Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Guest Post by Margo Candela: "Why Writers Take Breaks" and Book Giveaway

I don’t smoke, I don’t drink coffee and I don’t have anyone to gossip with a couple cubicles over, but I still make a point getting away from my desk at regular intervals during my writing day. (These breaks mirror the longer ones I take from a manuscript between drafts and revising.) For me, a little distance is a good thing and taking breaks from what I’m writing is essential to maintaining my sanity.

I could lie and say I do fabulous things when I’m away from my desk. That I inoculate orphans, read to seniors or even arrange flowers, but what I do is vacuum. Our dog, a sweet but rather dumb creature, is so used to it, she seems rather put out when I don’t wake her up from a nap with a nudge from the Dyson. By the way, it’s all about the vacuum. I sincerely doubt I’d have a thing for vacuuming if I didn’t have such an awesome machine to push around.

Before I took up with my Dyson I used to sew. My mother-in-law presented me with a Singer sewing machine one Christmas and I can honestly say it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. I used to make tote bags, one right after another, and wound up with way too many and too little things to carry in them. After a while, family and friends were less than happy to accept a present of one of my creations so I had to find a new hobby. I got a label maker and labeled anything and everything I could until my husband hid it from me.

Then the Dyson arrived into my life and I’ve been hooked on the thing ever since. I’m itching to upgrade to a DC25 Animal, but won’t do so until something really special happens. Like selling another novel or getting my screenplay optioned. I want my vacuuming to mean something more than just, you know, vacuuming.

My vacuum breaks might morph into something else, but for now nothing makes me happier than hearing my vacuum rev up…even if the dog isn’t impressed by it anymore.

One lucky commenter today will receive a copy of GOODBYE TO ALL THAT, Margo Candela's latest release. Please include your email with your comment.






12 comments:

Linda Henderson said...

I think everyone needs to take a break now and again. The next time you want to use your Dyson, come over to my place, my vacuum isn't working and my carpet looks terrible.

seriousreader at live dot com

Caroline Clemmons said...

Linda, I'm next in line. My vacuum works, but it's pretty ancient. Thanks for stopping by.

debbie said...

You would be welcome at my house. Vacuums don't last long here. My last one was only 3 weeks old, when our malamute chewed up the cord. I had it replaced, but it doesn't work very well. That is why I will only buy really cheap ones, and they always work terribly.
I would love to read your book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Margo Candela said...

Vacuuming is all about the vacuum. If we had one that was clunky and weak, I'd have a different workday "hobby." And it would still be something completely different from writing. My brain and body just need that break from doing what I do so many hours of the day.
Good luck, ladies!

Sage Ravenwood said...

Vacumming is a neccesity in my house. I could probably knit a sweater a week from all the animal hair. When you have 4 inside cats and a 65lb working dog wonder, the hair is to be expected.

My release from writing? Not a hard guess, my animals. Taking Pickles for a walk or curling up with one of the cats is the highlight of my day. Of course I rescue strays too, so there tends to be forced breaks to take care of these poor souls.

There is nothing that quiets the mind more, than feeling the contented purr or (chuff if it's a dog) through your fingertips. (Hugs)Indigo

ravensquietscreams@gmail.com

Rowena A. Robles, PhD said...

As a writer, aren't you supposed to drink coffee and smoke cigarrettes? I guess running a very nice vacuum cleaner will do. . .so good girl-ish that it's almost subversive. Don't tempt me with a good time or a good vacuum : )

Margo Candela said...

You're right Honey Dip Chick, smoking and drinking (coffee or what have you) sounds way more writerly. Oh, if only my vice wasn't so clean as vacuuming...my house would be that much more dusty.

Teril said...

sewing and dyson a girl's best friend. Sounds like a great book.

terilhack(@)gmail.com

Caroline Clemmons said...

All writers need a break occasionally or we lose perspective. I love to read or go for a drive or browse an antique mall. My mind feels refreshed when I come back to writing. Hmmm, maybe if I had a Dyson. . . . LOL

Fi-chan said...

!!! a writer that does not drink coffee! impressive! :D
anyway, your story is quite interesting. vacuum!

feeyonachan at gmail dot com

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