One cliche about the writing life says that lots of people want to have written, but few want to actually sit down and write. After conducting my own experiments in creative procrastination for many years, I'm here to tell you that particular platitude is true. But that doesn't stop me from testing it out on a regular (sometimes daily) basis.
This is how it goes: I pour myself a cup of coffee, and turn on my computer, absolutely determined to get to work. But before I start, I decide to check my e-mail. That invariably leads me to my Gather messages, and from there, I can easily lose an hour to reading and commenting--all very worthwhile and interesting, of course, but my work remains undone.
By the time I catch myself, my coffee needs a refill, and my e-mail flag is up. I know I really should get to to that work in progress, but what if it's something important? Maybe my agent is contacting me about that movie deal I've been fantasizing about for instance. Or perhaps an old friend is trying to reach me...How can I resist a quick peek?
The e-mail almost never turns out to be a priority, but since it has my attention, I answer it anyway; and if it includes any links, I follow them. Seems like the only polite thing to do.
At that point, I'm seriously frustrated with myself. I mean, how is the book going to get written if I can't control my e-mail addiction? So I decisively turn off Mozilla, open the document, read over the work I did the day before, and do a little revision--just to get the juices flowing.
Finally, I'm ready to begin my daily pages. My real work. The thing I've been waiting all my life to do. I'm warmed up and raring to go--but wait! I haven't checked my blog yet. Maybe someone's left a comment I need to respond to immediately! And what if someone wants to friend me on Myspace? It would be rude not to answer, wouldn't it? Besides, it will only take a few minutes to check on those things. And I've got plenty of time.
I can always write later--after I've had that chat on the phone, and taken the dogs for a walk, and gone to the refridgerator for the third time in an hour, and checked out the ten most e-mailed articles in the New York Times. Well, can't I?
Actually, I can't. Not if I want to be make my living as a writer. For me, the only way that a book gets written is when I make the commitment to give up my joyful procrastination until I'm finished. It's not easy; in fact, it's a daily battle. But in the end, if you want to do something extraordinary--whether it's doing a triathalon, or writing a book, or becoming a world class yodeller, you're going to have to give something up. You're going to have to face your favorite personal escapes, and shout your own triumphant variation of the bumper sticker slogan: "I'd rather be writing, or swimming, or yodelling..."
Over my desk, I keep several quotes that "wake me up" when my day veers off track, and I find myself checking my e-mail more than twice in an hour or trolling the internet for productivity tips while being totally unproductive.
One is from the legendary winner of the 1957 Boston Marathon, Johnny Kelly:
"The things we do should consume us. If they don't, our lives won't have any meaning."
That kind of fire kept Johnny K. running marathons well into his eighties. I can only hope it will help me do the same, as I run my own race.
Patry Francis, Books Correspondent:
Patry's column, Diary of a First Novelist, published every week to Gather Essentials: Books. It will detail all she knows--and is in the process of learning--about writing and publishing.
To learn more about Patry, visit her Website. Her debut novel, The Liar's Diary, is available on Amazon, as well as in bookstores everywhere. You can find all of Patry's articles, Diary of a First Novelist, at www.gather.com/patryfrancis
Keep up with Patry’s other postings and Gather activity by joining her Gather network -- just click here and select the orange “Connect” button on the left-hand side of the page
You’ll find Patry and other Book Correspondents, plus celebrity author content and plenty of other bibliophiles at Books.gather.com
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Comments: 80
You're giving me a push.................. to stop making excuses.
Way to burst my bubble, Patry...
See you in 15 minutes.
Procrastination is sometimes productive, however. When I know I should be writing but really don't want to, I find myself cleaning out drawers or filing or arranging the pantry or scrubbing the tub or balancing the checkbook or...
Funny how those priorities shift when we don't want to do what we know we should do.
Of course, when I'm into the writing (or even editing), nothing could pull me away. Certainly not the filing, the tub, the checkbook...
Good article, Patry.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9620861&sc=nl&cc=es-20070518
Oops, my coffee's cold again, for the third time - checking in for a minute..
Time for me to get back to reading a special and great novel wink, wink, wink
More on that later!
Truer words were ne'er spoken, Patry, by anyone. Ever.
LOL. Seems like you struck a nerve with all the other writers out there. I am a reader as opposed to a writer so you all have to get busy or I won't have anything to read. BTW, I just finished your book, The Liar's Diary. I loved it and look forward to next one. Get crackin, girl!
I have been working on a book about wine tasting and well,.....the research is my biggest procrastination problem. Have you ever tried to write after going wine tasting?!!?? and there is always one more tasting room to "research"!
The best things I've been involved in have called for a little daydreaming, and a lot of discipline. You must have plenty as your novel is testament to something many people would like to do but never 'get around to'.
I look forward to reading that NPR piece about Moseley, now, lol...and his book, too! And YOURS--BACK TO WORK, YOUNG LADY! :)
Anyway, it was lovely to come home to all these terrific comments. I'll respond to a few now, and more later, after I've followed my own advice and gotten a bit of writing done!
Bikash: I don't wish my procrastination on anyone, but there is something comforting about knowing I'm not alone...
Teresa: Maybe we should start a support group? I wonder if there is any group on Gather, in which writers share the trials and tribulations of GETTING THE WORK DONE.
William: Your first sentence says it all!
Carol: I hear you...
Sonia: Even your cookbooks simmer! I love it. I hope you get to them soon because my meals have become very boring lately. I need to be inspired!
(Okay, my timer just went off, which means it's time to write.) More later, but in the meantime, thank you all for adding so much to the discussion.
Yes, we all procrastinate. You know why? BECAUSE WRITING IS HARD WORK! Because it's so frustrating to look at that blank screen (or sheet of paper). The story is in your head, fully formed, but it's not coming out the way you want it to.
What astounds me is that anyone gets anything finished at all.
(Before you get too discouraged, remember: if your story is worth telling, you'll find a way to finish it).
The book that I just finished for the "Gather Contest" took me 10 years to write. No, I didn't spend ten years writing it. I spent ten years procrastinating. Now I need to stop procrastinating long enough to edit it.
tamara: I admire your tenacity! As a writer friend once told me, "You can always edit crap; there's not much you can do with a blank page." It wasn't particularly eloquent, but it stuck
with me.
Gretchen: Hope you went right to work after you left here! I'll be watching for those articles...
Hajo: Only fifteen minutes? But actually, when you think of it, you can get probably get a page done in 15 minutes--and once it starts flowing, you might well add more.
Sue B: When you find the secret of discipline, let me know!
Julie: Love your Aristotle quote! I'll add it to my collection.
cw: I don't even dare to look at the games....surfing and reading emails is bad enough.
Beryl: I've seen that writing shed on your Website. It looks like a bit of heaven to me.
Suzanne: I'm sure there were always distractions. In the "old days," I used to watch for the mail truck. But at least, that only came once a day. E-mail is 24/7!
Beryl: Marvelous link! It helped me more than you know--or maybe you DO know.
Devin: I've thought of the same thing. Then I'd have to LEAVE the house so I wouldn't be running back to the computer with internet connection every five minutes.
Kathryn: My husband even bought me a little coffee warmer to keep in my office so I couldn't use that particular excuse. Of course, then I found myself needing something else from the kitchen.
Tara! Thank you for such a wonderful comment. There's nothing that motivates me more than a response from readers like you! Consider me crackin'.
(More later. Husband just called me to share a glass of wine. I know--life is tough.)
Oddly enough my most productive writing time was while I was working full time (and then some) as a paralegal in a busy criminal defense practice and going to school full time, while getting my son through high school. The ideas were flowing fast and I knew I had to get them down before I forgot.
At that point, I didn't have time to procrastinate (my personal favorite is video games, they can eat up hours!). I was gone from the house 9 1/2 hours a day or more, then I spent as much as four hours doing my classwork online, studying or doing homework (even more time on the weekend).
As if I wasn't exhausted enough, I wrote for at least 1-2 hours each day. All this and I was a single mother too!
Anyway, I wrote a 1200 page novel in about six months, with a break in April to write a 400 page novel. Then I graduated from college and now I find that my writing productivity has plummeted. If I put in the effort now that I did back then, I'd have written at least 5 more novels since then!
Thanks for the reminder.
Time to turn off Star Craft (or Civ II, or Sim City, or whatever excuse I'm using -- including this one) and get going on my books. The ideas have been popping and I've been more faithful recently, but I could have time for the walks and other healthy activities around my writing if I'd stop playing those darn games!
It's like exercise. You know you're going to feel good after you do it; you're know you're going to feel good for having done it; you know that it's good for you all around. And yet...
Rick: I'm suddenly feeling much less lonely in my procrastination...
Arlene: I wrote the first draft of The Liar's Diary in longhand, but I lost a lot of time trying to transcribe my chicken scratches onto the computer. This is my first experiment with typing directly onto my word processing program. We'll see which method turns out to be more efficient!
Deven L.: Thank you. If someone starts an anti-procrastination group for writers, I'll see you there!
Miles: You, too! Thanks for the comment.
Beth: You are so right. It never occurs to me to clean out a closet or dust under the bed if I weren't avoiding a piece of writing...I guess if I were a more productive writer, I"d never get any housework done! But then again, maybe I'd have a lucrative three-book deal and could hire a housekeeper. (We writers are SUCH dreamers...)
Linda: Thanks for such a kind comment; and yes, you'd think I'd have this self-discipline thing down by now. But every time I sit down to write, I face the same demons.
Thank you, Debbie G.
Gwen: I've never enjoyed research much, but yours could change my mind. If you ever need an assistant, I'm available.
KJ: Good idea. I've been trying not to turn on my internet program until I've written at least 1000 words, but it's a daily war...
Sheila: You're right! Social networks are wonderful, but we really do need some kind of limits--kind of like the ones I once established for my kids with TV.
Casey: "A little daydreaming and a lot of discipline"--that formula sounds just about right.
Eric: Oh yes, that elusive thing known as balance! I keep looking for it...
Lydia: The Mosely article was fabulous. I definitely want to read the book! Also enjoyed your insight into Evanovich's writing habits. No wonder she produces a bestseller every year!
Kris: As someone who loves instant gratification, I hear you!
Elizabeth M.: I love working at home in some ways, but it definitely presents its own challenges.
Natalie: Good perpective. Baby steps is all it takes. If we put too much pressure on ourselves, we can end up not doing it at all.
Briane: I've tried a variation of that. I set my timer for 15 minutes, and when I'm done, it's back to work. Whatever works!
Margaret: I love your final line; it's all about believing in yourself and the story you have to tell.
Stephen: Happy editing! Hope it goes well--
Marge: Positive energy always appreciated here! I admire your determination.
Carolanne: Excellent idea. My kids will probably make fun of me, but they're used to mom "acting weird."
Devon: Another cliche that seems to be true is that the more you have to do, the more you value time, and consequently the more you get done. Your productivity seems to prove that!
Thom: The "solitary toil" you describe so well probably explains why so many writers are famously neurotic and/or alcoholic. I wonder if the comraderie we now have through the internet might mitigate that somewhat. Writers do seem to be less famously crazy these days. The fact that we are no longer allowed to be happy recluses, but are forced to go out and become active marketers and promoters may also contribute to better mental health.
Diana: Amen to that.
Dolphi: "the easier and unscheduled thing"--yes, that's what snags me every time.
My best time to write is early in the morning before the sun comes up. Now, if I happen to sleep in past sunrise, well, certainly I can't write now! The sun is shining...
kathryn: That kind of discipline would be much more palatable!
Charles: I hadn't heard that one, but I love Mark Twain! I agree; interacting in a community like Gather provides the best incentive to write: real readers.
Sylvia: I would like to go to the gym at 8 a.m. too! Can we make a pact to try this week?
Lisa: Well said. It all comes down to choice.
In today's world it's all too easy to be sidetracked by the great www.
Wonderful article.
Jay: Love the bobsledding metaphor!
Laurie: So far today has been one of those good days for me. I didn't even open my email till 1:30. I just hope I can do it again tomorrow...
Amanda: It's not extremely clean, but it's always much CLEANER when I'm working on a book. Love your 3P formula. VERY true.
Bonnie: I'm not a runner, but I take my inspiration from Johnny Kelley. You're so right; anyone who's trying to pursue a goal faces the same obstacles.
Karen: If you find the "cure," let me know.
Aaron: We definitely think alike on this. I love and enjoy everything--or at least MOST of the other things that need doing in my life. But if I don't work on my book at all--even a sentence or two on weekends--I feel like it's been a lost day.
Jennifer: "The great www" is an almost endless temptation! I admire your discipline in sticking to a writing schedule with that adorable little son around. When my kids were that age, I wrote mostly SHORT things.
Your day sounds eerily similar to mine. :-) Today I'm staring with longing at the phone, hoping my agent will call, because I'm on submission right now... even though my logical side tells me there is no sense doing this, because publishing moves about as fast as tektonic plates. Sigh. But there's the phone, and I expect it'll start ringing.
Any minute now. Yep. Any minute.
Congratulations on your book! I've read Aaron's review and it's definitely something I will enjoy. Hooray for Amazon Prime and free shipping - those of us who live in Middle of Nowhere, New York with the closest bookstore 45 driving minutes away loooove Amazon. Looking forward to the read!
-Sonya
You have to have basic real things in life to succeed--it's not just grit and determination, but people about you that make a difference. I lost 2000pages of finished manuscripts, 5 integrated textbooks, the computer, the diskettes and everything else valuable in one night-- and the trauma has never left me. There is no way I can reconstruct or rewrite any of it and I don't have the basic equipment to do it or even food in my stomach-- so okay you can make sacrifices, but sometimes it's not what you sacrifice, but how you are protected and supported to get you through.
Since then it's only been a series of calamities and unfortunately I also struggle with very basic things like coordination because I have CFS and my hands now are very bad.
I wish I had such easy answers for you, but I don't.
..
U wishing you laughter
Melody: I agree! It's been said that a piece of writing is never "finished," but abandoned. The trick is knowing when it's the right time.
Mary: I admire your determination to keep trying in the face of such difficult circumstances. Obviously, you have a lot to share with the world.
Sonya: So happy Aaron brought us together. I've heard some amazing things about you, and look forward to reading your work, too!
Quinn: I love e-mail, but it's my nemesis. This week I vowed not to check my messages until I got my work done, and three out of five days I succeeded. Progress, right?
Carla: I know EXACTLY the feeling that you describe. Sometimes you have to put the ms. aside for a day or two and return to it with fresh eyes. Wishing you much luck with the agent. You deserve to be published!
Cecile: Interesting comment about sleeping on it; I think you're right. It's magic.
Jen: That's the great thing about setting a difficult writing time. It makes it just a little bit harder to procrastinate--not impossible, of course, but a little bit harder.
Judi J.: It seems to be a pervasive condition for writers.
I try to do my work, really I do! But there are just so many other things out there that catch my attention and keep me from it.. I am a stay at home mom with an eBay business on the side. Oh, but I don't procrastinate with my business... no no, that's not the problem! It's the housework! The cooking, cleaning, bed making, vacuuming, sweeping, laundry... the list goes on and it piles up until I finally say "Oh, crap, I haven't done the ____ yet!!" I inevitably spray some windex in the air just before my husband pulls up in the driveway and hopes that he thinks I spent all day washing the windows!
Anyway, I procrastinate! Here's to us getting past it and getting stuff done!