The Blanket of Story
First . . . don't forget to drop by Magical Musings, where I am guest blogging. Second, let's talk about Blankleys.I have four kids . . . and three of the four went through babyhood without any particular attachments to stuffed animals, dolls, etc. Oldest had a doll named Harriet she was fond of, but it wasn't like she couldn't sleep without her. But Demon Baby loves "Blankleys." Not any one in particular, just ALL Blankleys.
Well, my week went from bad to worse. Baby Daughter (actually 9), who was so sick, contracted rheumatic fever, entailing the hospital, and now a pediatric cardiologist. So to say I am stressed . . . understatement. Distraught . . . that, too. And so this a.m., Demon Baby came up to me as I was sitting on the couch at 6:00 a.m. (when Demon Baby arises) and brought me a "Blankley" . . . "to make you feel better, Mommy." Moments like that make him seem slightly (just ever so slightly) less possessed.
Which brings me to story. You see, this week, I got my contracts for my new trilogy (swear the announcement is coming soon) in the mail. In fact, they came Friday, but I was at the hospital, so I finally opened them today. (And for those of you dreaming of lucrative retirements once you sell a few books . . . if you read this blog regularly, then you will know it's been AGES that this contract has been going back and forth being drawn up.) Anyway, I was sitting here feeling weary beyond belief, when I looked at them . . . and smiled. And no, not because it's a contract, but because I realize I will soon have my adult version of a Blankley. I will be deep into a story I love, pulling it around me, lost in my world, feeling warm. Sometimes I need to remind myself that . . . through it all--the ups and downs of a writing career--there's always that. Getting lost in a story, like disappearing under a giant Blankley with Demon Baby while we watch sing-along shows on TV.
Is you story ever like that for you? A place of refuge. A big Blankley?
Labels: storytelling
posted by Erica Orloff at 2:32 PM
20 Comments:
This story isn't like that for me, but writing itself -- yeah, it's big blankey.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Jen
Hi Jen:
Hmm . . . maybe you're right. The writing is when you get really lost in it.
E
I realized that I do most of my stressing about writing when I'm not actually writing. It's weird, when I sit down and write, it's just comfortable. Then on the ride home I start critiquing myself, LOL. But sometimes I get so comfortable with my world, I'd rather kick back in the tub and think about it and pretend to live in it, rather than write it.
Erica, you inspired me to get a St. Jude candle, and I'm lighting it today for your baby daughter.
spy:
I am humbled and grateful. Thank you. She has had SO many prayers from friends and neighbors and relatives, and the church I take her to . . . she looks MUCH better (amazing what IV fluids and antibiotics can do for a sick child), and is more her spunky self . . . but we have a long road of follow-up for her, poor sweetie.
In any case, yes, when I am in the thick of writing, it's my "Blankley"--AFTERWARDS, I second-guess like hell. :-)
E
Your family is in my prayers, E.
May our blankleys not pill or unravel. ;)
Hey Heather:
Yes, may they remain soft and fluffy.
:-)
E
Prayers from FL, Erica. Glad to hear she's doing better.
D.B. worrying about you brought tears to my eyes.
Writing is escapism for me. Is that the same as a blankey? Take care of yourself and your daughter. :)
Thanks, Jude.
E
Hi Barrie:
Yup. I think that's a Blankley.
:-)
E
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It sounds like your daughter is getting good care, so I'm expecting good news ahead. The emergencies our children go through are the most terrifying of all.
As for blankleys, the price we pay for slipping under one is having to slip back out.
Hi Stephen:
Yeah. Emerging from the Blankley means confronting the stress of everyday life. Bills. Housework. Various other crises.
E
More prayers for your daughter and your family, Erica. I'm seeing her whole and healthy. And I'm seeing you get a good night's sleep. :)
I get migraines, and when I write, the migraines sometimes lessen and I can forget about them, losing myself in my words. I think it's because I'm focused in a part of my brain that's thankfully pain free.
Wow, Edie . . . I admire your ability to even work at all with a migraine!!
E
*lights candles and incense* Prayer for you and your family.
I get lost in every story, whether reading or writing. Well, not every story... the one's I don't get lot in I toss.
ewoh:
Love that. I quit after a few chapters if I'm not captivated, too,
E
What a rollercoaster week for you. Hope all is well with your daughter. It's so terrifying to have a seriously ill child in the hospital. Bless you both.
Like skyscribbler, my stressing comes when I'm not writing. Getting into the material is almost always curative. Except for today. I have a really terrible cold and was only able do to some editing. Disappointing. Tomorrow will be better, I hope.
PS I liked your post about critique groups so well that I sent it to a friend who is thinking of starting one.
Hi Tena:
Thanks. And glad the post might help a friend . . . it's been culled from a lot of years and what has ended up working for us.
Take care of your cold.
E
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