Escape: not always such a bad thing.
Writer and blogger, Cally Taylor, has had her first novel published, Heaven Can Wait, and it is a perfect way to make an escape from whatever autumn doldrums might be plaguing you. Cally is well into her blog tour now and much has already been written about how funny, warm and romantic her book is. Do read around at the other interviews. They’re great fun.
But Cally and I share something very special — not only a need for escape, but also a place to go. When I discovered that she has also been to the wonderful Irish Artists Retreat that I rush off to whenever possible, Anam Cara, I longed to ask her all sorts of questions about these retreats and the role they might play in her writing and her life.
Where do you usually write?
I lie on the sofa in my living room and type onto my little Samsung Netbook. I used to sit at the desk in my bedroom and work on my big laptop but I spend 8 hours a day writing e-learning courses there and I found it hard to transition from writing scientific content during the day to writing fiction at night. Moving into a different room and using a different laptop helps me get into the right headspace. Ideally I’d like two separate desks but there isn’t space in my one bedroom flat!
Are you easily distracted?
Am I? Horribly! As I’ve gotten older my concentration span has reduced drastically and I’m constantly distracted by the internet, my phone, the pile of washing up in the kitchen or someone shouting in the street. That’s part of the reason why I go into a different room and use a different laptop (it’s not connected to the internet for a start!). I like to write at night when the world becomes much quieter. I close the curtains, lie on the sofa, put on classic fm and write for as long as my dwindled concentration span will let me!
Why did you decide to go to Anam Cara and how did you find out about it?
I decided to go to Anam Cara because I was running out of time to edit novel 2 and I really needed to take a break from the day job and dedicate myself to editing, and nothing but editing, for as many hours a day as possible. I knew Anam Cara had wireless internet so I wouldn’t be able to avoid that distraction but I hoped that being in a creative, supportive environment would encourage me to work harder and more consistently, and it certainly did that!
I found out about Anam Cara through the Fish prize (a retreat at Anam Cara is the second prize in their short story competition) and Vanessa Gebbie’s blog. Vanessa has stayed at Anam Cara several times and her reports were so glowing I couldn’t resist checking it out for myself.
How does being at a retreat affect your writing? Is it just that you do more or is the quality different as well?
Being at Anam Cara had a magical effect on my editing. As well as upping my word count – from about 500 words every other day in Brighton, to 2,500-5,000 words a day! – I felt like I could think more clearly too. Plot holes and problems that would have plagued me for weeks seemed to magically resolve themselves at Anam Cara. I’m not sure whether that was down to my afternoon walks to the sea with Sue’s dog, her home-cooked food or the healing powers of Guinness at the local pub but what I do know is that escaping from the pressures of ‘real life’ gave me the head space I needed to get to grips with my novel.
Have you been to other retreats?
Not as such, no. I went to Skyros (Greece) earlier this year for a writing course but, because of lack of numbers, the structure of the course was changed and I didn’t have nearly as much free time as I’d hoped to work on my novel. I don’t think combining a course with writing/editing works for me – I need to concentrate on one thing at a time.
A big part of Anam Cara is being with other writers and artists. Does this help or are you really looking for solitude?
Being with like-minded, creative people was fantastic. It’s very easy to get locked into your own head when you’re writing and I really appreciated the chats over lunch and dinner with the other writers and artists who were staying at Anam Cara. Although we decided not to share our work with each other (I don’t share any of my work until it’s been edited several times!) it was great to be able to discuss plot problems, stubborn scenes or writers block with people who understood where you’re coming from. I also liked the fact that, while I was sitting in my room tapping away at my laptop, other people in the house were also writing or creating. Their presence encouraged me to work harder and get more done.
Thanks, Cally. And maybe we’ll see each other up in West Cork when we both need another escape. Anybody else want to join?
Ooh Anam Cara sounds lovely. I’d love to go.
Thanks for the interview.
Very intersting. I especially liked the bit about getting away from the internet (as I write this on the internet!) and on a different computer and a different place to write your fiction. I think I may have to steal that. I also write for a living and spend far too much time at this desk. I think finding a new “place” even mentally is very important. Your retreat sound lovely too.
I don’t suppose I ever would, as ordinary life seems to intrude too much in my writing days – but it would be lovely to head off to West Cork (especially as my grandmother was from Cork and I’ve never been!).
I remember when you went to Anam Cara, Cally. It sounds absolutely wonderful and hopefully one day I will be able to write there.
I am so pleased it worked for you Cally!
Anam Cara looks wonderful. I’m not surprised Cally was able to increase her writing output whilst there.
I want to go.
Tomorrow would be ideal.
Enjoyed the interview. I’m really enjoying Cally’s blog tour.
Kat
Great interview, you two. Thanks. I admire anyone who can work with music on – your concentration span’s better than mine, Cally!
It sounds wonderful – I love the west of Ireland. Chances of me being able to escape the family for a week’s writing are slim to none though.
Interesting interview; I’m enjoying following Cally’s blog tour. Anam Cara sounds wonderful. I could use an internet-free writing space. (Must have more discipline!)
I write long hand. Its the only way, my note paper isn’t connected to the internet; you are so right Cally, avoid distractions.
Ireland to me is a beautiful, magical place with its mountains and fairy forts. enough to inspire anyone! Thank you.
Anam Cara looks so beautiful and peaceful, I’m not surprised it was so inspiring.
I love the idea of two separate desks!
Thank you for the interview, Sue and Cally. And all the best with Heaven Can Wait and your second novel, Cally.
Hi all (excuse the mass response…): but just to say thanks to all of you for supporting Cally’s work. I wish you all your own pot at the end of the rainbow, be it in Ireland or wherever. 🙂
Excellent help! Thank you for this great tutorial!!
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