Simply..write....

31/3/2015

I'm writing a novel (in Februaries, for four years now, but that is only really 16 weeks!!) See here and here for how this crazy idea came about..

The novel is about an artist, Jon, and the way he sees the world. I've written about 50,000 words and have been editing the first draft. Difficult task editing. I think I have said before that as a painter, if I make a change as I work I can see straight away how that change influences everything else in the composition, but as a writer I am having difficulty in seeing the whole.

Since I started the story i have discovered that I have a degenerative eye condition and the recent month of writing about sight and seeing, and thinking about the difficulty of seeing the whole has been rather a bittersweet experience as my own sight deteriorates.

It's quite a blow.

19 Comments

Swissrose link

31/3/2015 07:39:35 am

That's a mixed bag, Freda - how exciting to be writing a novel (writing at all!) though I'm sorry about your eyes, something I'm familiar with from my mother and grandmother, among others. I think it gives a new perspective, though, so definitely a lemonade situation… All the best, fingers crossed it can be controlled and turned to good use in your book x

Freda

1/4/2015 08:33:36 am

Thank you Swiss Rose! (I like the 'lemonade situation'..)

Gail

1/4/2015 12:48:45 am

Dearest Freda:
Praying you will feel God's hand holding you as you deal with the eye problem.

Freda

2/4/2015 09:33:05 am

I meant to thank you Gail for directing me to my own post - interesting! (And to wish you well.)

Gail

1/4/2015 01:17:57 am

See your own Aug. 16,2011 post. Maybe all this past winter's decluttering and writer's retreat will help you transition to next 10 years. I was diagnosis w Rheumatoid arthritis in 2014, so between that and ageing in past 11 years, my life has changed.....many ways better b/c I'm more intentional with my limited energy and I have learned to savour the days.

Freda

1/4/2015 08:35:00 am

Thank you Gail - you are thoughtful and kind.

Freda

2/4/2015 05:50:11 am

I meant to thank you for referring me back to that post! (And to wish you well of course.)

Penny L

1/4/2015 01:28:51 am

So sorry to hear about your eyes Freda. What an awful thing to have to deal with and reach some acceptance of. penny xx

Freda

1/4/2015 08:35:48 am

Thanks Penny x

cath

1/4/2015 01:47:53 am

Oh dearest Freda, you are in my thoughts all day. Life has presented you a difficult challenge and I do so feel for you. I can only imagine how much sadness the deterioration of your eyesight - especially you being an artist - must cause. I hope you are in capable expert hands. As you say: it is quite a blow and blows like this need time to heal, heart and soul. Take care.

Freda

1/4/2015 08:36:43 am

I was kind of looking for a new challenge - but I didn't mean this! Thank you Cath.

Sarah link

1/4/2015 04:51:34 am

I always wondered what your story was about! 16 weeks is quite a short time to work on it! I'm sorry it has turned out to be a bittersweet experience for you. I hope that you are getting the best medical care to help slow down the progression of the disease. I am thinking of you. Sarah x

Freda

1/4/2015 08:38:02 am

Thank you Sarah. I'm still loving my story! x

Viv link

1/4/2015 06:43:20 am

Hi Freda - sorry to hear of your eye condition - my dad had a similar condition but I believe they can do more now to prevent the progression than they could back then. You must be so proud with yourself for writing your book especially over 4 years!

Freda

1/4/2015 08:39:07 am

My writing has been such fun. Thank you so much for your comment Viv.

Grace

1/4/2015 05:04:40 pm

Hello Freda, I was so sorry to hear about your health problem. I do hope you are being well taken care of and that the doctors can stabilize your condition. I get so much pleasure from reading your blog. I find your writing has a very soothing effect on me and helps me to recentre. Thank you.

Freda

1/4/2015 06:01:04 pm

What a nice thing to say Grace! Thank you!

julia

1/4/2015 09:03:43 pm

dear freda, my heart goes out to you today....for all of us, we come to places in our lives where we simply cannot change what is happening to ouselves or to someone we love...it's always such a shock! and how to stay present with just this moment? and not fly off in our heads to the what-ifs of the future, or the if-onlys?
how do we stay present for ALL of our emotions and not run away from the painful ones?
sending you love and prayers...stay present for just each moment as it arises, and try to treasure the questions and the fears as much as the gifts.

Freda

2/4/2015 08:17:34 am

Thank you for your caring thoughts and kind wishes. x

Simply..write....

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