I have to do a lot of writing (almost) on a daily basis. I have taken a bit of a summer vacation on the blog front, but not to worry I have still been busy writing in other avenues.In my first year in Professional Writing at York University I took one of my most useful classes with Professor Peter Paolucci. He gave me the following advice about writing, which I still employ and makes me sane on a weekly basis.
When I feel overwhelmed by writing, I take out my timer and put it on for 15 minutes, and I focus on my writing, when the bell goes off then I can choose whether or not I feel like continuing. For my "break" I choose a cleaning activity that I really need done. I mean, just how distracted can I get by cleaning my tub? So after 10-15 minutes of said activity, I return, renewed and rejuvenated to my writing at hand.
You know what? It really works. I not only accomplish my writing at hand (whether it be a freelance gig, or an essay) but also get my place clean in the meantime. So if you are a writer, a student, or a blogger give it a try next time you are groaning at your laptop.
Tonight I had to stay in and attend to an outstanding Science & Technology 1500 word assignment (yuck) but I plugged away and I was a glass deep in my Shiraz by 10 PM on account of my focus (oh yeah and my kitchen was clean and my armoire organized). Yayerr!
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Thanks a good tip, the timer thing works. One of my J School professors offered a similar method.
ReplyDeleteI push myself to write at least one paragraph to a page of something new everyday. Whether it's here: storyaday.tumblr.com or in my notebook - I make sure it gets done.
ReplyDeleteKaren - a great J-school tip that many students and writers can benefit from.
ReplyDeleteKavisolo - I love the tumbler idea, I have been thinking of adopting one when my blog posts seem too daunting ... stay tuned :P
Good idea, I'll make sure to try that out. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna try that. I find I lack focus when I start writing... I always start checking facts as I write and waste a lot of time, going from one thing to another.
ReplyDeleteThere's a great Latin phrase, Nulla dies sine linea. The translation: No day should go without a line. Write every day.
ReplyDeleteI start with a daybook, a notebook I scribble. Then I outline a goald for the day writing with low standards (then I can rewrite and fiddle and make it better).
But I do think there is something to discipline of a routine.
yes this technique plays up on the fright or flight concept. when things seem too large we often fly away from the task at hand. i have a book here that's on this topic, but i can't find it. it has a green maze on the cover.
ReplyDeleteMr. Tunes - If you find the book lemme know - sounds like a good read :)
ReplyDeletejust found it! it's called One Small Step Can Change Your Life. i've only read a bit of it, but it's a really small book.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.ca/Small-Step-Change-Your-Life/dp/0761129235
Nice - just ordered it at TPL :)
ReplyDeletecool beans.
ReplyDeletei found out about it from an article in Fast Company written by the guys who published Made To Stick.
just found it;
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/133/made-to-stick-time-to-aim-lower.html?#