Rule #1: Always follow your instincts.
I knew when I added that p.s. the other day that I should have deleted it and made it its own post. But did I listen? No. But now I am! And I’m listening to the many of you that have responded favorably about my write it and it will come project. In case you missed it, I’ve decided to start every day at my computer by writing a short story about what I want to happen next – that day, week, month, year, lifetime. And, YES! I’d love for you to join me in this pursuit.
There are no rules – except that you may NOT under any circumstances edit yourself. Because that would be shooting yourself in the foot (and rather stupid). No one else will read this! So lay it all on the line (page, screen, whatever). If I hear that you started to write: I want a personal assistant that guesses exactly what I want from Starbucks each morning and brings it to me or I want Random House to call me tomorrow and beg to publish the manuscript that I’ve sent them 7 times in as many years and then ERASED it mumbling to yourself, that will NEVER happen – then you better believe I’m going to show up at your house and give you what for.
This exercise is not the time to play small.
And, I thought of another rule – though it’s really more of a request. Keep track of this – make a spreadsheet (if you’re so inclined) where you can enter all of the wants that actually come to you. I’d love it if you’d share them here. Unless they’re really private – in which case you could just use code.
One more rule (yes, I know this is an awful lot of rulage for something that has no rules): You can’t take too long with your story writing every morning. Set a reasonable time and stick to it – like 10 minutes. Some mornings you might only have a 30 second story. But, my point is: don’t let it interfere with you work because then it’ll become a drag and then you’ll be yelling at me for missing deadlines and…wait…unless it takes on a life of its own and becomes the next New York Times bestseller. (If that happens, please mention me and this blog on the book dedication page and during all of your press events – especially if you get to talk to Jon Stewart or Ellen. Thank you in advance.)
Okay…go. And have fun. This would be a good time to engage your suck, by the way.
Image credit: koalazymonkey
I love this! I was just sharing on a blog forum how many exciting things had some over this past year simply because I said – “You know, I’d like to start speaking – I really think I’d be good at that.” And lo and behold. ;-)
Once you begin to consider the possibilities, you are more aware when those opportunities present themselves.
Angela <
And I can vouch for your speaking wonderful-ness seeing as how we’ve shared the stage! I love your insight on the awareness factor.
Count me in. Sounds like a great way to get going every day…and to produce a more spontaneous piece.
Love it. Totally in.
I’ll join, I love this idea! I’ve already started writing “Morning Pages” (according to the theory, writing 3 pages of whatever-comes-to-mind helps clear the mind for the work day) so this will go in the same journal.
now this could be fun. in an attempt to slow down and pay closer attention, i’ve decided to write a bit each day about what-is-right-now, so this could be my what-could-be-then. in my first acting class, i introduced myself by saying that my life was so boring, i wrote ahead in my diary. hmmm. i’d forgotten that till just now.
Ahh the art of procrastination – and writers are the worst – trust me I know. Thanks for the encouragement and spur onwards!!!
Just jump in there and do it – something I need to remind myself often.
Belinda
I’m in. What could be better than starting the day with a little daydreaming?