Hair Straight Back

A busy few weeks resulting in accomplishments, re-acquaintances, and favourite times being shelved (for a while).  

Life does that to us every so often. Puts us in a state of hair straight back, get to hell out of my way, I’ve got stuff to do!

My time hasn’t been quite that radical, but it certainly has left me with a good feeling simmering deep within.

Writing the story for my novel, The Quiet Spirits, was by far the easiest part of the project. When it was done, I was sad. It was like I had to say, “See you around, old friend.” Then it struck me. This thing needs to be published. With that thought came a whole new get busy again “to do” list. Editing, beta readers, re-writes, meet with publisher, book cover, dedication, (A sequel?), and, and, and . . .

The biggest thing wasn't determining when did I want to have this book in my hot little hands, but more importantly, when would it be accessible to the public? By the looks of the progress, I can safely say, The Quiet Spirits will be available this fall; and, might I add, it will make a great Christmas gift.

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So what does someone who writes do when they finish a book? I have to tell you, for me, lots! 

For starters, I have been penning my next book. Yet to be named and not related to The Quiet Spirits. My thoughts on this novel, is the first draft will most likely be finished before summer ends. Maybe. When will it be published? Who knows? When it feels like the right time to do it would be a safe answer.

​Something that I do know for sure from these busy weeks, is the planning for the Let Your Senses Run Free event I am involved with at Silver Valley Ranch has reached fever pitch. Pages of thoughts, ideas, “oh yeses” and “scrap that” have been jotted down. They are now coming to life in a page after page, colour coded Critical Path. I love colour coding my work. Even when I am writing a book, there is colour coding. Really, who doesn’t like to look at their projects and know right away what each part belongs to?

Through the joy of finishing one book, writing another and feeling guilty for not writing my 99 and 52 Word assignments, I took some time to visit my sewing room. Surprise, yes I have a passion to design and sew quilts along with other DIY projects. But, since I seldom make the time to venture down the stairs to this room anymore, the intent was to see what could go and what could stay. What a mistake! Well, not really. The mistake was thinking I would pare down the material stash and hundreds of pattern books growing dust on the shelf. The reality is, within an hour, I was scribbling notes, making sketches (that only I will ever be able to understand), calculating yardage and choosing fabric. This exciting project ties in with something I already have on-the-go; AND, I will be making the trek to my bright, yellow painted room for short bursts of creativity. A welcoming comfort zone place do disconnect. Win, win, win, in my opinion.

So you see, even when the midnight oil is being burned, the candles are lit from both ends, and the hair is straight back, there is always comfort in the things we know, and especially in the things we love to do.

Where do you find your solace when your life is in hair straight back mode?

Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."