I’m stuck working on Story Blue. I figured out why I’m stuck, though.
I have what I think is an interesting and potentially entertaining idea for the story. I have established the tone that I want. I have an outline roughed out. But- the story is stuck at a little under 2000 words. It has failed to progress. Until now I wasn’t quite sure why.
Filed under Open Notebook
Soooooo- I haven’t written or posted in a few weeks. The ‘why’ is not important but I think the ‘what now’ is. I’ve begun this process of pursuing something important to me and engaging my creativity. It’s been fulfilling and interesting (to me at least) so what do I do when I get offtrack?
After a lot of thought on this topic over the last couple of weeks, I’ve realized something important. When your progress gets interrupted, the most important thing to focus on is getting the work restarted. That’s it. I recognize that this is one of those ‘Duh’ statements but stick with me for a moment.
Filed under Open Notebook
I’ve been slipping a bit. I was starting to let my focus gradually slip from making sure that I wrote everyday. I was thinking about that last night as I was settling down to sleep. So this morning I got up, started the coffee, got Jack situated with a morning cartoon, and turned on my PC. I wrote 137 words on the original story I’ve been working on but haven’t shared yet. (It’s going to be awkward to refer to work on things that you don’t otherwise see. So, in honor of one of my favorite movies, Reservoir Dogs, I’ll refer to each item that is worked on outside my blog as a color.) Story Blue now stands at about 1800 words of content and about 650 words of notes and ideas.
Writing 137 words this morning doesn’t feel like much progress. Reviewing what I’d written before starting this post I almost went back to it and kept going. But I had said to myself as I turned on my PC that I wanted to write at least 100 words and write this quick post. At least 100 words- check. Working on a post about the work- in progress.
100 words was important because I need to reinforce this new behavior- writing on a regular basis, preferably everyday. You can Google “write 100 words everyday” and get an exhaustive list of sites devoted to this idea so I’m not covering any new ground here. I’ve also read that it takes about 3 weeks of repetition to make something a daily habit. So my focus is making writing a habit. 100 words took about 5 minutes and that fit easily into my morning schedule. I’m not saying that this is all the writing I do today. I am saying, “I wrote today.”
That’s the sum of my thoughts this morning. As we are working on this transformative process, don’t overcomplicate it or start some elaborate new process that can’t be sustained. (Hopefully it’s “we” at this point. What kind of change are you working towards?) Focus on executing some step that you can start and finish each day. For me, it’s going to be ensuring that I write at least 100 words every day. The morning would be best but sometimes the many responsibilities that I have will make that difficult. So I will just focus on ensuring that I write everyday. 100 words is a small enough piece that I can produce without disrupting my other responsibilities. I can complete that and say, “I accomplished that today.”
And hey- I wrote another 400 words on top of it! Sweet!
[Note: Perfect timing. As I was editing this, Joseph came downstairs to tell me that he was starving. So cue my departure music as I sign off and go to my other responsibilities. But hey- I wrote today! -T]
Filed under Open Notebook
It’s almost 11:00 PM on Saturday. Sadly, no writing to report besides what I’m capturing now. Similar to my last three-day break in writing, I’ve been edgy all day today.
By rights, I should be okay with that. My wife is in a period of heavy commitment between working at her new business and the opening of her show, “The Marvelous Wonderettes“, and I’m on deck as Mr. Mom. I’m happy in this role- although there are moments that I think my two youngest sons (ages 3 and 5) are actively scheming against me, this is a role that resonates within me. I take deep satisfaction in the moments in which I feel that I’m getting it done. There are not a lot of thoughts that I take more pride in that those that tell me- you’re a good Dad- you’re getting it right.
So today was a Dad-centric day. I’m good with that. That works for me.
The only problem is- I didn’t write today. It’s been in the back of my mind today. I haven’t forgotten about it but I haven’t cleared out time today to write. No excuses- but a fair acknowledgement that I didn’t spend any time writing today.
So this got me thinking about motivation this evening. The decision to make a change in your life is a powerful one- but it’s not the last choice you have to make. The commitment to put in work towards this change requires sustained focus. It’s not a “once and done” kind of choice. Like any real change, this requires continued effort over a period of time- not just a few days.
Tonight, I added a single sentence to the newer story idea that last consumed my focus. On top of that, I’ve gave some attention to this earlier story idea (the one that I’ve shared with my brother Matt). I intend to to put in time tomorrow working on that.
If you don’t hear me reporting in with progress tomorrow, please call me on that! If you’re reading this with me, then hopefully the documentation of this change within me is clicking with you. I hope that you take something useful from my writing. Please share!
But ask yourself this- how can you set up a mechanism to keep yourself on track? If your focus begins to fade, what can you do to keep yourself on track?
Filed under Open Notebook
No formal writing last night. My wife- a very talented performer- had the opening of a show in which she’s appearing. (Check out “The Marvelous Wonderettes” if you want some light entertainment and laughs in the next two weeks. Info at Rarely Done Production’s website.) I was at the opening and after getting home and driving the babysitter home, I was too tired to write.
But- I got 150 words of notes related to another idea. Prior to going to the show yesterday, I was at my oldest son’s swim meet. Watching him compete got some ideas flowing. By the time I was at the theater a couple of hours later, another story’s roots had taken hold.
I am a recent owner of a smartphone and it really appeals to my inner geek. I’ve had a lot of fun exploring the Android Market for apps and found some good ones. The IMDB app for Android is particularly cool. I use it a lot when the “where have I seen that actor before” question comes up.
I had been looking for an app that would work as a mobile notepad for my writing. I’m comfortable using my PC to capture and store my brainstorming notes. I’ve got a document folder that houses Word docs for story ideas, my observations, works in progress,etc. but was ready for a newer tool. I was interested in an app that would allow me to capture notes or ideas but would also sync across multiple devices.
I installed Evernote (free!) on my phone the other day. Although I haven’t dug into the features or used the tutorial, the app is pretty intuitive. I started using it right after installation and was able to get going very quickly. I moved some notes from the story I’ve been working on the last few days to the app and was happy with the results.
So last night before the show, ideas for a new story were nibbling at my attention. I grabbed my phone, opened the virtual notepad and started capturing some ideas. Looking at them this morning, I’m happy that I stopped to capture the thoughts.
I’m very happy that I seem to be open to this creative process. I’ve got some strong feelings that I think would help tell an interesting story. Having a tool to help facilitate that process allows me to recognize when I’ve got something going without taking over my focus- a few moments to jot down some ideas and I could return to my original activity.
Here’s my thought for the day: I’m putting in a lot of effort to cultivate this creative process within me. What’s the point of doing that if I’m not able to recognize progress when it happens? Pay attention to yourself. Set yourself up for success by preparing for progress and ensuring you’re able to capitalize on it. For me, that means having a (digital) notepad handy and stopping to capture new ideas.
For whatever it is that you want to accomplish, how can you set up yourself up to capitalize on progress?
Filed under Open Notebook
TMPinSYR 