1. Reading Chapter 2 of Write for Life, I felt overburdened by the proliferation of 'testimonials' from participants using morning pages to improve or remedy their attitude or results in their writing projects. In my opinion, there were too many voices with the same story, just a different name. I really like how Amy has synchronized the sub sections omitting the advertisements. l
2. I did three of the four elements of the process: morning pages; two or more walks, and an artist date to a sculpture park.
3. My morning pages time is going smoothly and has become an integral part of my early morning routine.
4. I am not working on a writing project in the moment....but I'm reading her guidance with much interest. I love the visualization of moving ahead slowly in the laying of tracks. In my experience, all my writing needs a draft and editing. I have in my head the concept of 'free writing' in the draft phase and editing and fine tuning in later edits. I'm reading her suggestions with interest.
I'm so happy you replied, Opal, and I appreciate hearing what you are enjoying and/or not enjoying in this reading. I agree there is a good bit of testimonial. I think this may have a lot to do with it being so far down in her stream of books. Good for you doing those three core things, and I am happy o hear morning pages are going well for you. I agree with you about the free writing versus the later editing, and I think that's a good way to think about her "laying tracks" ..... just keep writing and writing and writing, and the editing and shaping can happen later. You did mention at the outset that you had thought about a book.... maybe this "daily quota" idea is something you can look at as a page or two a day (or a 10 or 20 minute timer) and just start writing with that in mind.... and see what starts to emerge. Thanks for reading along with me.
Hi Opal, I notice that I skim over the testimonials, it is just a bit too much to my taste as well. I am doing a very tiny writing project for my quota. It is just laying tracks but feels really good. You artist date sounds great.
Copy and paste might not work except in a browser.... So glad to see your update. It seems like most of our reading group didn't return for this week yet. I'm glad you did. And I love the excerpt you shared from your morning pages in the linked comment. That's awesome!
For me, week 2 had several scheduling anomalies, other commitments I was finishing out, and work-related routine interruptions, so I’ll be regrouping for week 3. It felt disappointing to break the daily quota streak which then makes it harder to pick back up because it leaves me feeling “behind.” During week 2, I did get some morning pages done for about half the days but had to sidestep almost everything else. I also only read about half the chapter. Here’s one thing that stood out for me:
“So remember: procrastination, like perfectionism, always comes down to fear and anger. Blasting through blocks can always clear the way. ...face down your skepticism. Your “foolish” fears and angers are boogeymen, nothing more. Be willing to see them dissolve.”
Hope everyone finds creative inspiration and momentum in the weeks ahead!
I found that section on fear and anger also very interesting - I thought (and wrote) a lot about the inner critic after this chapter actually. I'm sorry that it was an unusual week. It really does happen, right? Don't let yourself get down about the quota. Just start where you are.... and move forward. There is no real "behind".... this is for you. I'm glad you fit in some morning pages though..... any form of morning writing routine (however we each view it) seems to really be a good foundation for the day.
I took a bit of a different approach reading the chapter of week 2. I skim over parts that don’t speak to me and reread parts that are interesting to me.
The morning pages are still going well and I decided to keep the same routine in the weekend as I have during the week and that worked.
I struggled with the daily quota which was interesting because my quota is half a page max. So I tried the Blasting through Blocks. It felt kind of good writing everything down and see the list black on white. It was easier to restart after that. I am a master procrastinator and very familiar with perfectionism but over the years I found ways to cope with it better. However, I am still learning and I always like to read suggestions for strategies to minimize the negative impact of perfectionism and trying them out.
I have a hard time with the ‘sense of place’ I probably overthink it. I might revisit that part.
I think your approach sounds good.... I know you replied to Opal.... and I think several of us have felt similarly. And that's okay. Reading for what has relevance and resonance for you - that's the way. I am glad you found the Blasting through Blocks helpful!
I only know you virtually, but I wouldn't have realized procrastination was at play! You know yourself though, and so I think all of this helps us think about how and why we do certain things and how that relates to our creative work and other projects and goals we have. I hope you have a good week 3.
Sense of place.... didn't you say you were looking out a window now and again? What do you see?
I always enjoy reading your take on the chapters and seeing your perspective. You are always so creative (in a variety of areas) and seem so disciplined (in the best way). I'm in awe of all that you do and keep up with. I don't know how you do it.
I am definitely a pantser. It can make it difficult to move forward at times when you don't have an outline, and maybe that's why I get stuck at times. But I write fiction, which I think is easier to 'pants' than non-fiction. When I'm in a good writing zone, I love the freedom of being able to throw in a new character or situation and leave a window open for something down the line. It almost feels like a challenge, or a puzzle to solve.
I've been thinking about an old myth project. I have about 65k words written. When the group blog ended (for me), there were hard feelings and some ugly mean-girl situations that left me feeling like I'd never tackle it again, but now I'm thinking that maybe I should revisit it and just make my way through, filling in the blanks and finishing things like I originally wanted. The track is partially there. I just need to dust off the trails. Maybe my 'quota' can be what I would have considered a blog post, and that would keep me plugging forward. Something to think about anyway.
I think I'm heavily pantser-focused, too, Kimberlee. I didn't always have that word for it, but I definitely see that in how I write (even though I don't write fiction). But, there's room for some organization, too. I think there are ways to make the approach work without it being confinging.
I hope you DO pick back up the myth project. I'm sorry that it ended badly. That sounds like a pretty bad scenario, and I can see how it might have put you off the project for a while. But it sounds like you are interested again..... like it was at a place where you could dip back in..... I encourage you to do that dusting and see how it feels. See it if still fits, has resonance, and feels affirming for you. Nudge - do it.
Back on track and laying tracks. Reading Chapter 2 was in some ways eye opening to me.The many stumbling blocks one is exposed to during the writing process. The many processes that take place inside. I never thought it would affect me. At my age, you know your weak points well and still I was surprised. Much, however, is too turgidly written for me. I noticed once I feel bored I skip or over read. Same I do with my writing. But now I read about perfectionism and quickly a big grin on my face. 'drafts to be polished' pg 47. Yeah, thats what I do and that is why I am stuck. Stuck because I am polishing my first draft until it is brilliant. But it never is (to me). Next is procrastination. A buzzword nowadays. I like she says it comes down to fear and anger and how to identify it. pg 60 This new knowledge about myself will help me to lay tracks. Again. Again. Starting all over. Understanding yourself is the key. Also, I love her saying 'morning pages teach us that we matter'. This is a very mindful way saying investing time in yourself an do what you love. No matter what. Just do it. I am a bit behind because of me travelling and now have to keep up with what I have missed out. Anyway, I am positive I will go back to my daily quota and my morning pages .Not to mention, with perfectionism we are close to our inner critic. Because that is where perfectionism is. At least him I know well. See you all in Chapter 3. Amy, thank you for the work sheets you've sent out. Indeed very helpful. Thank you!
I am glad you are back on track and laying track - or ready to lay track! It sounds like a lot of this chapter was very helpful for you in thinking about some of the ways you have gotten stalled.... finding that this is leading to greater insight into your own process is wonderful! I hope that, taking from this chapter, you just put the draft aside that you are struggling to make brilliant, and start moving forward with new track. You can deal with whatever is next for that manuscript separately, but maybe it's time to just keep moving forward for a bit and not polishing over and over. Write on!
1. Reading Chapter 2 of Write for Life, I felt overburdened by the proliferation of 'testimonials' from participants using morning pages to improve or remedy their attitude or results in their writing projects. In my opinion, there were too many voices with the same story, just a different name. I really like how Amy has synchronized the sub sections omitting the advertisements. l
2. I did three of the four elements of the process: morning pages; two or more walks, and an artist date to a sculpture park.
3. My morning pages time is going smoothly and has become an integral part of my early morning routine.
4. I am not working on a writing project in the moment....but I'm reading her guidance with much interest. I love the visualization of moving ahead slowly in the laying of tracks. In my experience, all my writing needs a draft and editing. I have in my head the concept of 'free writing' in the draft phase and editing and fine tuning in later edits. I'm reading her suggestions with interest.
I'm so happy you replied, Opal, and I appreciate hearing what you are enjoying and/or not enjoying in this reading. I agree there is a good bit of testimonial. I think this may have a lot to do with it being so far down in her stream of books. Good for you doing those three core things, and I am happy o hear morning pages are going well for you. I agree with you about the free writing versus the later editing, and I think that's a good way to think about her "laying tracks" ..... just keep writing and writing and writing, and the editing and shaping can happen later. You did mention at the outset that you had thought about a book.... maybe this "daily quota" idea is something you can look at as a page or two a day (or a 10 or 20 minute timer) and just start writing with that in mind.... and see what starts to emerge. Thanks for reading along with me.
Hi Opal, I notice that I skim over the testimonials, it is just a bit too much to my taste as well. I am doing a very tiny writing project for my quota. It is just laying tracks but feels really good. You artist date sounds great.
I commented on the wrong thread! I can't figure out how to cut and paste, but here's a link - https://illustratedlife.substack.com/p/write-for-life-week-2/comment/14787666?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android
Copy and paste might not work except in a browser.... So glad to see your update. It seems like most of our reading group didn't return for this week yet. I'm glad you did. And I love the excerpt you shared from your morning pages in the linked comment. That's awesome!
For me, week 2 had several scheduling anomalies, other commitments I was finishing out, and work-related routine interruptions, so I’ll be regrouping for week 3. It felt disappointing to break the daily quota streak which then makes it harder to pick back up because it leaves me feeling “behind.” During week 2, I did get some morning pages done for about half the days but had to sidestep almost everything else. I also only read about half the chapter. Here’s one thing that stood out for me:
“So remember: procrastination, like perfectionism, always comes down to fear and anger. Blasting through blocks can always clear the way. ...face down your skepticism. Your “foolish” fears and angers are boogeymen, nothing more. Be willing to see them dissolve.”
Hope everyone finds creative inspiration and momentum in the weeks ahead!
I found that section on fear and anger also very interesting - I thought (and wrote) a lot about the inner critic after this chapter actually. I'm sorry that it was an unusual week. It really does happen, right? Don't let yourself get down about the quota. Just start where you are.... and move forward. There is no real "behind".... this is for you. I'm glad you fit in some morning pages though..... any form of morning writing routine (however we each view it) seems to really be a good foundation for the day.
I took a bit of a different approach reading the chapter of week 2. I skim over parts that don’t speak to me and reread parts that are interesting to me.
The morning pages are still going well and I decided to keep the same routine in the weekend as I have during the week and that worked.
I struggled with the daily quota which was interesting because my quota is half a page max. So I tried the Blasting through Blocks. It felt kind of good writing everything down and see the list black on white. It was easier to restart after that. I am a master procrastinator and very familiar with perfectionism but over the years I found ways to cope with it better. However, I am still learning and I always like to read suggestions for strategies to minimize the negative impact of perfectionism and trying them out.
I have a hard time with the ‘sense of place’ I probably overthink it. I might revisit that part.
I think your approach sounds good.... I know you replied to Opal.... and I think several of us have felt similarly. And that's okay. Reading for what has relevance and resonance for you - that's the way. I am glad you found the Blasting through Blocks helpful!
I only know you virtually, but I wouldn't have realized procrastination was at play! You know yourself though, and so I think all of this helps us think about how and why we do certain things and how that relates to our creative work and other projects and goals we have. I hope you have a good week 3.
Sense of place.... didn't you say you were looking out a window now and again? What do you see?
I always enjoy reading your take on the chapters and seeing your perspective. You are always so creative (in a variety of areas) and seem so disciplined (in the best way). I'm in awe of all that you do and keep up with. I don't know how you do it.
I am definitely a pantser. It can make it difficult to move forward at times when you don't have an outline, and maybe that's why I get stuck at times. But I write fiction, which I think is easier to 'pants' than non-fiction. When I'm in a good writing zone, I love the freedom of being able to throw in a new character or situation and leave a window open for something down the line. It almost feels like a challenge, or a puzzle to solve.
I've been thinking about an old myth project. I have about 65k words written. When the group blog ended (for me), there were hard feelings and some ugly mean-girl situations that left me feeling like I'd never tackle it again, but now I'm thinking that maybe I should revisit it and just make my way through, filling in the blanks and finishing things like I originally wanted. The track is partially there. I just need to dust off the trails. Maybe my 'quota' can be what I would have considered a blog post, and that would keep me plugging forward. Something to think about anyway.
I think I'm heavily pantser-focused, too, Kimberlee. I didn't always have that word for it, but I definitely see that in how I write (even though I don't write fiction). But, there's room for some organization, too. I think there are ways to make the approach work without it being confinging.
I hope you DO pick back up the myth project. I'm sorry that it ended badly. That sounds like a pretty bad scenario, and I can see how it might have put you off the project for a while. But it sounds like you are interested again..... like it was at a place where you could dip back in..... I encourage you to do that dusting and see how it feels. See it if still fits, has resonance, and feels affirming for you. Nudge - do it.
Back on track and laying tracks. Reading Chapter 2 was in some ways eye opening to me.The many stumbling blocks one is exposed to during the writing process. The many processes that take place inside. I never thought it would affect me. At my age, you know your weak points well and still I was surprised. Much, however, is too turgidly written for me. I noticed once I feel bored I skip or over read. Same I do with my writing. But now I read about perfectionism and quickly a big grin on my face. 'drafts to be polished' pg 47. Yeah, thats what I do and that is why I am stuck. Stuck because I am polishing my first draft until it is brilliant. But it never is (to me). Next is procrastination. A buzzword nowadays. I like she says it comes down to fear and anger and how to identify it. pg 60 This new knowledge about myself will help me to lay tracks. Again. Again. Starting all over. Understanding yourself is the key. Also, I love her saying 'morning pages teach us that we matter'. This is a very mindful way saying investing time in yourself an do what you love. No matter what. Just do it. I am a bit behind because of me travelling and now have to keep up with what I have missed out. Anyway, I am positive I will go back to my daily quota and my morning pages .Not to mention, with perfectionism we are close to our inner critic. Because that is where perfectionism is. At least him I know well. See you all in Chapter 3. Amy, thank you for the work sheets you've sent out. Indeed very helpful. Thank you!
I am glad you are back on track and laying track - or ready to lay track! It sounds like a lot of this chapter was very helpful for you in thinking about some of the ways you have gotten stalled.... finding that this is leading to greater insight into your own process is wonderful! I hope that, taking from this chapter, you just put the draft aside that you are struggling to make brilliant, and start moving forward with new track. You can deal with whatever is next for that manuscript separately, but maybe it's time to just keep moving forward for a bit and not polishing over and over. Write on!