Try This

I would say that, as a creator, the main part of my work consists of struggling against reality.

-Jean Giono-

Finally, I've dragged myself to Friday. This has been a very awkward week for me. I am usually on top of things, ticking things off my lists and making progress, however slowly it may seem to take place on occasion. But this week, boy, has it been a struggle! Various gurus, from marketing to writing, tell you that you must stop making lists and must act on them. Yes, sure, I agree, but I think that there is great value in listing when all you can bring yourself to do is, in fact, just that. So I have filled my notebooks with next steps and now I don't feel too awful (if I discount the number of things I should do between now and the end of today and between the end of today and the end of tomorrow). And now I've thought of a little writing prompt that turns a list on its head. If, like me, you still have the summer blues, try this:

List three actions you never do which would potentially improve your writing output. Can you think of any? Can you think of one at least? Why do you think it would help you?

Comments

[Falcon]

I have a nagging feeling that proper planning would help me. I tend to write half a plan, then get bored with that and dive into writing the thing for real -- and, of course, end up stalling at about the point I gave up on the plan. That's one.

Getting into the habit of writing -anywhere- would also be good; I keep a notebook about my person at all times, but I'm yet to learn the art of whipping it out for five or ten minutes while I'm waiting for the kettle to boil or waiting for the rest of the family to get ready to go out, and so on. I don't ever seem to get enough time to write as it is, so I should learn to make use of any time I do have.

I'm still thinking about number three, but I'll be sure to come back and let you know if I come up with anything.

I'm writing to a deadline for the first time (discounting NaNoWriMo) this year, so time management and planning are going to be vital. Suggestions, anyone? Help a panicking author here!

[Steph]

Oh that is an excellent one, planning! You're totally right in thinking that it would help you enormously. Too many projects die untimely deaths because we run out of steam right in the middle of them (or even before that). I find that I too work better and faster once I follow a plan, but I must admit that a part of me still holds dear a romanticised idea of writing coming with a swoosh and... who can plan that? If only...

[Ange]

You've just become my muse!! Thanks for the award Steph and I have been having a great time reading your blog posts (love the pink hat by the way). So now - I am motivated to write tonight and that will do me some good. Been too busy since my return - but hey, WHO ISN'T BUSY?
Love the Giono quote. My husband comes from Giono lands and we have a house near Manosque - that we are going to sell. NOw - off to plan my week seeing we're nearly in the middle of it any way, and I too always have my notebook handy. Getting adequate sleep every now and again helps me wake up guilt free with a clear head for getting stuck into my creative stuff too.

Good luck!

[Ange]

Something I NEVER do, but should I think, is just sit down and write about NOTHING except what ever comes into my head for long enough until finally something interesting comes out of its own accord... just a thought