Writing Galore

Here's the thing about being a writer.  You're expected to write.  But it's amazing the number of excuses I--and any other writer--can come up with on why we can't possibly do any writing at this very minute. Deadlines, a messy house, kids, cats, Oprah's on... whatever.

I belong to a writer's group called WACCO (pronounced "wacko"). It stands for something I've long since forgotten. But we've started a Tuesday writing night. We meet at various locations at 7 p.m. We chat until 7:15 and then enforce absolute silence from 7:15 - 9 for writing time. We met for the first time last night and I whipped out 10 handwritten pages of writing. I outlined a new idea for a middle grade novel, did a bit of journaling, then delved into some childhood memories that, if I'm so inclined, may make for a good article.  I feel fantastic. It was such a pleasure to just write for no purpose--not for an assignment, not for publication... just for me. 

For some reason, it's easier for me to write around other people who are writing, even if no one is talking.  When I'd hit a slow spot, I'd look up and see everyone else still scribbling or typing away. At home, I might be inclined to stop for the night, but I knew I had to fill the time until 9 so I kept writing.  It was absolutely marvelous.

I'm in the process of some career changes which I'll share at a later date. But last night was a great reintroduction to the joy of writing.

Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul

It's here. My humor story "Under Dawg" was one of the 60 stories selected for the newly released Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul from among thousands of entries sent in across the nation. I received my contributor's copy in the mail a few weeks ago and finally read the book this weekend. It's good. Better than I expected. Being published in an American Idol book is kind of one of those, "I'm thrilled and totally embarrassed at the same time" scenarios. There goes my cover story that I only watch PBS.

But now having read the book, I'm happy to be a part of it. My favorite stories aren't from the contestants. They're from the behind-the-scenes crew like the hair stylists and dressers.

I actually wrote this story years ago--well before I ever knew there would be a Chicken Soup book on it (although really, we all should have known...). It was just one of those stories I scribbled down because I found it amusing and didn't want to lose the moment. I love it when a story pays off. Plus, it's now my second Chicken Soup book. (First one was Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul.)

I just spent the better part of an hour shooting out press releases to local media. And realized after I'd sent out the 20 e-mails that I refer to the book as "Chicken Soup for the American Idol Lover's Soul," when the title is actually, "Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul."  Phooey.

I'd better start work on my next story. I plan to enter it in the Chicken Soup for People Who Send Out Incorrect Press Releases book. Wish me luck!

Daylight Savings Time Doesn't Affect Cats

Someone forgot to tell our cats that Daylight Savings Time went into effect last night. Instead of the purring, pawing, annoying cats that greet us every morning at 4:15 a.m., this morning we had the joy of being awakened by the same creatures at 3:15 a.m.

"Look at the clock" I moaned, as I shoved a cat off my belly. "It's not even four-frickin'-a.m."

"Mow. Meow. Mow."

How do you reason with someone like that?  I sense a week or two of no sleep ahead of us...

No E-Mail Gets The Job Done

I had a FANTASTIC morning. Why? No e-mail. I'm working on a book proposal and have been distracted for days, pulled this way and that by projects and always, always responding to incoming e-mail like a starved dog being thrown a steak.

So last night I made a vow: no e-mail until my work is done. I sat down at the dining room table and started work at 7:30 this morning and--aside from quick trips to the kitchen for coffee refills--didn't move until noon. And got a ton of work accomplished.

The complication of e-mail is that even if I don't respond immediately to an e-mail, just knowing it's out there can slow me down. In the back of my mind I'll be thinking about what I need to pull together for a response, how long it will take, by what time I need to make sure it goes out, etc.  It's like a constant chorus in the back of my head. But no checking... no chorus. Just the sweet sound of work being completed in a timely fashion.

I wonder if I could hold out every day until noon before I check e-mail? And should I be concerned that even the thought of such restraint sends shivers of dread down my spine?  Still... there's no arguing my productivity level skyrockets without it.

Let's give it a try! I hereby declare next week has "No e-mail checked before noon week." The one exception I will make is on Wednesday where my schedule is filled with meetings and the only slot I have free to check it is between 10-11. But other than that, nada. And you all must keep me honest. Check the times on the e-mails I send you and shoot me "Cheater, cheater, pumpkin-eater" e-mail if the time is before high noon.

However, I am still allowed to get up at 3 a.m. and check for messages. A girl can't be denied all her fun.

Cheers,

Dena