Yes, I know. Could do better. *sigh*
But this is just about the writing…eh? What do you mean, that’s what you were talking about? Do you, by any chance, mean my tendency to skip from one writing project to another before finishing the first? Yes? You do? Well, okay, guilty as charged.
Perhaps I’d better explain.
I’ve got two novels on the go at once. I get a bit stuck on one, so I go and work on the other for a while. I’m making progress with both of them, but…just…not…very…quickly…
At the moment, I am back working on the follow-up novel to ‘Making Friends with the Crocodile.’ It’s not a sequel, since I regard MFWTC as a stand-alone work, so to speak. The new work, which I do not have a title for yet, is set in a fictitious Himalaya Hill Station, takes place in the 1980s (mainly), and is about the remaining British and the Anglo-Indians in this particular small corner of India, although the story naturally references a good deal more than that.
Steam engine…yes, at a hill station in India. But, relevant to this post? No, not really.
It’s a little difficult to say much about the plot without risking spoilers, but the story is about relationships of various kinds – people with other people, with the land, with ideas and ideals. I’m probably about a third of the way through the first draft at around 30,000 words, and currently going strong.
Of course, this could be a really good reason for a trip to a hill station in the not too distant future. Purely for research, of course! Perhaps I could apply for some sort of grant?
Mick Canning 
The muse loves to travel.
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Absolutely! And, of course, for ‘reason’ read ‘excuse’!
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Two novels at once, eh? I can’t even stir me tea and scratch me bum at the same time. Where’s the trouble-maker, where’s Jackie?
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That’s a jolly good question, Hariod. Where is she indeed? I hope she’s behaving.
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Well that’s unlikely . . .
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True.
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Perhaps I should post something suitably provocative; that might draw her out.
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Or a gin review?
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I could compare it to Chardonnay…(ellipsis included as bait)
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Ooh, Chardonnay. That’s a bit low rent for a Harvey Nicks girl, isn’t it?
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Dangling the bait…
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I don’t know how writers do two novels at once, but many do! Good luck with your work, Mick, and a field trip is always a good idea. 😀
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I knew you’d back me up there, Diana (Well, okay I didn’t know that, but I’m glad you did!).
I have to have at least one project going at a time, because I reach a point where I’m beginning to burn out on one of them, so I can then switch to the other.
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That’s an interesting comment. I just can’t switch focus like that, but I’m that way with everything. I love how we all find what works and there’s no one way to be creative. 😀
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I don’t really have any choice but, as you say, that’s what works for me.
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Amazing ! You must be having a lot of patience and dedication.A trip would do good.All the best for the grant.
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Unfortunately, it’s probably my lack of patience that makes me leap from one project to another. Thanks!
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In my opinion, one of the many things wrong with this world is that there aren’t nearly enough grants for fiction writers!
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I think you may have put your finger on a really important issue, Ann.
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I’m not sure how taxes and accounting work in the UK, but travel as a business expense? 😉
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I fear it could be awfully complicated!
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Mick, of course, some research is required!!😀 Hope you get to take that trip soon…how exciting about your latest ms and so glad it’s going well. You sound so upbeat and organised – good luck with the novel and can’t wait to read how you get on and whether that trip and grant (!) materialises!
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Clearly, I am a master of deception, for I don’t feel particularly upbeat and certainly not organised! But thanks, Annika.
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Now, a trip to the hill station can either freshen you up or may be distract you. But you won’t regret it. what’s your pick?
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Oh, Mussoorie, this time, Arv. I’ve not been there yet. And if I get inspired and distracted and freshened, then, perfect.
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Oh! Then you must. I’m sure you will enjoy bumping into Ruskin Bond, one of India’s famous writer who lives in Landour, Mussorrie.
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You’re not the first one to mention that, Arv. As it happens, I’ve just finished a volume of his short stories – super pieces!
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Then I’m sure it must be one of the influencing factors to decide in favour of Mussorrie! I also love his style. One of its kind actually!
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It was a factor, yes. That and a post on Mussoorie with lots of photos several months ago, from another blogger – possibly thatmishmash.
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Ah! Great ☺👍
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How is this particular book coming along?
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I actually finished it, but there were parts of it I wasn’t happy with, so it’s undergoing a re-writing. But I don’t think I have too far to go, now.
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Nice to know. I see you have too many projects going on.
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Oh, I do, yes!
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