What about a 'Done' list?

Reading an old copy of Top Sante this weekend www.topsante.co.uk/ and came across an article entitled; 'The Joy Gurus'.  The article discussed experts and their books, on happiness.

The Antidote: Happiness for people who can't stand positive thinking by Oliver Burkeman.
www.oliverburkeman.com/ suggests keeping a 'done' list. 

We're good at keeping lists of the things we still have to accomplish, and then feeling bad about not doing them.  But we're not as good at reminding ourselves of all the things we've achieved.  Spend a day or two writing down everything you do, and you'll probably find the result rather impressive.

Rule Number Nine: Don't Push Yourself Too Hard

As well as monitoring how I have been doing with my To Do list, I have also been monitoring the reasons why things aren't getting done! 

What are your distractions that are stopping you writing?

Over the weekend I had terrible wrist ache.  So I decided the only thing I could do was to read.  I have been neglecting my magazine pile and to read one of the magazines gave me ideas for future pitches and of ideas to research.

Monday, I had a terrible headache and kept pushing myself.  Consequently, I felt even worse Tuesday.  I should have listened to my body and had a rest.

Rule number 8 said to treat writing like a job.  Aren't there Health and Safety issues with every job?  We are always being told to take a break.  We must remember to do this in our home lives as well as our paid, working life..

Remember to take time to Relax.  Look after yourself.

Take a break.  If lucky enough to have a days writing, ensure you still have a lunch break away from the computer.  Rest your eyes - and your brain - and after lunch you will come back feeling stronger and fitter.

Rule Number Eight: Treat Writing Like A Job

You don't have to feel like doing something in order to do it.

You can feel unmotivated - and still do it!

You can't go off for a snooze or another drink or to tidy the kitchen (again) when you work in an office / on the shop floor / or in ASDA!

Treat writing like a job. 
Bum on seat. 
Brain in Gear. 
Write!!

Writing to be thought Clever?

In the March edition of Writing Magazine www.writers-online.co.uk , there is an article entitled 'How to write like Kingsley Amis.' 

It ends with the comment;   Kingley Amis quoted George Orwell, who he thought was being not arrogant but very honest when he said that his leading motive was the desire to be thought clever and to be talked about by people he had never met.

I know exactly what he means.....

Rule Number Seven: Minutes Add Up

You may only have 5 minutes, but you can still do something.

Even if it is only to prepare for when you have more than 5 minutes. 

You might be able to read at least one article / email or flick through a few pages of a magazine or book.

Just don't just sit there wasting it by thinking; "I wish I had more time".

All those 5 minutes can add up to a novel.

Nothing Like A New Pen!

Recently, I lost one of my favourite pens.  A Parker I had had for years.  I have looked everywhere and can't find it.  I suspect someone may have borrowed it at work....

Anyway, this week I decided to replace it and found www.ebay.co.uk/usr/abnfinestuk  Lovely pen at a lovely price and bought a few refills as well. 

There is just something about a new pen.  Makes you want to write......

Rule Number Six: Create Your Own Space

As I have said previously about putting distractions out of sight (Rules 2 & 4), I also feel that sometimes creating your own personal piece of heaven within your life of chaos can often temp the muse in.

I know you read about authors who sit at the kitchen table while their spouse talks about their day and their 4 children run around, screaming and shouting at them, and they still get 1000 words done, but I think that is very rare.  And are they any good words or do they then get deleted by a keen editor?

This might require some delegation (Rule 5) but try and find some space to call your own; even if it IS the kitchen table - only cleared of plates - replaced with your computer, pen, notebook or whatever you use....

I think peace and quiet is a must.  Unless, that is, you are wanting to write about a particular time in your life and then I feel that music from that era may be necessary - it works for me at least.  Music can also help to generate ideas when you need inspiration or are stuck, but perhaps only gentle instrumental for when you are actually in the process of writing....

I like to work with a scented candle on the table.  Not sure why it works, but it does.  Someone once recommended having one in an article and at first I thought it was a bit barmy, but tried it and I like it.  Perhaps it takes me to another level - a hint of meditation while looking at the flame perhaps?  Or it might just be the a nice smell...

Remember; its all about what works for YOU!