There are a lot of things I’m not doing right now that I am purposely not doing, like not creating a real logo for my Substack. I’m not doing this because I want to concentrate on one creative task: getting this novel down. But it makes me I wonder if I’ve lost the abilities I’m not exercising. This is an encouraging little message. Thank you.
Love a purposeful choice!! Wishing you many good pages of writing ahead with your novel. The new logo will always be there if you decide to choose it in the future!
One that I reused lately was the simple "pick one task, set a timer for 25 minutes." If the task seems like it will take longer than 25 minutes, I'll break it down to an even smaller task -- something achievable. Rinse and repeat.
Oh no, Diane! I'm sure there's some other useful metaphor hiding in plain sight -- the fact that you got back on the horse and *tried*?! I hadn't been on a bike in years but seven or so years ago there was a bike rental on a boardwalk on the outskirts of New York...I hopped back on, loved it, and now ride around the city all the time. Linda, thanks for this reminder of all the things I love that I can still rediscover!
This is so true! I was trying to write a poem a week ago and I just didn't remember "how" to do it. I gave up. I think I'll try it again because, as you said, I know how to do it. I might just have to check a few of those back-of-the-brain filed memories! :)
Such a reassuring post Kara - read it more than once!!! It's my biggest worry, that I'll "forget" how to do it and that my brain won't remember how to come up with ideas ...think it's one of the reasons for my appalling procrastination! (think I'll go read it again now - like, instead of writing!!!!!!!!!!)
I totally relate -- and then can corral myself into a corner, thinking I don't know *how* when really I haven't tried yet! But our brains are on our side -- they have to be.
There are a lot of things I’m not doing right now that I am purposely not doing, like not creating a real logo for my Substack. I’m not doing this because I want to concentrate on one creative task: getting this novel down. But it makes me I wonder if I’ve lost the abilities I’m not exercising. This is an encouraging little message. Thank you.
Love a purposeful choice!! Wishing you many good pages of writing ahead with your novel. The new logo will always be there if you decide to choose it in the future!
I'm always searching for time management techniques. Having rituals is helpful.
One that I reused lately was the simple "pick one task, set a timer for 25 minutes." If the task seems like it will take longer than 25 minutes, I'll break it down to an even smaller task -- something achievable. Rinse and repeat.
What is it they say? Like riding a bicycle.
I hope not - hehe - I can't ride a bike anymore (I tried with disastrous results!)
Oh no, Diane! I'm sure there's some other useful metaphor hiding in plain sight -- the fact that you got back on the horse and *tried*?! I hadn't been on a bike in years but seven or so years ago there was a bike rental on a boardwalk on the outskirts of New York...I hopped back on, loved it, and now ride around the city all the time. Linda, thanks for this reminder of all the things I love that I can still rediscover!
This is so true! I was trying to write a poem a week ago and I just didn't remember "how" to do it. I gave up. I think I'll try it again because, as you said, I know how to do it. I might just have to check a few of those back-of-the-brain filed memories! :)
Please try again! It could have just been the day or anything else. That poetry muscle is still there just waiting to be flexed!
definitely on my planned list of things to do this week - so happy you're back with us.
Such a reassuring post Kara - read it more than once!!! It's my biggest worry, that I'll "forget" how to do it and that my brain won't remember how to come up with ideas ...think it's one of the reasons for my appalling procrastination! (think I'll go read it again now - like, instead of writing!!!!!!!!!!)
I totally relate -- and then can corral myself into a corner, thinking I don't know *how* when really I haven't tried yet! But our brains are on our side -- they have to be.