Thursday, November 8, 2018

Another Tantalizing Question

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: I am laughing too hard. I love Nancy Cole Silverman, she's a true soulmate. But after reading this, I am even more convinced. And yeah. My answer to her question--as benighted and misguided the answer--is yes.

Confessions of an Obsessive Compulsive Wordsmith

I fear vacations. Oh, it’s not that I’m afraid of flying or strange places or meeting new people. I love all that.  No. My fear is based on something much more mundane. It’s the fear of closing my computer, leaving behind my work-in-progress and detaching from social media. Allow me to explain.

I recently completed Reason For Doubt, the fifth book in the Carol Childs Mysteries that debuted this week, November 6th.  While this is good news, those of us who write know that once we’ve kissed our final draft goodbye, it’s time to start and maybe even complete another project. In my case, I had started a new manuscript, pulling Misty Dawn, one of the reoccurring characters from the Carol Childs Mysteries, and – fingers crossed – submitted it for review to my publisher.

Caught between the marketing for the release for Reason For Doubt, and hoping to hear back from my publisher about the new prospective series, I was, I think, understandably anxious about being out of touch for an extended period of time.

However, my vacation beckoned. A Baltic Cruise. The trip of a lifetime. A much-needed escape for my husband and me, whose schedule is as crazy as mine, and who needed this vacation perhaps more than I did. Ordinarily I’m pretty good at balancing things, and with today’s modern internet connections, travel’s not usually too much of a problem. But, when it comes to cruising, internet connections at best can be iffy. Nevertheless, I determined to soldier on.

Which meant, I’d be doing a tap dance of sorts.  In the back of my obsessive/compulsive mind, I was plotting yet another murder mystery, while in person I was Nancy-tourist, shooting photos and chatting away with strangers about the various ports where our ship had docked.  I flittered from photo shoot to wine tastings and back to tour groups, all the while feeling guilty I wasn’t meeting my daily writing quota or able to maintain my author profile on my social pages or interacting with potential readers.  But, the longer we were away, the more I relaxed I became with the idea that time off might be a good thing.

Soon I found I was checking my email less and less, and my notepad that had been scribbled with notes to myself for some future project I was planning became full of notes about Viking ships, castles, and ports of entry. Ideas for future stories.

Including one about the people of Tallinn, a former part of the Soviet Union, where our ship had docked for the day. 
Tallinn

 Our tour guide explained that on August 20, 1991, the people of Estonia declared their independence from Russia with a bloodless coup.  While Soviet Tanks rolled through the countryside and surrounded the lone TV tower in Tallinn, volunteers from the city gathered beneath the tower and began to sing.  In what came to be known as the Singing Revolution, the country was ultimately granted its independence, and today its citizens maintain they sang their way out of the Soviet Union.  

And then there was a large rock in Denmark, a pink colored
boulder our tour guide pointed out to us.  The rock commemorated the Danes and a turn-coat Nazi who saved the Danish Jews from certain death.

It was these stories and more that I filled my notepad with, and at night after we returned shipboard, that I tapped into my Ipad, exercising my anxious fingers, while I lulled my creative spirit back into its happy place.  I don’t write historical fiction, and may not use any of what I saw or learned exactly as it happened.  But the theme for them will show up somewhere in a future work when I hope to show the power of the human spirit.

Curiously enough, just as we were about to board our flight from Amsterdam back to the US, I checked my email. Good news.  My publisher Henery Press loved my Misty Dawn manuscript.  And...surprise, surprise, I even had an email from Shawn Simmons regarding Malice Domestic's 14th Anthology, Mystery Most Edible.  My short story, “The Gourmand,” was selected to be included. Hmmm… Maybe instead of fearing travel, I should go away more often?

How about you? Are you an obsessive/compulsive wordsmith as well? Have you ever been hesitant to leave your computer, worried that if you looked away or allowed your attention to be diverted, you might return and find the magic had disappeared? 

 HANK: Right? No matter what we do--are we afraid to stop? Reds and readers, what do you think about this? (And readers, um, do you even notice when your favorite authors are on vacation?


Nancy Cole Silverman spent nearly twenty-five in Los Angeles Talk Radio, beginning her career on the talent side as one for the first female voices on the air, to the business side, where she retired as one of two female general managers in the nation’s second largest radio market. 

After a successful career in the radio industry, Silverman turned to writing fiction. Her crime-focused novels and short stories have attracted readers throughout America. Her Carol Childs Mysteries series (Henery Press) features a single-mom whose "day job" as a reporter at a busy Los Angeles radio station often leads to long nights as a crime-solver. Silverman lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a thoroughly pampered standard poodle.

64 comments:

  1. When I am going on vacation, I work hard to get what I need on my blog scheduled to post while I'm away. And then I try to relax and be unplugged. I find I really need it to recharge. If only I had the self-discipline to do that when I am at home.

    When I took a cruise a couple years ago, I did write a few reviews longhand as I finished the books I was reading so I wouldn't forget what I wanted to say. Then I had to type them when I got home. But that was all the blog related work I did, and it was wonderful! I need something like that again.

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    1. It’s so necessary to your refresh your brain, right? But I am not good at figuring out when to do that…

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    2. Oh, the b-reel. It just keeps plugging away, even when we're not aware of it.

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  2. Congratulations, Nancy on the new book and on the new series . . . that’s exciting news [and your vacation trip sounds amazing] . . . .

    I don’t have too much trouble with not working, and I don’t generally notice when my favorite authors are on vacation, Hank, probably because I’m too busy reading their latest books . . . .

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    1. Perfect, Joan! And often it’s the opposite a vacation you know? Right now for instance, I am deeply into copyedits, and I’m not doing anything but that! And this, of course :-)

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    2. I suspect most of us are a lot like you, Joan. We keep plugging away, either consciously or otherwise. The curse of a writer's life, right? But I wouldn't have it any other way

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  3. I enjoy unplugging from my work world from time to time. The last epic trip I took, I didn't even worry if I could get e-mail. I just kept repeating "Musicians are adults. They can take care of themselves for a week." It was nice to simply focus on the road in front of me, and the friends at the end of the drive. But I will admit to always wondering, "Do I still know how to do this?" every time I sit down to a new project, particularly if it involves writing.

    As for missing my favorite authors when they're on vacation . . . y'know, I don't. It would involve obsessively tracking your daily personal schedule, and that's kind of stalkerish and creepy, don't you think? I'm squarely in the "Oh! Look! A new book by one of my favorite authors!" camp, rather than the "She's late! Where is that new book?" side of things. So go ahead. Take that romantic cruise with your husband. Readers are adults. We can take care of ourselves for a week.

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    1. Seriously. I said to Jonathan, just the other day—o need to write my next book. Now. But I have no idea how to do it.’
      He said: when did that happen?
      I said—just a minute ago.

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    2. That's so funny! See? You need that cruise. One of my favorite teachers used to say the creative brain needs time to produce, but also time to lie fallow, so it can gather new ideas, let them germinate, and see what will grow.

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    3. I can relate to the return of the blank page and wondering if I can do this again. But I agree, it's important to focus on the road ahead. Nicely said.

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  4. What a lovely cruise, and that you allowed yourself to (finally) relax into it. I went on a lovely vacation to the southwest in September and didn't work a lick, although I was on the internet every day a bit. It made me eager to get back to my manuscript when I returned, too.

    I do sometimes wonder if one of the Reds is on vacation and off the grid. We notice these things, your regular readers!

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    1. I think writers can find staying in the moment a challenge. We're so good at living in our fictional worlds. But a good vacation - it's both food and fodder for a writers soul.

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  5. Momentum vs. refreshing the spirit.

    We need that balance, don't we? Travel is a much better way than holding a cookie in each hand!

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    1. Can't I have both? I remember the days when American Airlines would bake fresh cookies onboard and pass them out just before we landed. I felt like it was a reward. I want my cookie!

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    2. Do Marriott hotels still welcome guests with fresh-baked cookies? They were so good.

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    3. My mom's assisted living residence would bake fresh cookies evey afternoon. The whole place smelled heavenly!

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    4. Given that I hate traveling more than a hour away if I can avoid it, I'd much rather have the cookies in hand. As my waistline will attest.

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  6. Being a shut-in, I force myself to unplug frequently. While I do many things to occupy myself, being online constantly is so very easy to do. And I do notice when authors are on vacation and away at conventions!

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    1. It’s all a balance, right ? But we are glad you’re here!

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    2. The internet is a great source of information and connectivity, but like you I force myself to unplug. I need that down time to clear my head, and for me, get back into the heads of my characters. Thanks for stopping by sharing.

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  7. Hi Nancy *waving* Great to see you here this morning! The vacation sounds wonderful and I agree with Karen in Ohio, balance is so necessary.
    I'm delighted about the new series. I've been fond of Misty since she first showed up in your original series. And, I wouldn't worry if I were you, your muse seems to have taken up permanent residence!
    My own travel of late has been up and down the California coastline so staying connected hasn't been an issue. Reminding myself to check in...now that's the challenge.
    Enjoy your day!

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    1. Have you ever taken the pacific shore liner train? I think that’s what it’s called. Wow… So gorgeous! And double decker!

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    2. Thank you! Putting that on the list now. I usually drive because of the freedom to stop and investigate however if I'm busy watching the road, I miss the scenery.

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    3. The Amtrack Pacific Surfliner. It's a must do. http://www.pacificsurfliner.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2o_fBRC8ARIsAIOyQ-nmgbvtKsNnlVjC880juTBSiItQV3iJpBfNhFQIHsf1M2g-oc5UdDoaAqD8EALw_wcB

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  8. Congrats on the new book, Nancy - and the new series.

    I used to take my computer. But I didn't use it because I always got busy with other stuff. I've left it home the last two trips I've taken and didn't miss it at all.

    I think the universe is telling me something.

    Mary/Liz

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    1. Oh my goodness, you are so brave! Once I tried not to take my computer, and I couldn’t do it. :-)

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    2. I agree with you about leaving your computer at home. That respite from the day to day, while difficult at first, is refreshing. But i do find myself scribbling notes-to-self, and stuffing them in my bag for later.

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  9. Nancy, your books have been on my radar for a long time. I’m glad you’re here today because it’s a reminder to me to start reading them!

    I do notice the absence of any of the JRW writers, and I always hope that it’s for a good reason, and not because of illness or family emergency.

    DebRo

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    1. Thanks Deborah for having me here today. It's fun to read how other other writers juggle projects with vacations.

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  10. The new book sounds wonderful. Congratulations, Nancy!
    This is taking me back to when I was a teenager WAITING FOR THE BOY TO CALL. Picking up the phone just to be sure there was actually a dial tone and slamming it down SOOOO fast because in that tiny moment he was probably trying to call me.
    The one thing I hate about being away from my computer is the sheer number of messages that pile up in my absence and have to be gone through and, most of them, deleted.

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    1. No, I kind of love all the email that stocks up! Who knows what treasures lurkthere! But I so agree… So much of it is delete delete delete.

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  11. Congrats on the book, Nancy. I always find that the days I'm without wifi on vacation are when my publisher/agent/ publicist all have urgent questions that need instant answers.

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    1. Or maybe it just seems that way :-)

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    2. Those days without Wifi can be haunting. Particularly if you're waiting for word on something. Glad to know I'm not alone.

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  12. Nancy, I love that you took a chance with another character--and that it paid off for you! Your vacation seems to be a delightful trip--several friends have just done a similar one and all came home with spirit renewed.

    I always travel with pen and paper, so I don't miss my computer at all. If necessary to get online, there's usually a computer somewhere.... And I do notice if I haven't seen a new book by favorite author in a while, but I don't obsess about it! Things happen in all our lives: 'the best laid plans....' and all that, y'know!

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    1. So agree… Once you get on the trip, everything falls into place and lifts from your shoulders, if both of those things can happen :-) it’s just the decision, and they actually going that’s tough!

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    2. Like you I have a notebook full of trial passages, scrap notes to myself and jottings of unfinished dialogs on napkins. By the end of a trip my purse looks like a mouse's nest.

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  13. Congratulations on your new release! I hauled a detailed chapter outline all over Ireland, hoping to review it every day for inspiration. NOPE! Took lots of photos and notes and pondered Bog Bodies, Oliver Cromwell, and Brexit instead. I texted the kids every day (their request) and otherwise ignored my writing life.

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    1. And was that successful? That sounds fabulous…

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    2. And you are the winner of Julie Hyzy‘s book! Yay! Email me your address, and Book will be on the way!

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  14. Nancy, congrats on the new book, and loved reading about your trip too, both the sights and the insights. As to the question - I think it depends on timing. After turning in a book, yes! A real vacation, limited connect time, recharge the brain (with a notebook, in case I get an inspiration, of course). But right now, I am deep in complex revisions - new scenes, where do they go, keeping track of all the changes, necessary read-throughs on paper. I need space and quiet to get anything done. And I fear if I ignore it for even a few days, I will completely forget what I was doing! ( I won't, not really. But) So what do I have? Necessary weekend trips last weekend and this, with family responsibilities in both places. Maybe I can write a blog on the plane, just to keep my brain working? :-)

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    1. I keep saying and saying: the only thing worse than an impossibly long to do list is an empty to do list! Think of it that way! And you can do it!

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    2. Ahh, the juggling act. And I so relate to the worry if I don't do it now, I'll forget something really, really important. It's amazing though how the mind will jog you later if you forget something. Usually, for me, it's at dinner and I'm madly scribbling more notes to myself. Good luck with the revisions.

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    3. Hank and Nancy, thanks for the encouragement.Much appreciated.

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  15. Congratulations, Nancy! That looks like a wonderful trip! Unplugging is hard but, oh, so necessary! My family has a summer home in the wilds of Nova Scotia and there is no Internet and only spotty cell service - I love it. It takes a few days to get used to being unplugged but it's so nice to have everything go quiet for a few weeks. Looking forward to your latest book and your upcoming title as well!

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  16. Unplugging. What a great term, and I agree necessary. I think it's then we find real inspiration and the story we're supposed to write.

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  17. I think I get important work done when I'm on vacation, not only because I give my brain a rest, but also because my brain works on bigger picture things. I once realized I had to scuttle a draft and redo the whole thing while swimming in the Caribbean. I'm not sure I would have had the perspective or wherewithal to make that decision had I been sitting in front of my computer. Vacations also provide the opportunity to take a step back and think about longer-term life goals. My hubby and I always end up talking about the big picture when we're away from the demands of our daily lives, and the conversations are always fruitful!

    Your trip sounds like it was a wonderful experience, Nancy, and a side note: some of my ancestors captained the boats that helped Jewish Danes escape from the Nazis. I've never visited Denmark, but I would love to see that memorial!

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    1. Ingrid, that's fascinating. Huh. You freed your mind. While...submerged. :-)

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    2. Hey, I see what you did there Hank!

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  18. Sunday is a consciously unplugged day for me. I go to church in Portland, I frequently go out for lunch afterwards with a friend or two, and when I get home, I try to do relaxing, away-from-the-computer things: I call family members, I read, I take the time to cook a nice dinner. I always check in in the evening to make sure I haven't missed anything, and 99 times out of a hundred, I haven't.

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    1. Julia, for me Sunday is usually when I get a lot of my writing done. I'll usually get up and listen to an album for my new Cassette Chronicles article and then write the draft. When that is done, I'll surf the Net. I might do some light housework or grab something to eat too.

      And then I sit on the couch and visit my version of church which is of course, the New England Patriots game. I linger for 3 hours or so and hope that I don't nap during the game. A hope that is becoming a battle these days. But then I will hop onto the Net before Sunday night "Prime Time" (Hi Hank!) TV starts and see what kind of day it has been.

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  19. Hello, Nancy! It's so good to see you here today, as I'm finishing up Reason to Doubt today and should have my review up by the weekend. I am, of course, loving the book and Carol and all the other characters. I think a Misty Dawn series is a great idea. Is she remaining with Carol though? I do love her role there, too. So, congratulations on the new Carol Childs mystery, the go-ahead for the new series, and the Malice short-story inclusion.

    I only notice when my favorite authors go on vacation when they post pics about their trip as they are taking it. I love sharing their adventure with them like this. And, some authors take working trips that I love to follow. Cue, Debs Crombie. Everybody needs to get away and just relax into being somewhere else, hopefully somewhere fascinating or beautiful or richly historical. I doubt an author's brain is ever fully unaware of story connections to where she/he travels, but that's what is so great about their stories, the imagination of possibility.

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    1. True! The writer-brain is always at work, as you well know, whether we're actively aware of it or not!

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  20. I don't know that I notice when authors I read are on vacation. Unless of course, I follow them on social media and they happen to mention it.

    Usually when I realize that it's been quite a while since I last read that they had a new book coming out, I look up to see if there's a reason for the delay.

    As for leaving the computer behind and being fearful of the magic not being there when I return. I haven't experienced that since I don't write any fictional tales. I suppose if I did, that would be a worry that I'd find myself newly saddled with.

    But as I'm doing reviews of CDs, books or concerts, I have my notes to work from to craft my thoughts into words. When I go away from a draft of the review, it is usually because I'm not happy with what I've written and need to break to get a new perspective or simply because I want to edit it with a clearer mind.

    Currently, I'm working on what is going to turn into a massively lengthy recap of my two days at the Rhode Island Comic Con. I'm writing it piecemeal because there's just no way to do it all at once. But I have my notes to work from and my memory as well.

    But I did find myself trying to craft my opening to the article before I even left for the first day of the show.

    Oh Hank, you'll like this part, I ended up conducting 4 interviews on the second day! Three were with comic writers while the other one was with a podcaster. They are going to be hell to transcribe I'm sure, but I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone to ask for and then do the interviews.

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  21. Nancy, welcome to Jungle Reds! I am following you on Facebook. I am reading Jungle Reds late in the day. It's almost evening now. Did you go on an ocean cruise or a river cruise? I can understand what you mean about being out of touch. When I travelled to Europe, I did not know about Facebook yet. However, I had text messaging and I was able to send text messages from my flip phone, which was great! And I could use the computer at any Internet cafe in England and Europe to send emails home. It was interesting to use AOL in Switzerland because I did not know any German! I figured it out and was able to send email home. That was in 2006.

    About ten years before in the 1990s, it was very different. When I arrived in England for my junior year abroad, the only way was either postcard or sending a fax. I remember giving English money to a local shop that had a fax machine so they could send a fax to America.

    Keep in mind that I am NOT a phone person. I do not chat on the phone. Easier for me to write letters or check emails.

    That looks like you had a wonderful vacation! I love the photos in your article.

    Diana

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    1. Aren't they great? And I SO agree about the phone. I am a not a phone person, either!

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    2. Hank, glad I am not the only person!

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