Tayari Jones says a productive life is often a snooze, but that's okay.
I’ve been taking good care of myself for the last couple of weeks. I can’t decide if I am taking care of myself because the writing is going well or vice versa. Did I tidy up my writing area to get myself to write, or did I do it because I was ready to write? Can’t decide, but here are some of my rituals that have me waking up each morning really ready to do my thing.
Right now, all the drama in my life is on the page. Boring as this may sound, it’s working for me. A couple summers ago, I spent a month at an artists colony. A young man, just out of school, was complaining that nobody was staying up til three in the morning doing shots of bourbon and having tumultous affairs. A woman landscape painter, still wearing her stained apron, looked at him and scoffed. "Do you know how rare it is that I get time to work? I am not going to waste it drinking with you!" Everyone laughed. And then got back to work.
Tell me She Writers, what helps you stay in the zone? And when you fall out of the habit of writing what do you use to give yourself a jumpstart? The photo you see is my actual writing desk. The flowers were a little gift to myself for reaching the end of the first chapter of my new manuscript.
Fantastic post, really inspiring.
Great tips and very inspiring. Will tidy my writing desk and live wildly on the page.
I love "zooted," and the quote from the landscape painter!
Great tips. My desk is forever cluttered. I love the pic, such a wonderful space.
Your writing space is beautiful. And inspiring.
lovely post x
I remember you posting a message to me on Twitter to tidy the area and get ready for the next day...great advice. Im still working on the getting to bed on time thing. -bb
I love this post. It's a collection of all the things I've been trying to teach myself.
Strangely enough though, tonight I cannot sleep!
Leah, great distinction! Sandra, I will have to use that advice when my students complain they are bored!
Great tips and I'm in total agreement with your title! I tell my boys all the time: "boredom is good, use that time to reflect or to improve a process."
I love this!! Great tips. I prefer to look at it not as boredom but simplicity.
Nice... I can relate. I get edgy if I don't write and since I do not like that feeling I need and must write. Whether it's writing in my journal or writing my life story the joy and satisfaction I receive from writing helps me deal with the world and ultimately - I will reach my goal.
Love the flowers - wishing all the best.
Thanks for this wisdom. Many things I know or have heard, but nice to see it all in one place and working for someone. Tonight, real pjs!
Whether it is writer's block or life block, lengthy me-time (writing in my journal and reading books that inspire and refresh me on all levels) helps get me back to that unblocked place where writing bubbles and my life rolls at an easy rhythm.
Tayari,
This is such a great post and sooo motivating! It's funny because my book ALWAYS takes a back seat to life. I need to change that, and your points are giving me the push I need! I keep up with everything BUT my book and that is now going to change. I kept telling myself there is no time it HAS to be done...which is true...but it will NEVER be done if I don't get to it! So if I have time to blog, to facebook, to watch mindless tv, and to do so many other things, I certainly should have time to write my book. I think because I have so many spaces where I write I'm easliy distracted....I'm going to go and create that one special place right now! Thanks for the motivation Tayari!!
Amy
www.themanyshadesoflove.blogspot.com
Writing before bedtime is good, especially when I stop myself while the flow is going. I leave myself a few breadcrumbs to know where to pick up the next day, and the idea of getting back to the story keeps me juiced. I'm also more inclined to write when I feel best physically, so if I'm eating well and exercising, I'm pumped up and ready to start tapping away.