The Music of the Night
The night called to me. It drew me out of bed, away from the warmth of my blankets and the body next to me. Sleep was illusive, so instead of watching the minutes tick by, I got up.
With cat-like stealth, I stole downstairs, laptop in hand. I sat on the couch in the glow of the Christmas tree lights. My dog joined me, confused by this nocturnal partnership. He lay at my feet and snored while my fingers tapped the keys.
My house is rarely quiet. There are voices, live and broadcast, at all hours of the day. Little boys jump down stairs and run through small rooms, shooting and sparring through imaginary wars. Teenagers talk and yell and laugh. The noise--it rises before the sun and rarely dies before darkness envelopes us. I love it. I do.
But, the silence of the night was heavenly. Creeks and moans of my old house settling were my only companions. No music floated around, save the songs dancing in my head. I put my hands to their familiar task, my mind unfuddled by the worries of daylight.
I wrote.
My breaks were few, a drink of water, stretching sore hips, getting a blanket to chase the chill. I was happy in the company of my characters. I listened to them as they told me their story. They whisper their secrets and always, they surprise me by their vulnerability, and also by their strength. They pulled me along and time slipped by.
When I stopped, I heard my husband's alarm announce that it was 3am. He was beginning his day before I'd even ended mine. A whole night gone in the blink of an eye. But, oh, what I had to show for it. Pages and pages of words that are knit together now. Carefully crafted they look back at me like a blue ribbon at the fair. You did this. Well done.
I am not a night owl. Today, I am paying the price for my all night scribbling. And, yet, I'm thinking. I cannot get the sweet quiet out of my head. It's calling to me, beckoning me to come again. The temptation is more than I can resist.
They say that writers are crazy. I think it's lack of sleep.
This post made me smile... and you know what ... I think you're right. (;
ReplyDeleteDo you ever sacrifice sleep for your writing?
DeleteI get up and work long before anyone else is up. Silence is heavenly!
ReplyDeleteI know, but, I have an easier time staying up late than getting up early.
DeleteI love this post! I'm glad your loss of sleep was worth it and I can't wait til I get a chance to read more of your GREAT writing. =)
ReplyDeleteI need to send you the whole book, now that it's done.
DeleteSo, a few things. One...your husband gets up at 3:00 AM? Wow. Two...yeah, something entirely calming and also rejuvenating about a quiet house. As much as I am NOT a morning person, sometimes it's worth it to get up even just 15 mins earlier to get that peaceful silence. Three....dang girl, you write so well! I love the way you string words together. I'm glad you got this peaceful, productive writing time....even if you are paying for it with sleep deprivation.
ReplyDeleteWell, he doesn't get up at 3. He hits the snooze button over and over again for an hour. He does get up at 4, though. (Lots of overtime right now, which is hard on the body, but helpful with the paycheck.)
DeleteAnd, thanks. It means a lot coming from you.
You write really well when you're sleep deprived :)
ReplyDeleteHa. Thanks.
DeleteAgree! I've been laying out breakfast for my kids the night before so I can sleep in during the mornings. You are really a talented writer.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Caitlyn. Luckily, my kids are big enough to get their own breakfast. It isn't much, but even a few minutes of extra sleep in the morning helps.
DeleteI think there must be something in the air at the moment! I was up until the wee hours the other morning and wrote the most I ever have in one siting. I am a night owl without a doubt, it is just so peaceful when the world sleeps around you and the voices inside can be heard.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to catch sight of your book!!!