty-five

susannah — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:08:00 +0000

Lunch with a good friend (who brought NYC guides for me!) and then a cab ride home to avoid the rain. For the Rainy August break.

Day twenty-four

susannah — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:32:58 +0000

Things got serious today so i broke out the colouring pens and got down on the floor – it helped. For the August break.

Day twenty-three

susannah — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:20:38 +0000

Auntie Susie finally dusted off the big camera on Friday. It’s almost impossible to be sad with these two clowns around. For the August break.

ps. doesn’t the carpet look nice? Thank you Mr landlord!

pps. I’m sharing some thoughts about kindness and online friendships over on Kind over Matter today – thank you for inviting me, Jenn & Amanda!