John Steinbeck - journal of a novel

First off, an apology.  I am not very good at this blogging, and when I haven't proof read very well and find I have posted something with typing, spelling and other errors I can't seem to work out how to fix it.  I know 'stile' isn't spelt 'style' for example.  Diane Cilento has one 'n' not two as I sometimes spelt it.

This morning while walking (when I do my thinking), it came to me to examine what the blog was supposed to be, and who it was aimed at, and what if no one read it.

I have decided it is mostly for me.  Somewhere to note down those little gems of information and odd thoughts, but most of all to be an aid to writing.  My thinking took me back to a book I have owned for many many years (but in storage along with everything else I own).  This is by Steinbeck, but a sort of diary of the writing of one of his novels.  It was an American edition from the early 1960s when books were a joy to touch and a visual treat.  This one shares that rich thick creamy paper, and remember how the pages had to be cut?  This book (if my memory serves me well) was a fascimile of his writing - a journal of sorts.  On the right hand page he did his allocated number of words for his book, and the left hand side was the journal he used to kick start his writing.  This is what this blog is, the journal that will kick start my writing. 

As a result I will be thinking on paper about the process of writing.  I'll be using it to get myself thinking about what all the research means, what I have to say about what I have found out.