"I think that we're all mentally ill. Those of us outside the asylums only hide it a little better - and maybe not all that much better after all." -- Stephen King
Do You Get Lost in the Process?
08/03/2011 19:20 Filed in: Writing
As a writer, I struggle with focus. I don't suffer from A.D.D. or A.D.H.D - I haven't been diagnosed, anyway. And normally I like structure. I like to follow a plan and complete tasks, except, it seems, when it comes to writing. I mean c'mon I don't even go to the grocery store or Costco without a list! And I have at least three calendars I use for recording events and appointments and planning life in general. It's part of my DNA to p-l-a-n. Can you say anal? For some reason, though, this trait of mine hasn't carried over to my writing.
I am not an outliner, though truth be told I'm investing much serious consideration to trying it out for my second book. (All this contemplation serves as a great avoidance tactic for my current project!) If for no other reason than to compare the process to the more organic roundabout every which way but loose concept I've employed with my first book. With that said, I find myself less laser focused on my current writing project. And I'm becoming frustrated with that devilish instigator - procrastination.
I'm in the midst of a rewrite and sometimes I build up a nice head of steam and plow onward, but then I'll go days or weeks without opening the file, much less sitting down and dedicating a chunk of time to writing. Why is that?
Because I get sidetracked - the usual culprits (Internet surfing, email, Facebook, finding a mystery or thriller I absolutely have to read immediately, a new book on writing caught my attention or I decide to buy a couple current writing magazines to glean tips on how to write). Or I just plain avoid writing because I'm stalled in a certain place. All the writing tips in the world won't do me a whit of good if I don't utilize them.
And so, I find myself lost in the process. Round and round and round I go. I expend more time and energy thinking about writing than I do actually performing the task. Guess when I find myself chomping at the bit and wishing to write . . . When I'm at work, of course! Go figure. So how do I resolve my quandary?
If you're a writer, how do you deal with issues such as mine? Especially, if you're a newer writer slogging along trying to find your way? And someone who works a "day job." I'm open to suggestions. I'll even share one I've come up with on my own! I'm going to use my breaks and lunchtime to tap out some of my rewrite on the 'ol iPad. Please feel free to share gimmicks, game plans or notions you feel may relieve me of the affliction from which I suffer!
Or maybe you just don't care - and that's fine. This is, after all, my problem not yours. Remember though, good karma begets more good karma - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. C'mon, help a gal out!
Write on!
I am not an outliner, though truth be told I'm investing much serious consideration to trying it out for my second book. (All this contemplation serves as a great avoidance tactic for my current project!) If for no other reason than to compare the process to the more organic roundabout every which way but loose concept I've employed with my first book. With that said, I find myself less laser focused on my current writing project. And I'm becoming frustrated with that devilish instigator - procrastination.
I'm in the midst of a rewrite and sometimes I build up a nice head of steam and plow onward, but then I'll go days or
Because I get sidetracked - the usual culprits (Internet surfing, email, Facebook, finding a mystery or thriller I absolutely have to read immediately, a new book on writing caught my attention or I decide to buy a couple current writing magazines to glean tips on how to write). Or I just plain avoid writing because I'm stalled in a certain place. All the writing tips in the world won't do me a whit of good if I don't utilize them.
And so, I find myself lost in the process. Round and round and round I go. I expend more time and energy thinking about writing than I do actually performing the task. Guess when I find myself chomping at the bit and wishing to write . . . When I'm at work, of course! Go figure. So how do I resolve my quandary?
If you're a writer, how do you deal with issues such as mine? Especially, if you're a newer writer slogging along trying to find your way? And someone who works a "day job." I'm open to suggestions. I'll even share one I've come up with on my own! I'm going to use my breaks and lunchtime to tap out some of my rewrite on the 'ol iPad. Please feel free to share gimmicks, game plans or notions you feel may relieve me of the affliction from which I suffer!
Or maybe you just don't care - and that's fine. This is, after all, my problem not yours. Remember though, good karma begets more good karma - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. C'mon, help a gal out!
Write on!