Friday, January 9, 2015

Perfectionism

When I am struggling with the what, how, when of writing and trying to "make" the time (please see post from December 5, 2014, regarding balance and making time to write), I find turning to Anne Lamott's BIRD BY BIRD really gets the creative juices flowing.

This morning, I went back to my previously highlighted areas discussing perfectionism and the havoc it can wreak on one's writing life.  Lamott argues that "perfectionism will ruin your writing, blocking inventiveness and playfulness and life force."  She suggests one's attempts to control the environment around us and keep things tidy actually serves to cramp our style.  Ms. Lamott's "bottom line" implies we will not get very far in our writing if we don't "get over" our perfectionism.  We should follow our calling and embrace the "wonderfully fertile ground" clutter and mess provide as..."perfectionism is a mean, frozen form of idealism while messes are the artist's true friend."

Well, my friends, I am attempting to embrace the clutter and mess.  I still can't work in chaos, but I promised myself I would get down to business and write (once things were somewhat in order, that is!), and here I am.  I've not posted on my blog in some time so wanted to do that first and am now about to tackle my current WIP for the next hour plus before needing to go pick up kids.  I look forward to letting loose with the ties that bind my mind to see where it may lead.

I would love to hear your strategies for making the time to write despite any clutter and mess as well as what gets the creativity flowing should you feel obliged. 

Happy weekend and writing!
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6 comments:

  1. Jane Heitman HealyJanuary 9, 2015 at 2:12 PM

    I have no special strategies, but I have learned to ignore the clutter and focus on my computer screen! Best wishes!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beverly Stowe McClureJanuary 9, 2015 at 6:13 PM

    Great post and reminder. I guess Ms. Lamott would approve of my clutter or mess. I've learned not to worry about a messy house. I make a schedule for the week. Mornings are for writing, from 9 AM to Noon. Sometimes this doesn't work, but I try to stick to the schedule. Of course, I don't have children at home that need attention, just cats that like to disturb me. If I can't write in the morning, I try to catch up in the afternoon. I think everyone has to find what works for him/her.

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  3. Karin LarsonJanuary 12, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    Thank you, Jane and Beverly, for stopping by and for the reminder to just get to work! I find I spend so much time "getting ready" to write that I often waste what time I have. Not anymore! Good luck to you both as well.

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  4. Beverly Stowe McClureJanuary 28, 2015 at 7:49 AM

    I've nominated you for an award. You can pick it up at my blog.
    http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com
    Have a lovely day.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Donna McDineJanuary 28, 2015 at 5:23 PM

    I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Check it out at Write What Inspires You Blog

    Best,
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  6. Karin LarsonJanuary 28, 2015 at 10:01 PM

    Thank you so much, Beverly and Donna!

    ReplyDelete

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