This is such a great post, Kate. A lot of my writing happens "accidentally" when I'm washing dishes or raking leaves, etc. Chores that clear my house or garden also clear my mind, leaving room for new ideas to seep into my consciousness from dark, previously cluttered corners of my mind. Thanks for the reminder!
This is my jam! I always tell editing/coaching clients that it’s not 100% about BICHOK; it’s also about what we do before we sit down to write. And in between sessions. And taking deliberate look-away or percolation time. I wasn’t sure this would ever get traction, so I’m excited to see you mention it!
Absolute truth to this but giving yourself permission to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing is one of the most difficult things to do! I recently retired from my day job and I have struggled with giving myself permission to "just be" for quite some time! One day at a time continues to be my mantra! Thank you!
Yeeeeeeeeeees. "the key to productivity might not be working harder at all. It might be self-care and rest." I love all of this and secretly love my chores. I mean, not really, but they keep me tethered to the earth when my soul would fly off into the "I'm failing at life!! I'm a terrible writer!" ether. Also, re: long power bursts of sleep, last night my nine-year-old turned out my lights because both parents fell asleep while reading. Poor kid, haha, basically putting her parents to bed. Your hot yoga joy was my joy. Thank you for sharing! Good luck out there.
Oh yes I know this feeling. That amazing feeling of FINALLY tackling the nagging projects. Every time, I think, "why do I let tasks get to this point of nagging-ness?" It really drags my energy down so very much! But. Life is complicated and usually I am doing OTHER important things in place of the nagging things. Sigh!
P.S. My favorite writer joke:
What do you get when you cross a writer and a deadline? ...
Oh, it's so true! Having a list in my head of chores/admin that needs to be done entirely prevents clear-thinking and good writing! The power of a good night's sleep is also not to be understated: if I don't get a good sleep, I don't want to do the chores, then the writing suffers, and so it goes...
Ihen the clocks turn back, itfeel like 'real time' to me. The early dark inspires me, as do the winter constellations. And yes, getting the nagging stuff done so it isn't hanging over my head like that old sword makes it easier to focus on the work. But the biggie, which you touched on, is sleep. Night's good nurse, I think Shakespeare called it, and I agree. Your post made me happy!
This resonated so much with me. I am also a morning person so I also kinda love DLST. That early dawn is the best. Also, and more important, I need Sundays like this or my whole week feels shifted toward stress. I have been better, but not perfect, at this since my divorce. Something about facing life head on and not running from it with a bottle of Sunday wine. Anyhoo...a writing accountability sheet? How do I learn more about this? I need it in my life.
This is such a great post, Kate. A lot of my writing happens "accidentally" when I'm washing dishes or raking leaves, etc. Chores that clear my house or garden also clear my mind, leaving room for new ideas to seep into my consciousness from dark, previously cluttered corners of my mind. Thanks for the reminder!
Well said, Holly. Same here.
This is my jam! I always tell editing/coaching clients that it’s not 100% about BICHOK; it’s also about what we do before we sit down to write. And in between sessions. And taking deliberate look-away or percolation time. I wasn’t sure this would ever get traction, so I’m excited to see you mention it!
Absolute truth to this but giving yourself permission to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing is one of the most difficult things to do! I recently retired from my day job and I have struggled with giving myself permission to "just be" for quite some time! One day at a time continues to be my mantra! Thank you!
Yeeeeeeeeeees. "the key to productivity might not be working harder at all. It might be self-care and rest." I love all of this and secretly love my chores. I mean, not really, but they keep me tethered to the earth when my soul would fly off into the "I'm failing at life!! I'm a terrible writer!" ether. Also, re: long power bursts of sleep, last night my nine-year-old turned out my lights because both parents fell asleep while reading. Poor kid, haha, basically putting her parents to bed. Your hot yoga joy was my joy. Thank you for sharing! Good luck out there.
If your kid knows enough to turn out the lights when you've fallen asleep... then you're doing a kickass job. Awesome.
Love this. Thank you for the reminder. 🖤
Why do people hate us? On top of dark afternoons, I also love winter. Embrace the changes, I say. The changes make good writing!
Oh yes I know this feeling. That amazing feeling of FINALLY tackling the nagging projects. Every time, I think, "why do I let tasks get to this point of nagging-ness?" It really drags my energy down so very much! But. Life is complicated and usually I am doing OTHER important things in place of the nagging things. Sigh!
P.S. My favorite writer joke:
What do you get when you cross a writer and a deadline? ...
A very clean house!
(100% me!)
Oh, it's so true! Having a list in my head of chores/admin that needs to be done entirely prevents clear-thinking and good writing! The power of a good night's sleep is also not to be understated: if I don't get a good sleep, I don't want to do the chores, then the writing suffers, and so it goes...
Lovely message that I'll carry with me.
Perfect graphic, lol
Ihen the clocks turn back, itfeel like 'real time' to me. The early dark inspires me, as do the winter constellations. And yes, getting the nagging stuff done so it isn't hanging over my head like that old sword makes it easier to focus on the work. But the biggie, which you touched on, is sleep. Night's good nurse, I think Shakespeare called it, and I agree. Your post made me happy!
Love this. My word of the year was organize. Reluctantly so. And it has been better for my writing than I even could have imagined
Thank you, Kate! 100%!
Love this! Thank you for sharing. I definitely need the reminder regarding self-care and the many benefits of regular self-care, so thank you.
I would love to hear more about how you structure your writing accountability worksheet!
This resonated so much with me. I am also a morning person so I also kinda love DLST. That early dawn is the best. Also, and more important, I need Sundays like this or my whole week feels shifted toward stress. I have been better, but not perfect, at this since my divorce. Something about facing life head on and not running from it with a bottle of Sunday wine. Anyhoo...a writing accountability sheet? How do I learn more about this? I need it in my life.