Writer's Block
In the past, I have run workshops on writer's block. I've advised clients on the topic, talked them through how to navigate a long dry winter in a writing savanna and yet, when it's my own desert, when my cactus characters are desperate for water, I am sinking in the sand.
It turns out that I am a master of procrastination. This week, I have read a book about writing fiction. A good book? Yes. Did I learn anything new? Yes, a little. Has it spurred me into a writing frenzy? I'll let you guess the answer to that one.
I would recommend the above title to my writing friends though...even if you aren't lucky enough to thumb its pages in marvellous Malawi.
Bats and Cats and Many Hats...
There have been other distractions, as always. I've had bats in my bedroom - nightly visits from Meatloaf as I named the ringleader, and his batty band. Two room moves later and I'm now in a bat-free zone, but I'm still slightly sleep-deprived. You can't write when you're tired, can you? Also, there have been some interesting guests at the lodge this week - a large group of campers, a party of travel writers, and one half of a couple of who was particularly challenging to all who encountered them. There were times when I pitched in to help the stretched staff and owners, but even when I was free, it seems I can't write when there are guests around...
There are also eleven resident cats here at the lodge. As a lover of cats, they too can be blamed for distracting me!
Does it sound like I'm making excuses...hmmm.
So, in a nutshell, writing just hasn't happened this week, but I've made peace with that fact.
Baboons and Monkey Mischief
My obsession with all things monkey continues, of course. I've learnt that whilst the vervet monkeys cause mischief but are endearing, baboons are marauding barbarians who cause havoc and destruction. They squabble and fight and some of the adult males are huge...I certainly wouldn't want to pick a fight with one of them. They're not as pretty as the vervets either.
Here Comes the Sun
I mentioned the weather. It seems I may be becoming a Malawian, as instead of being the person still fanning myself when the locals are complaining of being chilly, I'm now joining them in reaching for a jumper when the sun isn't out. Yesterday morning the temperature was around 20 degrees first thing and I had to put trousers on (and I'd actually slept under the duvet, not just a sheet, all night). After two days of mainly cloudy skies, each time the sun did make an appearance, I did what was necessary and rushed out to point my face at it. Going back home at the end of October is going to be a shock to my system...but I'm not going to even think about that for now!
Sedentary Sedation
It appears to be true that the less you do, the more sluggish you become. I would class myself as a slug at the moment as, despite having a couple of kayaking adventures and dog walks on the occasions when the sun was shining, I am guilty of observing the lodge from many of its resting places this week. From the beach chairs, there are always villagers to watch as they go about their daily lives: swimming, washing, kids playing and men taking out fishing boats. From the khonde (the veranda where meals and drinks are served), there are guests to observe. The gentle sounds of the lake can be listened to from the jetty, and there are birds to watch from various seats around the garden (picture below is a hornbill perched in a fig tree). All perfect time-wasting opportunities and it seems I excel at this pastime!
I am consoling myself with the thought that, for a writer, no time spent observing and absorbing is wasted. It's also true that anyone coming into contact with a writer may well recognise themselves in a book some day. At least one of the guests I've encountered this week has been stored away for future reference...
A Busy Week Ahead
That's not just a motivational mantra for myself, I really do have a lot happening next week. There will be one or possibly two days with Open Arms (one of which I'm expecting to be emotionally difficult, but more on that next time) and a trip to Lilongwe to (hopefully) fix my misbehaving phone. Then, a couple of days catching up with friends. Whenever will I fit in in time to write, I hear you cry...haha!
Blogging Off
Thanks for reading. More next week but, if you don't already do so, please follow me on Instagram @malawi_enjoying_ourselves.
Clare