Martha’s Vineyard And The New Novel
I started writing on my new novel a few times before my trip to Martha’s Vineyard. The title will be, “The Speed of Meant To Be” or “You and I Are Meant To Be” or “She Can’t Find Love” or something else…. But it’s subtitled (A Martha’s Vineyard Love Story). Anyway… I couldn’t nail even a hundred words without much strain until day two of my vacation last week.
I don’t know what happened but last Wednesday, I went into this large comfortable and vacant room that faced the Edgartown Harbor with Chappaquiddick in the distance to write. The first day, I laid down 3k words and could’ve continued if I wanted. The next day, 2k+ words, and again, I had to stop myself.
It was the most exhilarating feeling ever! I wondered what’s happening?????? Why is
this so easy.
I attributed to the fact that Martha’s Vineyard is so beautiful and quiet. I’m going to post some pictures below. So I took it all in and tried to get as much writing done as possible. By the time I left, I had nearly 10k words written. And I dreaded returning and struggling with writing again, although I was so ready to leave the east coast and return to the west coast. Although, the east coast is stunning but COLD. I don’t do well in the cold.
Anyway. Long story short. I returned home and everything as changed! And for the BEST.
1. I go to bed at 11:00PM and wake up at 8:00AM.
2. I check email, take care of business, eat breakfast and then get down to the business of writing.
3. I’ve had 2,500 words written daily since I returned before 5PM!
It’s 4:22PM and I’ve already written my 2.5K words!
Basically, the magic hasn’t left me. But now I think I know why the old me is back.
It’s because Vanquished was the FULL Marathon. It was Mount Everest! 14 characters, all major! That book tested me as a writer. It was the Ph.D. So now I’m climbing a much smaller mountain. Also… I became familiar with my setting. There’s not one modern home on the island! Did you know that? If there is one, I didn’t see it. The forests have been practically destroyed by a caterpillar that fed on the trees in 2007. Did you know that? OMG. I’ve never seen anything like it. And these dry forests act as barricades, hiding multi-million dollar homes behind them. You can’t even see much of the ocean from many of the roads because people have built their houses on the coastline and then hid them behind the trees. However… well, just see for yourself!
The good thing is, I know how to write this story! On top of being rested and back to a regular time schedule. I will see that I understand the allure of the east coast. It’s full of ENERGY that doesn’t exist on the west coast. The people have accepted their humanity. Does that make sense? They look more real. They feel more real. They are who they are. And I LOVE THAT! I can’t wait to spend a week in Manhattan for the next book in this series. And a week in Chicago (mid-west though). And D.C! Phoenix. Maryland. And then I want to look for a smaller town back east. Somewhere in New Hampshire or Vermont or Maine or somewhere!
Anyway…
Peace.
Z
8 Comments
mvobsession
You have found the magic of the Vineyard. 🙂
Z.L Arkadie
Thanks 🙂 🙂 🙂 It’s certainly in the miles and miles of gorgeous beaches. Z
catthrinn
Wow! I can hear the excitement in you words! It is uplifting! I am so happy for you! Makes me smile, that the clear, beautiful seashore made you happy. After I get my medical issue out of the way, I think I am going to take my baby brother up on his offer to go sailing on his boat in about 2 months before the end of summer. Just because your pictures made me happy! He has offered, and I am going to accept for some healing sunshine and rest. But I must say, your east coast pictures are probably way better than the coast off of Dana Point, Ca. ….. Just a thought…., hmmmm think we can sail to the east coast? Nah….. Don’t think so, but I will settle for Catalina! You inspired me!
Much love,
~Kat~
Z.L Arkadie
Oh, the California coasts are gorgeous too! Actually, this Earth is beautiful when you think about it. The more untouched by humans the more majestic. We have destructive hands and minds.
You should definitely sail to Catalina! You’ll have a ball. It’ll be such a refreshing experience. Please let me know how it goes!
Hmmm… Actually you can sail to the east coast. I think you’ll have to sail from the Pacific through the Gulf Coast up towards the east coast. Not sure how the wind blows though. 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by, Kat. And here’s to your speedy recovery!
Much Love,
Z
Crimsonflower01
The beach looks absolutely stunning!! I would love to see it in person. So happy that you found your inspiration can’t wait for something new from you!! Love your writing. Anticipation… Can you give us an excerpt or something to tide us over, please..please…please!!
Z.L Arkadie
Absolutely! I will definitely post an excerpt of the new story. Maybe the first chapter. The thing is, I’m always changing one thing or another, so once I complete the 30k word polish, I’ll post a large excerpt from Chapter 1. 🙂 Yes, you definitely should see it in person. All the waterscapes are stunning. Thanks so much for stopping by! All best, Z
victoriawarren
Absolutely beautiful!!! I love wandering the country!!! I’ve never been to the east coast but I do love the beach!! The water looks so mysterious. Glad you found your muse! 🙂 How could you not with that view!
When you hit Chicago we should do dinner!!!
Happy writing my friend, Vic
Z.L Arkadie
Yes, we certainly must! Yes, the water is definitely–possessed! LOL! It’s ALIVE and talking… and pretty threatening–but gorgeous as the day is long. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day, Vic! Z