Which activities make you lose track of time?
When you have nothing to structure your time, time stops being thing. It’s either light or dark. Unless you have a very busy life of course, which I don’t.
I find since the advent of smartphones my focus on reading a book, or watching tv has gone. Some would say age, but I have a question around that.
There are only six plots a writer can mix and match with:
Older people will have read and watched those plots any number of times it does get samey. However, in the hands of a really clever writer I can become engrossed. In the hands of a great actor I can still be enthralled.
The more you’ve read or seen though, the better they have to be. So those who capture you and remove you from time are really spectacular.
I hated Game of Thrones, but I watched all seven seasons just to see what happened to Tyrion. I had to know. Peter is one of the all time greats. He acted everyone off the screen.
Here’s another:
When it comes to writers I have many favourites, but two of the most compelling are Harlan Coben and David Baldacci. They have a truly miraculous way of playing with those 7 plots.
This lovely man commanded every screen he was on. Turning in a brilliant performance despite the issues that eventually claimed his life. He was incandescent.
Lee Child coined the strapline “Always trust Baldacci.” I disagree, never trust Baldacci, he will turn the plot on its head on the last page. I’ve called him rude names at the end of more than one book.
So time
My motto is only lose track of time doing something good that makes you happy.
Never let anyone tell you that’s a waste of time.
Best love
Deb xx
Deb Hawken - Amorah 