Scratching Post: The Not So Constant Gardener

Gardening is a metaphor for many things in life, but perhaps most intriguingly, it mirrors the creative process. For urban plant enthusiasts, casual gardeners, and fiction writers, this parallel can be particularly resonant. If you’ve read "The Constant Gardener" or seen the movie adaptation, you’ll know how Tessa Quayle's intricate care for her garden reflects the meticulous nature required in both gardening and writing. But what happens when you're not a constant gardener, but rather an every-so-often gardener? Let's explore this curious juxtaposition.

A Glimpse into "The Constant Gardener"

"The Constant Gardener" is a political thriller novel by John le Carré, later adapted into a successful film. It follows Justin Quayle, a British diplomat in Kenya, whose wife Tessa is murdered. Justin’s quest to uncover the mystery behind her death reveals dark secrets about pharmaceutical companies and government corruption. In both the book and the movie, Justin is depicted as a diligent gardener, tending to his plants with unwavering attention. This activity serves as a metaphor for his methodical investigation into his wife's murder.

The Meticulous Nature of Justin Quayle

Justin Quayle's dedication to his garden is emblematic of his character. He is precise, patient, and deeply committed. Gardening requires consistency and a careful eye for detail—qualities that Justin also brings to his investigation. Each plant in his garden represents a clue, each weed a potential threat to be eradicated. His garden is a sanctuary where he can think clearly and draw parallels between nurturing plants and nurturing the truth.

The Every-So-Often Gardener

The, let's pivot to a different kind of gardener—the every-so-often gardener. That’s me. Unlike Justin Quayle, my approach to gardening (and writing) is sporadic and somewhat whimsical. I fancy myself a gardener, but my plants might argue otherwise. They endure periods of intense care followed by stretches of benign neglect. Much like my garden, my writing career has its peaks and valleys.

Occasional Gardening and Sporadic Writing

Being an every-so-often gardener has its charm. There's something endearing about flowers that bloom despite occasional watering. Similarly, my writing flourishes in fits and starts, producing the occasional gem. My debut novel, "The Midas Protocol: Midas Files Book One," emerged from such a period of sporadic creativity. The thrill of seeing it published was akin to witnessing a rare flower bloom after weeks of neglect.

Drawing Parallels Between Gardens and Books

When it comes to writing, the parallels to gardening are hard to ignore. Both pursuits require patience, attention, and a nurturing spirit. Just as gardens need sunlight, water, and care, books need inspiration, effort, and revision. The process of nurturing a story from a seed of an idea to a fully-fledged novel is much like watching a plant grow from a tiny sprout to a majestic bloom.

The Midas Protocol and Sporadic Creativity

My first book, "The Midas Protocol," is a testament to episodic creativity. Written over sporadic bursts of inspiration, it tells the tale of intrigue and adventure. Much like my garden, which boasts an eclectic mix of plants that somehow coexist harmoniously, my book weaves together diverse plotlines and characters. It's a reflection of the unpredictability and beauty of sporadic creativity.

The Journey Ahead with Call of The Minotaur

But now, I face a new challenge. Writing the second book in the series, "Call of The Minotaur," requires a shift from being an every-so-often gardener to a more consistent one. I need to cultivate a disciplined writing routine, much like Justin Quayle's unwavering dedication to his garden. To bring this sequel to life, I must tend to my ideas regularly and nurture them into a cohesive narrative.

Transitioning from Sporadic to Consistent

Making this transition isn’t easy. It involves changing habits and adopting a more structured approach. Just as a garden flourishes with consistent care, a book develops richness and depth through regular writing sessions. It means setting aside time each day to write, even when inspiration doesn't strike. It means pruning unnecessary plotlines and weeding out distractions to focus on the core story.

The Challenges of Consistency

Consistency is often the most challenging part of any creative endeavor. It requires discipline and perseverance. There will be days when the words flow effortlessly, much like a well-tended garden in full bloom. But there will also be days when writing feels like pulling weeds in a parched garden. It’s during these times that the true test of a writer's (or gardener's) dedication comes into play.

The Rewards of Regular Care

The rewards of consistent effort are undeniable. A well-tended garden bursts with life and color, just as a diligently written book brims with vivid characters and compelling plot twists. Regular care transforms both gardens and stories, allowing them to reach their full potential. The satisfaction of watching a garden flourish mirrors the joy of crafting a well-rounded narrative.

Lessons from the Garden

Gardening has taught me valuable lessons about writing. It has shown me the importance of patience, the value of nurturing ideas, and the beauty of watching something grow over time. It has reminded me that creativity, like gardening, requires a balance of spontaneity and structure. Both pursuits involve trial and error, learning from mistakes, and celebrating small victories.

Wish Me Luck

As I embark on the journey of writing "Call of The Minotaur," I carry these gardening lessons with me. I aspire to become a more constant gardener in my creative endeavors, tending to my ideas with care and dedication. Just as a garden evolves and matures, so too will my writing. The process may be demanding, but the rewards will be worth it.

Scratching It All Up

In conclusion, gardening and writing share remarkable similarities. Both require patience, dedication, and a nurturing spirit. While I may be an every-so-often gardener, I am determined to adopt a more consistent approach to my writing. With each word I write, I am tending to the seeds of my story, nurturing them into a captivating narrative. Wish me luck as I transition from sporadic creativity to a more disciplined routine. And remember, whether you're an urban plant enthusiast, a casual gardener, or a fiction writer, the lessons of the garden can inspire and guide you on your creative journey.

Writing About My Landscape: What's Going On In This Scratch Photo Dump?

Well, in the first photo, I planted an Amber Ghost Japanese Maple. The idea was to create a little dappled privacy over the red deck next to it. Now, around it, I planted Periwinkle, which. somehow i thought was called myrtle - this goes back to a summer job as a landscaper.

Interestingly (or not), elements of this landscaping background are evident in The Midas Protocol. I loved this Japanese Garden that was at the real home of a former CEO of Heinz, yes, of Heinz ketchup fame. That home was in the Fox Chapel area of Pittsburgh and about 4 or 5 of us were there all day - I believe it was Tuesdays - to weed and water, prune and make look nice. The Japanese garden on the premises was my inspiration for Eva Bingham's garden in the Midas Files. 

So while it is not exactly Bingham's Mansion, this backyard is my Eva's garden. I am striving for an informal English Garden style on the lower and upper plant beds, while closer to "Well House" (another tip of the hat to Bingham's Mansion in the Midas Protocol) I am going more for a Japanese water garden, which is next to my outdoor writer's porch.

That porch is where I write and more often than write, procrastinate. All the while the Buddha with The Broken Arm (sounds like that could be a good name for a book one day?) watches from across the lily pads.

There is a frog in that pond. I'll put up some pictures of the two Koi and an assortment of goldfish of red, orange and black variations, that lurk in the murky depths of Procrastinator's Pond. You will also get some pictures of my cats too - eventually - if I can find them (my cats, not the photos). All this, you will have, invariably, my dear readers and fellow writers, when I am done - procrastinating!