The Great Crash

As far as I'm concerned, this is probably one of the most difficult weeks of my life. In plain words, it sucked. No it wasn't the worst, I've probably had more horrible days, like when my grandmother died and our publisher was asking me when I'd be finishing the magazine (that wasn't due yet, mind you). Nope, this isn't it—not the worst, not by a mile. But it was trying, it was difficult, and I'm glad it's (almost over).

Virginia Woolf’s writing table at Monk’s House, Sussex, England, 1967.  Photo by Gisele Freund.

Last week I was coming to terms with what they call writing stamina—how does one write a career piece in less than 2,500 words? Simple, you don't write with 2,500 words, you write with 6,000. And so I did write 6,000 words. I wrote it continuously with almost no sleep in a span of 12 hours. Making it necessitated many hours of research, interview, pre-writing, and fact checking, transcribing, and even watching films from the '60s. As to who the subject is—you'll find out soon enough. Probably in a few days. I'm quite excited about it.

I also had to finish most of my stories for Metro last week. Now anyone who know me well enough and have worked with me many times in the past would attest that I am simply unable to comply with deadlines. Which is why I have to trick myself into believing the deadlines are much much earlier. Otherwise, I won't be able to finish anything. I need that extra kick from deadline danger to get my into a sort of creative overdrive. Sadly, the idea of a looming deadline gives me extraordinary focus, one thing that's difficult for me to achieve without.

The thing is, after every writing marathon is the Great Crash. I am unable to function normally. I sleep poorly. I cannot spell ordinary words. I run out of ideas. I dislike anything bright. I avoid people. 

This was a trying week because I still had a lot to do despite this rollercoaster of emotions. Things to do, people to meet, stories to write, subjects to interview, people to shoot, events to attend (although I skipped out on most, sorry guys).

In any case, I'm glad this week is over, just 30 minutes and it'll be done. Monday will present another battle.