I wanted to place a line or two on my Twitter account but I can’t seem to sign in on my wi fi from where I am. Every other site seems all right though.
I’m feeling so excited about my writing plans, not to a point of delirium, but in a way that offers me a definite sense of identity and purpose. These days, I wear that easy confidence like never before. My plane flight was smooth and the air crew were lovely and engaging. All the three different sets of airport formalities were swift. I’m happy and relaxed. I’m surprised at being pleased with the obvious clarity of my focus and vision, to the extent of astonishment.
I’m waiting to roll up my sleeves from tomorrow for some hard work. An industry that is bound to be exhausting but exhilarating & enjoyable. I’ve found a few superb bookstore cafes in which to write, although I have excellent wireless facilities at my hotel.
The thing is I like writing while being surrounded by books and in my Dublin apartment, often type my drafts next to my library, where I am able to gaze at my shelves in satisfaction every now and then. All this while biting my nails and mulling in thought.
I’ve also bought a new Samsung Netbook from my favourite PC World store in Dublin. I’m currently attempting to get acquainted with my little red computer by claiming a new intimacy. So far, I’m thankful to have succeeded as I was concerned that my excitement over this recent purchase may have dissolved.
I have 3 laptops back home – 1 is a real oldie but which I treasure for sentimental reasons. I also own an additional 2 Netbooks excl. the laptops and 3 phones. I’ve left my Blackberry behind and settled for an LG Android model and a very necessary smartphone. My Android is currently filled with very sharp pictures…photography that counts as an important reference point for my book. My Smartphone is what I personally prefer to use all the time. I’ve also lugged along a dvd player as a happy solution for some favourite films that I carefully packed away and an MP3 for my music to help me write I love my gadgets which I treat as toys and I love my films and books which I wear upon my seduced heart, like dancing elongated shadows. In this sense, I’m getting more used to the idea of travel and writing. I am able to handle the nomadic situation that I’ve adopted for myself as a writer, a lot better now. But it took a few years of uncomfortable practical adjustment. Now, these little bits of essential equipment prove just right for my craft.
I also feel a little comforted to know that MG Vassanji made at least 10 gruelling trips to India in order to produce an excellent work of non-fiction called A Place Within: Rediscovering India. And Sky’s foreign correspondent, Holly Williams was so personally passionate about her subject of illegal prostitution brothels in China especially among the defected North Koreans, that she made several trips to China of her own account to turn up superb educational documentaries on the subject like North Koreans in Prostitution and Slavery after illegally Crossing into China. Williams talked about this for her promotion trailer on Sky TV recently.
I too, understand the familiar restlessness and that similar striving towards perfection. Certainly, travel has become a lot more cheaper and accessible now than it ever was but in truth, it isn’t all that inexpensive and still commands a small fortune. Already, I’ve returned to Malaysia this year alone, too many times to count.
I suppose my writing craft is like my baby and for me anyway, my art will always receive just that right amount of tender, loving care even if it means that I have to shoulder painful investments on the wallet. After all, at last I can. - susan abraham
Credit: Free clip art of picture courtesy of FreeClipartNow.
