William Faulkner’s novel As I Lay Dying was written
from midnight to 4am over a 6 week period with absolutely no editing. It was
ranked one of the greatest novels of 20th century literature.
My Muse does have strict hours! |
I think Faulkner was onto something. I find that my
best writing is done between those hours as well. Maybe it’s because my 3 kids
are in bed and my husband is playing Fallout 4 or maybe because my muse has
strict hours. But as the night goes on and I become increasingly tired, I get
more emotionally raw and unfiltered. Then I finally begin to bleed onto the
page. When I sa y bleed onto paper, I mean it’s uncontrollable and words
spill out of my mind onto the page. I wake up the next morning and think to
myself, “Did I write that and do I really feel that way?” I now understand
Faulkner’s gutsy decision not to edit.
I Love Death Parade! Decim and Chiyuki in the Quindecim |
After I was satisfied with the scene, I decided it was a good stopping point. I was going to go join my husband who had gone to bed at least 5 hours prior. I removed my ear buds and immediately regretted it because it was a weird exorcist movie. I was so incredibly freaked out as I fumbled for the remote. When I managed to find the right button, it was silent, but too silent. I got up from the couch and jumped when I heard the branches screeching up against the window. I walked down the hallway scared out of my mind, and when I caught a glimpse of my own reflection in the sliding glass door, I screamed so loud I woke everyone up, including the dog. This is one of the downfalls of this late night phenomenon- its too quiet, you’re tired, easily spookable, and your senses are on overload. And not only is 3am a creative hour, it is also the bewitching hour. This is why after all, it is the midnight to FOUR am phenomenon. There is no way in hell you are falling asleep after all the weirdness hat happens at 3am.
Do you experience the Midnight to 4am Phenomenon?
BEEF
STEW FOR A BUSY/TIRED WRITER
-2
pounds of tenderized stewing meat
-2
cups of beef stock (or 1 cup beef stock and 1 cup wine)
This is the stew I made and it was a big hit with my family. We have #SoupSundays in our house. |
-1
medium onion, chopped
-2
stalks celery, chopped
-2
large carrots, peeled and chopped
-3
to 5 small red potatoes, cubed
-1
to 3 cloves garlic, minced
-1
tablespoon Paprika
-1
tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
-3
Bay Leaves
-1/2
tablespoon of salt
-1/2
tablespoon of black pepper
-1
teaspoon of dried oregano, basil and rosemary
Cooking
Directions
·
Place
Meat into crock pot
·
Add
liquids then place all other ingredients
·
Cover
and cook on low for 8 hours
·
ENJOY!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
HAPPY HANUKKAH!
HAPPY KWANZAA!
HAPPY BELATED WINTER SOLSTICE!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS!
very interesting write up. l like the naturalness of your expressions.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the support O'Daley.I hope you enjoyed the post and continue to stop by.
DeleteNice post. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThanks Cheryl. As I Lay Dying is a great novel, although Faulkner was pretty special, for what I've read. I have no children and live alone so can keep any hours, but yes, getting spooked is easier at night...(I'm more of a radio person)
ReplyDeleteIt is a great novel and I am fascinated by his writing style. Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed it and continue to visit every week. Thanks for the support.
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