Another chapter is written as I attempt to escape the humidity of London, sitting by an open sash window. As I dutifully re-read the chapter, make a note of the word count and add to the summary list of what each chapter contains, I am struck by how important these rituals are. How they make me feel in control of my writing. Even the 30 minutes spent on the Internet before I begin are part of it. So is the tube of lip salve that I keep by my monitor, the burning of essential oil (geranium), the cup of lemon and ginger tea and the housework that gives me regular reason to step up from my desk and hang the washing out. The latest new habit has been updating my blog.
Other rituals help, too. I have found cleaning my teeth and riding my bike to be excellent light bulb moments - it's the mindlessness of both activities that seem to spark thought. But the most important routine of all? Emailing the document to myself as back up. I don't know what I'd do if I lost all this writing. Rewriting from scratch is one practice I prefer never to start.
The great sunshine we're having means that I can set up a temporary office in my back garden. With a sunshade to help me see my screen, and an offcut to act as a desk surface, I have everything I need. The background sound of the neighbour's radio is soothing, butterflies bob over the nasturtiums and Freddie, nextdoor's cat, strolls past surveying his kingdom. All I need to do is write. The writing feels less like work in this environment and much more like a pleasant, relaxed wander through a task I have, after all, set myself. Life is incredibly busy at the moment and a cherished Sunday afternoon in the garden with my laptop is a welcome chance to relax and do what I enjoy.
