Procrastination, Perfectionism and the Writer

This morning, I browsed some of my old posts, searching for inspiration for today’s Monday Meanderings. I was a bit disheartened to discover this entry, originally posted on May 18, 2010–over three years ago. The discouragement comes from the fact that some of these goals are still pending:

Photo: wealthforteens.com

This is a theme I have to come back to from time-to-time: the things that keep me from writing. In almost every area of my life I am not a procrastinator. When I see something that needs to be done, I am driven until I’ve completed it. I revel in the sense of accomplishment that comes with checking a task off of my to-do list, whether figuratively or in actuality. But when it comes to writing, I sometimes put it off.

Today is May 18th. My intent had been to begin the rewrite of my novel (The Sin of His Father) on the 15th. I haven’t even taken the hard copy out of the file I lugged home from Palm Desert.

Another goal was to compile a book of poetry to submit or self-publish. That hasn’t happened either and, if I remember correctly, my target date was for the end of 2008. The redeeming factor in this one is that I have more poems to choose from and better quality writing.

Why is it easier to meet concrete goals such as cleaning out the closet or weeding the garden when the more satisfying, creative accomplishments often elude me? Are there legitimate reasons to put off writing?

Maybe if we take a look at the reasons we procrastinate and the devices we employ to legitimize not-writing, we’ll get a clue as to what needs to be done to move forward…or to be a bit more lenient with ourselves.

Today:

Oh, it’s true. I’ve make progress on all of these goals.  I’ve completed numerous edits and rewrites of The Sin of His Father and submitted it to a dozen agents and a contest. Before I make the next move, I’m waiting for results of the contest. In the interim, I completed a total rewrite on my first novel and it was published in 2011 by Lucky Bat Books. I’ve compiled a few different volumes of poetry and am working on self-publishing one of those. This week I prepared a Kindle Singles article on helping persons with early stage dementia and should have it up in the next day or two. I’ve written lots of poetry, participated as a team member on dVerse, Into the Bardo and a few other blogs. Then there’s the dreaded marketing of Winter is Past…my nemesis. And, of course, there’s life and it’s way of presenting the unexpected and demanding attention to the routine, not to mention relationships to nurture.

Photo: hopepreneurs.com

Could it be that the real enemy isn’t procrastination, but perfectionism? What about you? 

Poetry–“Lingering”

Palm Desert, CA

Here’s what I came up with based on the writing prompt I offered on yesterday’s post. I hope to see some of your work as well.

I might mention a lesson learned today about procrastination as it ties in to this poem. I had a problem with Internet access first thing today and while I was waiting for my computer-savy husband to correct it, I decided this would be a good moment to respond to my own prompt. Instead of putting e-mail and blogging at the head of my daily to-do list, isn’t it be a great idea to prioritize the creative process?

 Lingering

June evenings
loiter in the West—
shades of brilliant
apricot and peach
give way to mauve
then indigo
then slate.

The plaintive sighs
of wind,
the mournful cry
of dove,
harmonious,
languid finish
to a summer day.

Writing Roadblocks–Procrastination

This is a theme I have to come back to from time-to-time: the things that keep me from writing. In almost every area of my life I am not a procratinator. When I see something that needs to be done, I am driven until I’ve completed it. I revel in the sense of accomplishment that comes with checking a task off of my to-do list, whether figuratively or in actuality. But when it comes to writing, I sometimes put it off.

Today is May 18th. My intent had been to begin the rewrite of my novel (The Sin of His Father) on the 15th. I haven’t even taken the hard copy out of the file I lugged home from Palm Desert.

Another goal was to compile a book of poetry to submit or self-publish. That hasn’t happened either and, if I remember correctly, my target date was for the end of 2008. The redeeming factor in this one is that I have more poems to choose from and better quality writing.

Why is it easier to meet concrete goals such as cleaning out the closet or weeding the garden when the more satisfying, creative accomplishments often elude me? Are there legitimate reasons to put off writing?

Maybe if we take a look at the reasons we procrastinate and the devices we employ to legitimize not-writing, we’ll get a clue as to what needs to be done to move forward…or to be a bit more lenient with ourselves.

Do you have any insights you would like to share? Any advice?

Writer’s Angst–Nah!

I’ve recently read some writer interviews and blogs (my own, included) decrying the loneliness or difficulty or the pain of writing. Something hit me today. If it’s such a miserable occupation or pastime, if the process is torture, why the heck do it? Get a job at Walmart.

I write because it’s my passion and I’m not sure there are many highs quite like those that come when I’m able to get in the zone and plant some words on paper. Oh, sure, there are moments when I’m stuck. That happens. But the real misery takes place when I don’t make time and space in my life for writing and I come face-to-face with the guilt that accompanies procrastination.

I believe that it’s critical to set realistic goals, to take advantage of even a few down-moments and to create balance in my life.

This week, I’m in a care-giving mode, I’m getting ready for an art show and I have to finish a prayer shawl for a benefit raffle. I’ve decided that long periods of uninterrupted writing are most likely out of the question but if I focus on editing, blogging, and/or poetry, I should be able to crank out something. Maybe I’ll be surprised.

A sure way to set oneself up for failure is to butt up against the requirements of day-to-day living and hope for the impossible.

What is it about Winter?

It’s snowing again…not too heavily. A perfect day to curl up with a book or to write one. I had nothing on my schedule–a minor miracle for the week before Christmas. So what did I do? I’m not too sure, but it wasn’t working on my novel. Why is it that the days I’m busiest I get more writing done? Doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it?

For today, I’ll use the excuse of the Winter need to hibernate, try not to do the guilt thing and make a “to do” list for tomorrow.