Loss and Finding that Groove Again

I started having extreme technical difficulties with my old laptop and decided to replace it.  Something went horribly, horribly awry and I lost my last revision which included several new sections when I transferred the documents.  The old laptop is dead so I can't retrieve it.

Trying to bring back the energy and focus of lost work is much harder than finding that mental space in the first place.  I couldn't get into the zone at all.  I think a lot of it comes from I was analysing every paragraph - was this something that needed revision?  What did I say? It's looks fine now, did I see something before which I am now missing?

At least I knew at what page that revision stopped, and I made myself so through that point in the manuscript.  Hopefully I will feel more free as I continue this revision.

I always over judge my work - but who doesn't do that to themselves?  It's just I have never had the level of self doubt as I did after this experience.  Sections that I know I thought were good, now feel stilted to me. 

I'll get over myself as I usually do.  I have to - this is my dream.  If I don't, then not only will I never achieve what I want, but I would have wasted the last 6 years of research and writing.  I just can't let that happen.

Sex, Drugs and a Rock

I love the ancient story of the Hill of Tara, and hate the modern one. Both tales play a role in my book.

The ancient story - this is the site of the Coronation of the Pre-Christian Irish Kings. Sitting on top of the Hill of Tara is the Stone of Destiny, which was the coronation site. There was an intricate, and at one point intimate, coronation ritual at that location which redefines the phrase coming to power.

Did I ever mention how much I love history?

Now for the modern story. Due to population growth, a new highway needs to be built. For an inexplicable reason, the Irish government wants to run it through the most archaeologically rich areas of Ireland, one with a series of ancient religious sites. The Hill of Tara is at risk, and with is goes a core place in Ireland's Celtic heritage.

Some of you will have heard me kvetch about this before - but it really ticks me off and I want to make sure the world knows so there is a chance to stop the destruction.

Celtic Zeitgeist

Or in Welsh, ysbryd y cyfnod. (OK so I actually don't know if the concept of spirit of the times can be coined in a more appropriate phrase in Welsh; I am completely dependant on Google Translate at the moment - but go with me on this one). Things mythological are in the air - first Percy Jackson and the Olympians hit the theaters then Clash of the Titans. Now we get to see a new, free MMO (massively multi-player online) video game based on Welsh/Celtic mythology ! This game is based on the Mabinogian - a collection of Celtic myths pulled from Welsh medieval manuscripts. These are tales of love and loss, sex and magic, proud warriors and feisty maidens. And a magic cauldron - how can you beat that!

So I keep writing and plugging along on my own Celtic mythology based book- up to 62,000 words now. This is a labor of love but it will be ready for prime time soon!

PS this link takes you to a contest to win some really great accessories to take your online gaming to the next level- the contest closes May 24. Good luck and have fun!