To Write or Not to Write?

Procrastination Monster whispers in my ear, 

 ‘Check your emails first. Make a cup of tea before you settle down. Remember to write your shopping list. What’s for dinner? Music before you start? You can always write tomorrow, can’t you?’

True, I could but …  

In the other ear, Writing Muse, advises assertively,

‘Write, write, write!  Ignore him.  He’s such a distraction.  You know he loves when you abandon writing time.  Don’t listen to him.  He’ll boast with pride knowing that he has persuaded you to stop.

And she’s right.  Like me, she knows the master of procrastination only too well.  

Usually when we reach this point of inner conflict, she directs my attention to one of the many notebooks on my desk, a travel journal, a book of quotes, a poetry book, the latest writers’ magazine. 

‘Choose a page.  Any page,’ she shouts.

Her invitation is welcome. Writing Muse has a gentleness with her persuasive powers. 

His expertise excels in the dark act of distraction.  Not helpful for a writer.

‘A biscuit, a chocolate biscuit and a cup of tea?, he taunts. ‘Have an another break, just a minute or two before you start. Relax. ’ 

I’ve fallen for his charm in the past and the lure of chocolate is enough to distract any writer.

Her look. My hesitation. His snigger.  We’re getting nowhere fast.

‘Writing time.  Focus. Choose a notebook,’ she insists.

And I do.  My notebook of quotes.  A random page falls opens.

She giggles, as do I.

‘What’s so funny?’ he grumps.

‘Go on, read it aloud, share your writing prompt for today.’

With a little clearing of the throat, I enunciate in finest voice.

‘Procrastination is the natural assassin of opportunity’.

 

He is not amused.  He slithers off in disgust, muttering as he goes. 

  

‘Okay, let’s get started’, she says. 

I write … and write ...  relishing the opportunity to write some more. 

What annoys your Procrastinator monster?

... write like there's nobody watching

Sometimes the hardest thing about writing is  ... making a start!  Have you ever noticed how the Procrastinator monster weaves his way into your thinking brain in a deliberate effort to sabotage the creative flow?  He's very good at planting seeds of distraction just as I settle at my desk.

'Maybe a cup of tea before you start?'

'Did you remember to ..?'

'What about ..?'

'Have you organised something for dinner?'

And if truth were told, I can be easily distracted.

'Focus!... focus!' screams Writing Muse.

She's been so keen since our recent trip to Ireland and our participation at the Ireland Writing Retreat. She uses all opportunities to guide, direct and cajole me into spending more time writing.  She's insisting on a 'short write' every day. And for that I'm thankful and happy to engage.

'Just write', she'll say.

The 'short writes' don't always makes sense.  I mean my paragraphs and prose are not quite Man Booker prize material  ... and that's okay for now.  Such diligence really winds up the Procrastinator. Oh yes, groans and grumbles can often be heard in the background.  He's used to getting his own way and loves to win at all costs.

The Writing Muse and I have been carefully balancing creative writing with work and play this week. There's been more work than play but a girl needs to earn a living too!

How do you kick-start your writing process?

Keep writing ..keep writing ..keep writing. Photo by Maire Rua

Sometimes I just sit and think and sometimes I just sit …

As a student many years ago, long before Internet and social media, I used to write a lot.  Writing included essays, course work, exams and the occasional letter home requesting a cash advance to see me through the academic term. I recall a wonderful poetic reply from my father waxing lyrically about how almost every cheque stub in his chequebook had my name inscribed next to it!  Today’s parents and students will no doubt applaud the speed and efficiency of smart cards.

Although communication methods were different back then, there were benefits too.  These included taking time to write letters, formal and informal.  Penmanship, the use of grammar and spelling were encouraged.  There was enough time to construct proper sentences and give some original thought to creative writing.  For me, the process of writing provided time for reflection too.  As a student that included editing letters ensuring my parents learned that I had a fair balance of academic work and play. I believed it was important for their financial support to be invested wisely!

 Today, I continue to write however; my biggest challenge is … getting started.  Once I start writing it’s fine, usually I can write for ages.  I find it easier to write in pen and ink and then proceed to word processing.  For me there is something about the movement of the pen or pencil that allows my thinking to flow alongside my writing.  I’m interested to know what is it that helps you kick start your writing process?  My latest idea is to use the timer on my mobile phone.  I set it for 10 mins and write.  Some of you may recognise this as ‘tumble writing’.  It’s great fun and helps to get over the procrastination hurdle.  Just write - no agenda, no structure and no judgment.  It’s very liberating just to write whatever comes and in my experience it’s quite surprising what comes from tumble writing.  If you are struggling this week to write something for business or pleasure, kick-start your writing process by setting a timer for 10 minutes and writing whatever comes.  You will find that by the end of the process, you will have generated a source for ideas for future articles or blog posts.

Sometimes I just sit and think and sometimes I just … set my timer for 10 minutes and write!

What changes are you making today?

You have a clean slate every day you wake up. You have a chance every single morning to make that change and be the person you want to be. You just have to decide to do it. Decide today's the day. Say it; This is going to be my day.
~Brendon Burchard 

This is my inspirational quote for the day. My days usually start with an inspirational quote.  Sometimes it hits the spot.  You know that feeling when it ‘speaks’ to you, not literally of course but there’s a message there, just for you.

Today as I work through my Monday start of the week list, this quote got me thinking about all sorts of things.  I thought about work and recent changes in my work, about changes in my life and about changes in me.  Already today’s plans have changed with one phone call.  This was a call to cancel an already planned meeting.  That has freed up two whole hours.  I could be annoyed but I’m not.  So what to do or change instead of having a meeting?  Well as I’ve been rather remiss about updating my blog and doing some creative writing.  I’m changing my schedule to accommodate that, hence the blog update.  I may even use some of the time to tick off something on my procrastination list, which seems to be changing as I write. It is interesting to note that I’m more drawn to writing!

What difference will that make to the world?  Well perhaps not a huge difference to the world but a couple of changes to me and my world. 

Have a good week and may all your changes be for the best!

The gremlin of procrastination …

Sometimes it’s a challenge to motivate myself to do things on my ‘to do list’. One of them is to ‘de-clutter’ my study, which I have been meaning to do for several days. I’m working very hard with the positive thoughts about this, how it will look when it’s done and how much better I will feel when I’ve done it. The procrastinator gremlin has come out to play again and this time, I’ve decided to play her at her own game.

The Procrastinator

She moves
With stealth
Slowly with intent.
Almost on tiptoe.
Long deliberate paces
Like a panther,
Stalking her prey.
Pounces – from nowhere,
STOP – tomorrow, tomorrow,
Not now, not today.
Sun’s out
Go and play,
Clear the study another day.