Or perhaps an even better title is the one chosen by the photographer from Flickr: Preparing the Voyage.
In addition to
--going to bed at 10 p.m.
--dressing for a real job
--being up, at our desk, and WRITING within 30 minutes
--committing to making progress in our work every day, even if it's only a single line
--and strictly limiting internet distractions
Tonight, for Day 6, we will spend a few minutes preparing for tomorrow's writing. We'll look over our work, considering where the voyage of our took us and our characters today, and considering our direction for tomorrow; we'll organize our work place, whether it's a desk, a spot on the dining room table, or just a humble notebook jammed in a backpack. If there is a special talisman, a photograph, statue or candle that inspires us, we will set that out as well.
It may seem like a small thing--and it is, but it's all part of creating the rhythm and continuity that a novel or our ultimate goal--a lifetime in writing-- demands.
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ReplyDeletePatry, have you read THE CREATIVE HABIT by Twyla Tharpe? Should give you some ideas for this blog.
ReplyDeleteJosephine: Actually, I did read (and very much enjoy) that book when it first came out. I've forgotten most of her suggestions now so would probably benefit from rereading it. However, I do recall being impressed by the way Tharpe's morning routine triggered and supported her daily workouts. That's very much what I'm trying to establish for writing.
ReplyDeleteI keep forgetting that talisman. Tidy work place? Ye gads.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to think over the next day and organize the writing space. Will do tonight!
ReplyDeleteI would also love to hear about Tharpe and how she got her morning routine to help her with workouts.
Thanks again, Patry!
Beryl: My talisman is a photo of my family. Somehow their beautiful faces humble me and encourage me at the same time.
ReplyDeleteDanielle: I've got to dig out that Tharpe book, but from what I remember, the magic is all in the creation of simple triggers.
Okay, cutie, I'm in. Although I should be fired for my sweatpants and stained hoodie. Never mind, tomorrow I will dress in a way even your darling grandfather would approve of.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea.
Tish: You're here! I'm so excited! Actually, I worked in sweatpants for much of the day, too--but I wore my red high heels so I felt very fancy.
ReplyDeleteI can just picture you! How fancy. Actually, I was out of town at a one-day lit event and had to leave the hotel in sweatpants and heels at 3 am when the smoke alarms went off.
ReplyDeleteSo. Tomorrow, actual pants with a zipper and a shirt that buttons. That's the plan. Oh, and shoes! Need to get red ones like yours.
Amen sister!
ReplyDeletePatry, wow! This blog is just what I needed. I love the idea of setting the "rules".
ReplyDeleteThis latest is one of my favorites. If I read a bit of what I'm working on right before I go to bed, I fall asleep inside my story and it works on me all night.
Mary: I'm so glad you found me here. I keep meaning to put up a link on Simply Wait, but I've been too busy writing--well, sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the effect of reading one's work before bed. Why waste all that wonderful subconscious energy?
I've been doing this for the past few weeks--consciously THINKING about what I'll write about tomorrow. It really helps.
ReplyDelete