I was jokingly referred to as a famous blogger the other day. Once I had stopped howling with laughter, wiped the tears of mirth from my eyes and picked myself up off the floor I started to think. I really don’t want people to think of me that way. For that’s not the intention of this blog at all. Beneath the words and behind the posts I am utterly ordinary. In many ways I am the dullest person I know. Run, Blog, Sleep, Repeat. That’s how I roll.
Beneath every serene swan gliding elegantly on the surface of the lake is an ugly duckling paddling furiously to keep afloat and on course. The most beautiful cruise liners in days gone by were powered by lots of hot, sweaty men shovelling furiously in the white hot heat of the engine room. And it’s the same when it comes to my writing. Far from a pretty sight. Don’t believe me? Well let’s consider Exhibit A shall we?
My ever supportive wife took this photo of me the other evening. I am writing. But note the lack of a velvet smoking jacket and silk cravat. The glass of port and expensive cigar. See me for who I really am. I’m decked out in my Buzz Lightyear pyjama bottoms and Washington Redskins t shirt. Both are beyond shapeless. I haven’t shaved in three days. If I went out in public looking like this and remained motionless for any length of time people would lob their spare change at me.
And yes, yes, you are not mistaken. That is a gallon tub of honeycomb ice cream sitting on my lap. See that slightly crazed expression on my face. That is the lesser spotted Stephenus Blackius in the midst of a feeding frenzy. I haven’t even bothered with a bowl because why bother with dining room etiquette when there is sugary, gooey goodness to be shovelled down my throat. I have reluctantly agreed to use a spoon for the purposes of the photograph.
Let’s face it I look a bit mad don’t I? This book is slowly turning me into a gibbering, slavering, ice cream snorting freak. I wear this accolade like a red badge of honour. For I am happy in my slovenly attire. I am happier than I have been in many years. Being myself. No longer playing to an audience, no longer people pleasing but revealing the real me to the world. You don’t wear a three piece suit when you’re dragging your sorry body out of the pit.
The words are flowing as never before. What’s the opposite of writer’s block for I am currently experiencing it. Writer’s can’t stop? For that is me. Of late I’ve had to deliberately rein myself in and ease off the accelerator as I have other competing priorities. I can’t allow my addictive tendencies to cross ‘that line’ and turn a lifeline into a noose. My words are my salvation, the labour pains of rebirth as opposed to the death knell of another pipe dream reduced to acrid ashes in my mouth.
My words are fuel for I’m no longer a fool, a slave to popularity and attention. I’ve walked the paths of the dead but I now choose to pen words of hope and redemption. No selfies, no gimmicks, just bitter experience and hard won truths. Bettering away at my keyboard like a lunatic with bits of honeycomb in my beard and looking anything like the suave, sophisticated literary legend I used to aspire to be.
This is me. I am what I am. I am a writer. I aspire to be an author. But I also aspire to be a better husband, father and friend. They are the real rewards on this path to publication. No amount of sales will better that aspiration. Becoming a published author is a long shot. But I’m a sucker for outsiders. Why else would I support the Redskins? And why else would I turn up every day, chipping away at my dream and scooping away at my ice cream.
What is your go to writing attire?
Writer’s Block? Or Writing Non Stop? Where do you sit?
Black Thoughts 
“Becoming a published author is a long shot. But I’m a sucker for outsiders. Why else would I support the Redskins?” At least the Redskins have a Superbowl ring…try being a Vikings fan 😉
As for writing attire, gotta be gym shorts and t-shirt.
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Thanks, I am now having an ice cream attack. I also have a writing obsession but in truth I just want to be a kinder man than I was yesterday.
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Oh yeah, best picture ever. I love it so much. 😀
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Shorts and a T. What condition the hair is in is best left to the horrors of the imagination.
Today, I feel like words are flowing – that the dam has been breached. But not crazy gallon chowing ice cream type – maybe a Boba Tea’s worth. 🙂
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Hey, I wouldn’t say blog God, but I enjoy writing style. Me, I prefer to sit in pajamas, write non stop, today I’ve been all over the place with my thoughts and I need to focus on one post at a time. Usually play music in the background and eating cereal. Sometimes I’ve had to take breaks because I’ll end up with a headache. Put I’d get inspiration from post.
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Comfy PJs, ice cream… sounds great to me!
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Hard to beat 🙂
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I want some of that ice cream😊
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There’s still some left. But hurry it won’t last long 😆
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Jammies, or yoga gear, coffee, reading glasses, and a grimace… so block right now. But reading great pieces is definitely helping, thank you!
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You’re welcome. I hope the words come flowing soon 🙂
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Slogans: Hail to the Redskins! To Infinity and Beyond! Handmade in Dingle. – Nice!
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The only think the Redskins hail these days is a taxi from the stadium whenever their season ends in November 😂
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My aspirations are to get 20 real people to comment on my blog. Other than that, I’m lazy. And I’m glad you are a real person and I’d shovel that icecream up in seconds too.
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You are one of my favourite writers on here. I’m sure your blog will flourish soon and l’ll help in any way I can.
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Aww thank you!!
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Technically, as soon as you satisfied with your novel, and are “ready” to not edit. You’re an unpublished author. 🙂 Because you are the author of your work. I used to never look at any accomplishments with my writing like that, but I’ve realized to be glad with certain accomplishments. It encourages me to keep trying, and keep getting better. As you have openly shared, and I think people forget the numbers can be deceiving sometimes. Manipulate the ones with the followers and blind those who have little, thinking they could never be as successful, total lie. I believe when you started you beat yourself up a little bit thinking you would not go far. Also, I’m really glad to have seen the growth of this blog 🙂
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Thank you. It’s good to get the perspective of one who has been following the blog since the early days. Now get back to work on Chapter 8 😂
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Haha, yes!
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I have a t-shirt dress that feels like jammies. Sometimes I wear a bra, in case I want to go out and check the mail. But mostly: no. Why bother? Lol. It’s great to know others spend their time on the couch in their comfies too… 😉
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Yes. Us writers are utter slobs 😂😂
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If I’m writing in bed, then I’m naked, if I’m on the train (my favourite place to write) then I’m fully clothed, and everywhere else I’m usually wearing a strange concoction of anything and everything else. Like music, my clothes can dictate how I feel … so for example if I wanted to write some romantic, girly fiction, put me in a floaty number and the words will flow! I loved this post and the picture … beautifully written and wonderfully honest as ever.
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Thank you Katie. Yes always best to put some clothes on before the daily continue. What will be your cycling uniform these next few weeks?
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Well I’m in leggings and a natty white top at the moment but I’ve already poured coffee down it 😩
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Stay classy Katie 😆☕️
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Yup! That’s me 😂
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Really; THAT’S your worst? Looks about normal to me, so perhaps I ought to look into my own junk food habits.
My go-to writing attire is definitely pajamas, but I haven’t had writing time since the children were freed from the shackles of public education.
I’m sorry if the whole “famous” bit struck the old self-recriminatory nerve; ’twas used lightly and in good fun. You’re a good sort of famous, a humble philanthropist of the blogging world.
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Yes writing and kids most definitely do not go hand in hand. I dread to think what you look like if you can describe that as normal. Don’t worry about the other stuff. It just got me thinking that’s all. Which is no bad thing.
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Oh good. 🙂
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Great Post!
As for my writing attire; nothing definite because I only write on the impulse of inspiration. And I write wherever I feel inspired; it can be a moving car, a cinema hall, kitchen or bedroom. For that reason I have a pen & a paper with me always.
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Thank you. I’m much the same when it comes to the location.
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Writing attire: pajama pants and white t-shirt. It’s hot now which calls for white because I smoke outside.
Writer’s block: I experienced that on my last (would-be) novel. I got to 22,000 words and realized I had zero care for who the characters were, what they did, o how the acted. It had become nothing but action in the novel. Now, I’m writing on a book whose characters I love and that makes a lot of difference.
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Yeah I guess if that happens 22,000 words in its time to ditch the novel and start afresh. Glad that your latest one is flowing better.
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My writing attire is more my setting than what I’m wearing. I like quiet. That usually means I don’t get to write as much as I would like. But then again it is for people’s encouragement, so they need to come first.
On another note: How are you all doing? I ask because, this morning, you all were in my dreams. It was a good dream. Your family and mine were sitting around visiting. I don’t know whose home we were in but we were just enjoying each other’s company. I do know it is good to once again have a few minutes to chat with my blogging friends. Hope all is well. Had you in my prayers.
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I love your writing style and especially this post. For me, I need to find time to reinvent the Writer in my soul. She is there, shyly waiting her turn.
I’d also love to take up your writing challenge. I might fit it in this weekend. Keep writing and keep amusing me. Liz
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Thank you Liz. Looking forward to seeing what you write 🙂
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Um…i didn’t bookmark the post and so have lost it. Can you email it to me at lizseverest@gmail.com ? So i can read it again. I hope the story will be my post for this coming Thursday. I’m happy to link it back to your original post too and cross promote, if that suits you. I’m still learning so it’ll be the first time I’ve done it…so fingers crossed it all works out. This should probably also be a private message…not sure if this is tge right place, but i figured you’d at least reply. 😊
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When I have a writing deadline, I set myself up with tea or coffee, something crunchy to eat, and earplugs to block out the world. And, writing attire is always sweatpants and tee. Must be comfortable to get the flow of words going!
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All that is missing from that is the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign 😂
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I should get one!😊
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Most definitely 😊
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Always be proud of you 🙂
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Thank you
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Writing attire… always thought no one else thought of that…. such a refreshing blog this, thanks for the amazing humor and candid honesty at deep detail…
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You’re welcome. Thank you for your kind words 🙂
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You’re welcome
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You do have a gift for words. 🙂 My writing attire is whatever I’m wearing at the moment, including my b-day suit.
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Thank you. But I could never write naked 😆
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I love how you continue to be unapologetically you! Don’t ever stop. BTW I love the Buzz Lightyear PJ bottoms!
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You might not like them so much if you saw me in them 😆
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Hi. Could you send me your email address so I can send you and your husband the first section of the book. Thank you
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