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.
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 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 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.
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!
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 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
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 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 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.
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!