You may have noticed the last few months that I’ve been talking a lot about what I’m thinking about writing. Why? Because I know me, and I have to have my head in the game to play it well. When I am thinking about something other than what I am doing, I have walked into telephone poles, tripped over curbs, and forgotten to get off the bus. Feel free to laugh. It’s true!
So, without having thought about it much before this summer, I’m realizing now what a big part my thinking routines play in my writing routines. Or should anyway. I haven’t yet created any thinking routines. But now I’m thinking I will!
Today was one of those days when I put my thoughts into order for writing. (Let’s see if I can create a routine where I do that every day.) I was reading the book of John again in the Bible and the end of chapter 16 reminded me of how I can and should feel about my writing – filled with peace and joy and a sense that all will be well in my world if I relax and trust in my gifts (and the Giver).
Too often we are focused on the negatives – we’re stuck, our work isn’t original, we don’t have an agent, we can’t afford to go to a conference, [add your angst-y answers here]. But focusing on negatives doesn’t set anyone up for positive success. We need to make a point to put our head in the right place. And we need to take the time to define our own right place.
Are you planning on working on a new book for NaNo? Going to the write-ins, delegating chores for the month, writing 1667 words a day? You’re setting up your writing routines now for November. Be sure to set up your success-oriented and joy-filled thinking routines as well.
In fact, don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today! Let’s share! Hmm… I think my routine will be to read something uplifting that motivates and inspires me each morning, and then think about how it applies to my writing life.
What will your routine be?
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Hmmm, designated time to daydream! I like it.
This morning I was reading in John again, chapter 16 this time. When I read the analogy about a woman giving birth and being in pain, but then forgetting the pain and being filled with joy when she holds her baby – I thought about writing. (I hope God doesn’t mind that I’m ALWAYS thinking about writing! LOL!)
Anyway, I know a lot of people think about holding their “baby” as a printed, published book. But I’m trying to create a thinking routine where I’m filled with joy after every writing session because I got to play with my baby. It’s not a natural thought, I have to make a point to sit back and *think* “I’m really happy I got to work on this today.” Like it says at the end of Jesus’ analogy – no one can take your joy from you. And that flows over into the next writing session, and the next.
I love the analogy of playing with the baby, Kitty! It made me think of the times I played with my babies and children. Many of those times had a short-term goal (get the infant dressed, teach numbers or colors, etc) and many were were just plain fun times (making the baby giggle, playing kitchen or Monopoly or tag), but the ever-present long-term goal was always to guide them to maturity. So it should be with my stories. Some fun times, some guided play times but all headed toward a finished story. Thanks for the concrete picture. I’m sure it will keep me “playing” for awhile.
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