Home via Procrastination Central
By Jan O'Hara | July 18, 2011 |
This one’s for the postponers, the scared, and the chronically avoidant.
Last month, moody weather meant my flight out of New York was delayed and then cancelled. Since there were a whopping three airline employees to deal with several hundred people, and since I was still in chat-mode from attending the RWA National conference, I talked with fellow passengers as we waited to be rescheduled. I noticed two things:
- From the soft-spoken gentleman in front of me, to the toddler who howled as he tugged on his afro, none of us were pleased with the delay.
- It changed exactly nothing. We were all going home regardless. Didn’t matter if it required a bus ride, a layover, or a crooked-neck snooze in the lounge before an inconvenient flight, the ultimate destination was fixed.
This reminded me in turn of a quotation. I offer it, not because I want to push a particular book on you, but because it speaks to inevitability and makes me laugh in rueful recognition:
This is A Course in Miracles. It is a required course. Only the time you take it is voluntary. Free will does not mean that you can establish the curriculum. It means only that you can elect what you want to take at a given time.
Replace “miracles” with “writing” and doesn’t that feel true and comforting in a bizarre way? What that says to me is that no matter how long we take to learn the craft, discipline, and professionalism of writing — no matter how long we search to find the substance of our contribution — we’re always on our way there. Even if our feet point the wrong direction in any given moment.
Chances are, if you’re here, writing is part of your “home” and you’ve known that from your childhood. Maybe you made it part of your life’s foundation from the beginning; maybe you confined it to the decorative brickwork. Perhaps it’s only one image in the digital photo frame flickering over your mantle. Whatever the case, you’ve probably spent months, years, entire careers waiting to give it a bigger role.
But you never really escaped, did you? You either wrote or you didn’t, but part of you knew your time off was defined as much by the not-writing as what you accomplished. After all, we are as defined by our avoidance as our pursuits.
Consider this post a gentle nudge into deeper proactivity. What do you need to do to get to your writing home faster? Turn off the Internet an hour a day? Commit to a weekly word count in public and – gulp – keep your word? Give yourself permission to write a fetid, oozing first draft that confirms the cruelest complaints of your harshest critic? Brave a new critique group? Allow yourself to feel deserving?
You know what you need to do. You know.
So begin.
My name is Jan O’Hara. I’m finishing this manuscript’s first draft by August 31 even if I must write around the plot holes that presently torture me. I will trust my mind to come through for me, eventually. I will brave the hardware store for the Plot Spackle, even if that means trailing my husband down the electrical aisle. (The unlikely location of his personal bliss.)
Peeps, if I’m willing to brave the Home Depot, and this store doesn’t even have coffee, what bolder things will you claim?
If you’re ready, please tell us in the comment section.
A USA Today bestselling author, former family physician and academic, Jan O’Hara (she/her) left the world of medicine behind to follow her dreams of becoming a writer. She writes love stories that zoom from wackadoodle to heartfelt in six seconds flat: (Opposite of Frozen; Cold and Hottie; Desperate Times, Desperate Pleasures). Her latest Christmas novella, The Cowboy’s Comeback Christmas, is part of a 9-author-strong anthology (A Cowboy This Christmas: A Sweet Romance Anthology). She also contributed to Author in Progress, a Writer’s Digest Book edited by Therese Walsh.
It is quite fortuitous that I dropped by today. Love the blog title, and the revelations about me are spot on. Like you, Jan, I need to make a committment (sp? It looks wrong). I will brave the Home Depot with you, thereby giving myself the same deadline you did. This morning there was spark of where I should begin, and I think I’m ready to breathe life into it. Thank you for this eye-opening post. Harsh inner critic be damned.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
That quote IS oddly comforting! I too often give myself a hard time for procrastinating during a day or a weekend, but when I step back and look at what I’ve accomplished in a week, a month, or even the last year, then I can see that I’m still heading in the right direction – and doing quite well! It always motivates me to keep plugging along.
Thanks for this inspiring post!
Love this post and your metaphor, Jan!
I’m trying to finish my draft by the end of the month. That’s 13 days, and about 30k to go. *gulp* It’s my own dang fault that it has come down to this kind of crunch, though. The finish line hasn’t gotten any farther than it was 2 months ago, I just haven’t been walking very fast.
Great post, Jan! Summer is such an awful writing time for me because I’m so busy. I get very frustrated. So this was a good reminder that: yes, I’m still heading toward the finish line, even if I’m doing it at a slower pace than I’d like.
Considering that I just got home from Home Depot (I was looking for an air conditioner, not a plot, but still, it’s so I’m more comfortable while writing…), I am definitely ready to do what I need to in order to commit to daily writing. Not just my blog, because that’s easy for me. I agree with Tracey that summer is a very very hard time for writing with so many comings and goings of older kids, but I will make a daily commitment to finishing a draft of a WIP by the end of the year!
Great post!
I took several years off from fiction writing and you’re right–I was still a “writer”…just not one that was doing any writing.
I’m currently working on the second draft of a novel and have been having to do some uncomfortable cutting/re-organizing. I pledge to forge onward and to remind myself daily that nobody is making me do this. I choose to write, so although I might wince a little as I start chopping at that hard-earned first draft, I will not get discouraged, because THIS IS FUN, DAMNIT!!
I didn’t start writing until I ran out of room on my walls for more needlepoint. I had my AARP card tucked into my wallet. I’ve yet to reach the point where I have deadlines for new books, only deadlines on edits. I tell myself that’s a mixed blessing.
Terry
Terry’s Place
My name is Jan O’Hara. I’m finishing this manuscript’s first draft by August 31 even if I must write around the plot holes that presently torture me. I will trust my mind to come through for me, eventually. I will brave the hardware store for the Plot Spackle, even if that means trailing my husband down the electrical aisle.
Yes! Here for you, with pom poms or a wet noodle as needed and desired. Thanks, Jan.
LOVE. THIS. POST! I have a first draft that I’ve been dragging my feet to revise. A few weeks ago I jumped ship and started to dabble with another project because it was easier to think about but the pull of my first WIP is always there. Today I get back to work…THANKS!
Yes! Continue moving forward! Plot holes, character flaws and the million other things we can spend hours pondering/procrastinating over can and will resolve themselves during the revision stage.
Thanks for the reminder to keep the faith in ourselves when we hit a story pothole :)
Hey Jan! Love your metaphors. I also have an August 31 deadline for this draft. On vacation this week in Whistler. I will write every day . . . even if it’s only one page. And now I’m going for a walk . . .
This is a wonderful post. I’ve been letting myself get sidetracked with my blog and my new publicist job and a lot of other things, and I know that at least part of it (past the financial stuff) is simply fear that I’ve been away from my own writing for so long, it’s going to be terrible. I needed this boost in the right direction, especially since procrastination feeds more of the same in my experience. Thanks!
Great post Jan! I’m a new follower of this blog, new follower of my dream actually. I have a first draft of my manuscript that I am now editing. The original idea was never actually to get it published, just to stop the characters from having conversations in my head!
But now I just love them so much, and I feel they have so much to say that I am committed to bettering my craft, and knowledge of this business, in a hope to get published.
Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m with you, Jan. I’m kicking procrastination to the curb and making August 31 a deadline to finish punching up my manuscript. This has been a daunting task. It needs more tension, crisis and a lot more active investigation by the protag., so basically ripping apart and putting back together again, but I’m making this a public declaration. And mostly I don’t want to disappoint you!
Love your posts, Jan.
So here goes: My name is Rosemary and I am currently writing in a a genre that is new to me, and one that requires highly skilled plotting. I suck at plotting. I would much rather write scenes in which two charming characters say witty things to each other, because I am good at that.
I wish I only needed Plot Spackle. Right now, I’m in the market for lumber and chicken wire. . .
Paula R, inner critics will take every as much time to rant as you give them. (Mine’s mumbling in the background as I type.) ;) I hope you’ve already begun and let them know they won’t rule your writing life.
Marissa, yes, I’ve found it’s very helpful to track and celebrate the smaller steps towards a goal. They do add up!
Kristan, I don’t know you well, but I know you have a strong work ethic. I’m sure you’ll make your goal. Now march! (And good luck.)
Tracey, because you are such a steady writer, maybe this forced slower pace brings you a reluctant renewal. (This is me, trying to put a good spin on the delay. Not working is it?) Hope your timetable becomes more accomodating soon.
Julia, you’re smart to know what you can manage with the summertime change! Good luck with the goal. And the heat!
What a wonderful metaphor. For those that are called to write, it will always be part of our home, “no matter how long we search to find the substance of our contribution”.
Another idea that resonated was that of “giving yourself permission”. Some of my rough drafts are monstrous, and maybe some of the finished pieces are too. But had I not learned to give myself permission to write them, I’d have been eternally stranded in the writer’s airport.
Hitchhike if you have to, but find a way home.
-Douglas
Sorry, Douglas. Didn’t mean to skip you. Your comment was stuck in the queue as I composed my mega-comment.
I loved this: ” But had I not learned to give myself permission to write them, I’d have been eternally stranded in the writer’s airport.”
*shudder* Monstrous product or not, the self-permitting step is so crucial.
melissa, you made me laugh with your comment, especially because it was followed by an ominous blog title.
Terry, I don’t know if you’re playing with the metaphor or being truthful, but that’s funny! As for deadlines for fiction, I have none but the self-imposed variety. Hence my public commitment here.
Therese, I’ve got a recipe for pasta salad… Nice and cool for the summer… I’m just sayin’. ;)
Nancy, oh, the lure of the new shiny. I know NOTHING about that. ;) Good luck! And get to ‘er.
Anne, thank you!
Suzanne, I am jealous of Whistler! Walking and writing are my favorite combo. I’ll have to be there with you in spirit. Good luck with your deadline.
Great post. I was going to write a comment but…
I get up an hour earlier than normal and have been doing so since February. I can write at least 500 words in this hour and it makes me feel good all day. But it also means I go to bed an hour earlier which is no bad thing.
I also take time off work during college term time so I can be at home alone during the day and write when I need a couple of days to finish something.
Selfish? Yes, but if I don’t make the time for myself nobody else is going to do it for me.
Cathy, “…simply fear that I’ve been away from my own writing for so long, it’s going to be terrible. I needed this boost in the right direction, especially since procrastination feeds more of the same in my experience.” Yes and yes. This is where setting a timer helps me. I’m willing to tolerate the anxiety for 15 minutes, and of course, once I begin, I’m rehooked. I’ve also found I have to write every day or the nerves kick in. Good luck! You can do eet!
Kelley, aren’t those characters sneaky little devils? If you’re already checking out industry blogs, they’ve got you well and truly suckered, don’t they? Welcome to Writer Unboxed.
Deborah, disappoint me? Impossible! But I will accept your pledge, madam. Race you to the finish.
Rosemary, why not start by building a cage for your Internal Editor? ;) I understand the nerves for sure, but don’t misunderestimate yourself. Of course, I’m someone who loves my plotty books with wicked banter, so what do I know?
Christopher, LOL. You are highly suggestible, aren’t you? ETA: I’m not a fan of the word “selfish”. In my life it’s been co-opted by people who don’t understand self-care and that for a writer, writing isn’t really optional. I think you are self-determining, and that’s a wonderful thing. (The challenge, of course, is to be a well-rounded, self-determined person. But that’s another blog post.)
Jan, you always inspire me! I love these lines in particular:
“What that says to me is that no matter how long we take to learn the craft, discipline, and professionalism of writing — no matter how long we search to find the substance of our contribution — we’re always on our way there. Even if our feet point the wrong direction in any given moment.”
I think this speaks to the question of confidence and faith, as well as procrastination. I have a frightening work ethic (if you ask my husband; to me, I’m just me!) But I usually (often!) lose faith in where I’m going. Thanks for the reminder that the “going” itself is important.
Plot Spackle indeed! Could use some of that at times!
Lisa, I think fear of failure or perfectionism lie behind many cases of procrastination. The research suggests we have to act to change our mindset though; thinking alone won’t do it. The good news? When you couple that work ethic with action, you’ll be unstoppable. And thank you. I’m glad if it helps!
LynnfromBC, if you find a good supplier, let me know. :)
I am finding myself that the more I just dive into it, the more I want to write. And less spackle of course!
The one thing that always sets me back is the clutter surrounding me–it highly effects my focus. I have completely revamped my office, and today is my first day with literally everything organized right down to the last scrap of paper, so that I can get out of avoidance mode and into “published writer” mode. Your post was the perfect way to start my evening. :)
Love the plot spackle, Jan! my current WIP needs a good bucket of it! I usually “give myself permission” to take a summer off, to spend time with my kids and do the necessary yard work, but this year I’ve given myself a deadline-ASAP. I’m revising and editing and-God willing-it will be out to the editor’s by next Tuesday,
Gulp.
Krissy, I have desk-envy right now. It’s bad enough I’ve retreated to the laptop to write. Perhaps you’ve inspired me. :)
Michelle, ooh, good for you! Then you’ll still have a month with your kids and be able to end the summer on a relaxed note. Good luck with those plot holes.
I love this post, Jan. Thanks for today’s motivation!
Well, isn’t this another kick in the behind that I needed today! I seem to be reading many things these days about procrastination and one’s writing. I’m revising my second book for the zillionth time and, although it looks much better than it did, I tend to put it aside for blogging and reading others’ blogs and FB. And, of course, the kids and driving then around is foremost during the summer. I have to pat myself on the back that I get anything done around here, but I have to get “more” serious about the writing part of my life. Thanks for the nudge.
Patti
Erika, my pleasure!
Patricia, I think we all get lost in blogs for a while and then learn how to prioritize. It’s certainly more challenging in the summer, but it is possible. I do best if I get up before the household and write, but you’ll find your rhythm if you persist.
Love this post. I’ve also set the end of August as a self imposed deadline and I too am determined to finish that draft and “write around the plot holes that presently torture me.” Glad to know I’m not alone.
Thanks, Jan. This is just the kick in the pants I need right now.
A writing home…what a perfect way to express how I’ve always felt. I became a writer in my own mind and soul sometime during fourth grade. I sold a few short pieces while I was still young, then got a full time job and let my writing take a back seat to all the other demands on my time.
A few years ago I joined a critique group and started making time to do what I’ve always planned to do with my life. But writing is like any other talent or ability – if you don’t use it – you lose it. What was once an effortless joy is now a pleasure gained only by hard work and determination. Like Terry, I have an AARP card in my wallet and feel like I’m running out of time.
My real commitment came when I exchanged my full time position for a half-time job I don’t have to take home with me. My first draft will be finished by October 15.
While I’m not working on a manuscript just yet as a rising college freshman, I write short fiction that I always manage to put off in exchange for extracurricular activities and scholastic commitments. This is a nice reminder that to set aside writing is to set aside time for myself and what matters most–I’ll just have to be more creative with my scheduling and less fearful of producing something horrid. (Like Jan said, fear is a big element in procrastination–or mine, at least). Thanks for this.
Karen, may you escape with the 1L size of plot spackle. :)
KylieQ, my pleasure!
Go, Carolyn! You have good company in deferred writing. Glad you recommitted.
Cameron, I think we all produce something horrid, so don’t let that stop you. That’s what revision is for. Good luck with figuring out how to blend school and writing in a way that empowers you and that doesn’t exhaust. Balance is very important, IMHO.