The Fellow sits outside Cromars fish and chip shop, and cogitates. The chips – which were too hot to handle five minutes ago – have magically cooled to the ‘am I still enjoying these?’ stage, but I have achieved my aim: a short walk by the sea, and chips outdoors for lunch. Now I have to go back to my desk and face The Fear.
Writing a book? You take a deep breath, and start. One chapter at a time, head down and just keep going.
You get it as good as you can, submit it, and wait for the feedback. Not so different from writing an academic assignment, really.
The report comes back. Taking a deep breath, you read it. Then again, carefully. In my case, it was kind and eminently reasonable. After a bit of thought, you respond.
But now for the scary bit! The revision. At this point, you have to address the gentle suggestions for improvements. Not only are you reaching into the recesses of your brain to produce new sparkling prose to align with someone else’s carefully considered suggestions, but there’s another deadline.
I’ve booked some scattered annual leave (so as not to cause too much inconvenience) and mapped out my time.
The Fellow has a busy couple of months ahead, disregarding the festive season!
Karen McAulay, Musicologist 