Thursday, August 26, 2004
So you might be wondering what I’m doing, when I’m not riding bikes or camping or such like.
Two things mainly: writing the new book, and working/trying to get paid work.
On the book writing front, I’m part of the way through the first draft of the Mississippi book, tentatively titled ‘Only Bike’. I try to write 1000 words a day. Sometimes that takes 90 minutes, sometimes it takes 4 or 5 hours, and sometimes it doesn’t happen at all.
I’m not much of a believer in waiting for inspiration to strike. As the old saying goes, inspiration seems to find me more easily when I’m sitting at my desk in front of my computer. I’m aware that some days it will be a struggle, and other times a joy, but I prefer to keep plugging away.
This morning, for example I tried to surprise myself by not letting myself go for breakfast until I’d written 500 words. I couldn’t do that every day, but it worked on this occasion.
On the work front, I’ve been sending out CVs and job applications (without much joy), and pitching for freelance work (a bit more progress but nothing I want to share yet).
Fortunately, I’m also doing some work for some old happy clients – the web consultancy in Dublin I’ve done lots of work for, and my sister, whose site I built a few years ago, and who’s now looking for a revamp.
Throw in some research for the Mississippi book and the usual errands (and Olympic coverage), that’s pretty much me.