Using the solar panel at Laggan changed the dynamics of working there as long as you could see the sky occasionally. Unfortunately, that happened less and less as time went by. I could write, but only using paper or one of the power-miser devices I have. As soon as I needed the laptop, things would start to fall apart if the weather was against me. And yes, the weather was against me. It was quite astonishing to open the door day after day to another bout of rain.
Writers have their rituals and I am of the type who can work long hours for months at a time as long as the spell is not broken. The frustration of not being able to work on something so close to the end is maddening. Even so, I did enjoy being there and particularly meeting the steady trickle of intrepid walkers exploring the coast.
As winter brings shorter days, the chance of using the laptop falls with each week. For this reason, I am striking out in my van/car to tour Scotland. I will load up with books and spread them far and wide in many of my favourite places. By embracing the limitations of light I will use the time better to complete The Honesty Project. At the end of this process I will be in a position to publish Book Two and close to completing the first draft of Three.
I’m looking forward to this phase as I have no idea what lies ahead. I like that.
Hi Paul, I follow your E-Cat News blog. I like that you ditched your job and are on the ….. road?
I too ditched my unsatisfying teaching gig at a community college, and am now writing, researching, and spending way too much time on cold fusion blogs.
My interest is how the phonetic alphabet created math and science in 600BC.
Dreamwords sounds real cool.
Anyway, thanks for your adventure, your courage, your work.
Yours,
Ruby
Hi Ruby….
Now there’s a coincidence. I was just reading your latest and had decided to flag it on my site. It is obvious that you are a writer and skilled at using it in the cf/science arena. I was genuinely impressed.
I had intended to spend the winter in France but a number of gremlins put paid to that; not least someone smashing into the side of my car as it was parked up for the duration. I’ve had to return to Scotland to sort it out. As you know, ditching the old world leaves you able to turn on a sixpence. The car’s booked in and when it’s repaired I’m heading out again. 1,500 books at a time, mpv, tent, solar panel, remote mifi and crossed fingers. The biggest challenge will be to keep connected in the mountains (for ecatnews) but I think I have that sorted.
Good to hear from you. I will flag the DoD post.
Yours,
Paul