Thank you for the great ideas in this post, Alison. While making a list is a simple idea, it's just what I need ––and will do ––as this year comes to a close. This will help me "focus" on the one or two WIP that I really want to finish.
I'm now working on further notes for this series and writing the second post. I started my own list of current writing projects, and realized just how many unfinished pieces I have.
I'm not panicking about them. They each need their own time... in their time! But the list served to reveal which is next on the list, and what will come after that, and the combination of short-and-long pieces that work simultaneously; this coupling is significant as one provides a break from the other.
O boy, do I love this idea!!! I cannot wait - starting on my list tomorrow. Fun-but-stressful hosting family tonight will bring me peak creative energy tomorrow! Now that my poetry habit is ingrained, I am eager to see if one of my long-languishing prose projects will come to life again…looking forward to this series, Alison!
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your enthusiasm, and sharing your work with us, and thoughts. Thank you, Elizabeth. I look forward to hearing about the languishing projects.
I must say that this series is as much for me as all here, as I'm feeling a not-to-be-ignored call to slowing. It takes time, though to shift thinking and what comes of that.
I like this idea of “retreat” at New Year’s—I take down all my Christmas decorations on the 30th-(or before)-spiff up the house, then spend 4 days in personal retreat. It’s not about goal setting, really—it’s about trying to double down on belief in myself—a kind of ‘against all odds” belief—Specifically, I’m finishing a novel—one that an top tier agent said—“resubmit if you make these changes”—since her insights were spot on—I’m doing that. But what happens to me is—“Can I REALLY do this? Am I up to it? Or, is my hard work simply going to lead to more disappointments?” So my retreat is about centering and recommitting to myself—no matter what happens.
Diana, thanks for sharing this. A huge 'yes' to the commitment to self. And also to honouring the story. At times, in writing, I come to feel a solidarity with the character, with the story. Before it finds a home in the world, it needs to have a home in me.
Very good for you to have those words from an agent--whether or not it ultimately sells. That goes a long way.
But for now, for the labour at hand, wishing you strength, calm, and patience with the process! Yes!
Due to social media, email and other online distractions, we're losing--or have lost--the ability to focus on challenging mental tasks. Our brains have literally been rewired. (Read The Shallows by Nicholas Carr or Deep Work by Cal Newport.) If you can add hours or days ( or weeks!) off the grid to your retreat, all the better.
Thank you for the great ideas in this post, Alison. While making a list is a simple idea, it's just what I need ––and will do ––as this year comes to a close. This will help me "focus" on the one or two WIP that I really want to finish.
I'm now working on further notes for this series and writing the second post. I started my own list of current writing projects, and realized just how many unfinished pieces I have.
I'm not panicking about them. They each need their own time... in their time! But the list served to reveal which is next on the list, and what will come after that, and the combination of short-and-long pieces that work simultaneously; this coupling is significant as one provides a break from the other.
I hope your list-creating is proving fruitful!
O boy, do I love this idea!!! I cannot wait - starting on my list tomorrow. Fun-but-stressful hosting family tonight will bring me peak creative energy tomorrow! Now that my poetry habit is ingrained, I am eager to see if one of my long-languishing prose projects will come to life again…looking forward to this series, Alison!
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your enthusiasm, and sharing your work with us, and thoughts. Thank you, Elizabeth. I look forward to hearing about the languishing projects.
I must say that this series is as much for me as all here, as I'm feeling a not-to-be-ignored call to slowing. It takes time, though to shift thinking and what comes of that.
I like this idea of “retreat” at New Year’s—I take down all my Christmas decorations on the 30th-(or before)-spiff up the house, then spend 4 days in personal retreat. It’s not about goal setting, really—it’s about trying to double down on belief in myself—a kind of ‘against all odds” belief—Specifically, I’m finishing a novel—one that an top tier agent said—“resubmit if you make these changes”—since her insights were spot on—I’m doing that. But what happens to me is—“Can I REALLY do this? Am I up to it? Or, is my hard work simply going to lead to more disappointments?” So my retreat is about centering and recommitting to myself—no matter what happens.
Diana, thanks for sharing this. A huge 'yes' to the commitment to self. And also to honouring the story. At times, in writing, I come to feel a solidarity with the character, with the story. Before it finds a home in the world, it needs to have a home in me.
Very good for you to have those words from an agent--whether or not it ultimately sells. That goes a long way.
But for now, for the labour at hand, wishing you strength, calm, and patience with the process! Yes!
Thank you! And thanks so much for reading my comment and responding. Best holiday season wishes to you…
You have me thinking about how "commitment to self" is the real heart of this!
Due to social media, email and other online distractions, we're losing--or have lost--the ability to focus on challenging mental tasks. Our brains have literally been rewired. (Read The Shallows by Nicholas Carr or Deep Work by Cal Newport.) If you can add hours or days ( or weeks!) off the grid to your retreat, all the better.
I'm thoroughly enjoying Newport's work on "slow productivity."