“If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn’t expecting it.”
H.G. Wells
Interesting quote, right?
“Difficulties with a book”. Writing or reading, I wondered. Both? Considering how prolific Wells was as a writer, one assumes he meant writing, but for prolific readers…we all know slogging through books (or, ahem…blogs) can be mind-numbing, depending upon one’s mood, the topic at hand. You get the idea. Maybe he meant reading, then?
The uncertainty about his intent bothers me a bit. But, me being me…it didn’t take long for me to shove that query aside for another, more foundational consideration.
I discovered the quote in my social media feed (I’m not proud but it’s true) and I saved it assuming it was accurately attributed to Wells. (The internet doesn’t lie, does it? Giggle, giggle.)
The fact that I didn’t go forth and fact check – in the moment – irritated me. I should’ve…I usually do. But instead, I languished with Wells’ pithy wisdom for a couple of days, deciding I liked it either way, pertaining to writers or readers. Or both. But geez, as I share the waffling, the lack of certainty with you, I’m compelled to verify. Thought-stopping is not one of my skills at the moment so sit tight. I’m gonna go check and I’ll be right back.
Verified! Although I’ve yet to find the precise placement of the quote in the source material (which bothers me) I’ll carry on. Here’s what I found out…
The quote is from Wells’ semi-autobiographical novel, “Love and Mr. Lewisham” published in 1900. I even found an image from the first printing. Blurry, but pretty cool – see it in the pic above.
By now you’re wondering…what’s the point of the ramble, Vicki? I’ve got one. I’m almost there and if you’ve read anything I’ve written with rambling overtones, you’ve probably guessed what’s coming.
Sneak attacks are not my spécialité.
Wells said, “attack it”. Meaning stage an ambush and write at an hour when your manuscript (blog post, report, love letter, hate mail) isn’t expecting it?
My hours of operation are pretty firm, Mr. Wells.
I write best in the morning before I get too distracted from the daily drivel or in mid-afternoon (after my post lunch slump but not too close to dinner).
Ask me to write anything other than a Costco shopping list after 7pm? Hmm…hard no. I think my writing project would see…and hear me approaching. Stealth is not in my repertoire. I’d be huffing and puffing, chasing dust bunnies at my desk, organizing my paper clips and gawking at more social media feed. I’d be doing anything OTHER than writing unless it was fever and frustration fueled (see mention of hate mail above).
Please let me know what you think. Do you possess an ‘element of surprise’ in your toolkit…as a writer…or a reader? Am I missing out?
Thank you – from me and H.G.
Vicki 😉
Lagniappe? Here’s more silly stuff in my “Crack Yourself Up” series. You’re welcome (or I’m sorry). You pick!
Victoria Ponders 
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