Afterwards

It is hard to concentrate. I'm trying really hard, well, I'm trying to crack on with Leaving Coty. The end of the first draft is tangible. I can see it finished. And that will be such a good position to reach. I've had the revolationary moment for Coty. Tessa hasn't quite reached her one. Do I know what it is? I think so. It's like that word on the tip of your tongue. I'm not getting frustrated because I know it will come. Like the discovery in The Monster Belt of what happened to Jonty. That moment. Tessa's moment will be small. She is back in the vicinity of where it will happen, I just know it won't be in the obvious place. It won't be in Harrods' perfume hall, or at home or by her father's grave. It'll come from a stranger. Isn't this great? This is like when moments come to me in the bath. It's taking shape as I'm writing this. A stranger. And they are the one that sees in her what she hasn't seen but is what is the crux to her dilemma. Yipee. Now I won't be distracted by thoughts of Juba's show last week and the coming Samba Encontro in Cardiff, weekend after next, well, that is still buzzing in my body, but now I know where I'm heading. Coty is on track and well, that is one thing solved...now where does it happen?

Education

Quote by Plutarch:

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled."

Those Click Moments

I was in the kitchen, the radio was on, Radio 3 and the presenter started talking about William Blake and some sketches of his that have just been bought by the Tate and the reviews about them. Their 'darkness' was one of the words mentioned. And this went on to his poem beginning "And did those feet in ancient time.." which we know best sung as 'Jerusalem' and then I had that click moment. In Erosion I have a scene where Randolph, one of the main characters realises that nothing will be the same again. The land is lost, the way of life he loved is lost. It clicked and it's not a shouting moment, there are no rockets or illuminating light bulbs, just sadness because there is no point shouting about it. He's been violent and antagonistic and abusive all through the book until this point. And then that is it. Erosion. And it's quiet.
I love these moments when you know that is the right thing to do, it's the right choice. And the right choice for the character. I like Randolph and I want to give him dignity. Here, he gets it. From the radio.

Inspiration - Perfume and Tessa

I've been preparing a talk for a sixth form college for next week and thinking about writing and Meeting Coty and things I've done and people I've met, I felt inspired again. It's easy to forget when you're feeling a bit down what drives us on. Today, preparing the talk and reminding myself why Francois Coty is so interesting, what I love about exploring ideas has given me a kick out of my bit of wallowing. Yes, sorry, I have wallowed a bit. In defence of that though, I have tried to think why I've felt down. In fact, I suppose I'm very lucky to have the time and circumstances to wallow in my down-ness. Yet another thing to remember. Maybe I shouldn't remember, just appreciate.
So, Coty, the man who gave us mass marketing and themed products and packaging. Who was a salesman extraordinaire, who made perfume affordable instead of only for the rich. Who brought it into department stores and not merely chic, exclusive boutiques. He has a lot to answer for and we don't know that he did all this. And he made very, very good perfume into the bargain. And wore a blingy ring and dyed his hair blond.
What a man!
And Tessa, the main character of Meeting Coty. She is complicated.
See? I'm all inspired all over again. The piccie at the top is from a performance of Juba do Leao. Inspiring band!There. Linked it so neatly to the theme of this blog...