Like all experienced procrastinators, I am an expert at stalling, avoiding, prevaricating, and generally finding something else to do other than the thing that needs to be done – writing my stories.
I have read a lot of writing advice (procrastination technique #47, file that one under “research”) that suggests you need to write every day. Every day? Ack! I have a full and busy life. How could I possibly squeeze in writing? But wait! Only ten minutes is required. But how much could I possibly accomplish in ten minutes?
Years ago, I was in a small writing group with a couple of friends in Vancouver. One exercise we did was to write non-stop for ten minutes. No editing was allowed, no ruminating, just writing flat out for ten whole minutes. We timed it. When the ten minutes were up, we read what we’d written back to each other. Then we set the timer for another ten minutes. In just six of these ten-minute sessions, I was able to write about 8 pages of something – a picture book, part of a novel, a short story, a long article, a blog posting, an essay.
Ten minutes might be the absolute bare minimum of time you can manage on some days. But at least you’ve written something that day. There is satisfaction to be found in doing what you love. You will also be a few words closer to finishing your writing project. You will be honing your writing skills every time you spend ten minutes writing. And, you will eventually find that ten minutes stretches into an hour, maybe longer, on days when you have more time to give to writing.
That’s the theory. Give a try. All it takes is about ten minutes.
Posts
12 comments:
Awesome! I should do this more often!
I totally agree with the sentiments you've expressed here Colleen. All of us writers spend at least 10 minutes everyday complaining about how hard it is to find time to write. Turning that 10 minutes into productive writing time is definitely a step in the right direction!
Hello my dear Friend, Colleen: Now that is what I needed to know years ago when I attempted to start writing diaries of my kids’ daily adventures or even my bouts with serious illnesses. I lasted all of one week doing a daily update, then it was down to a day each week, a day each month, a day each year if you get my drift. Eventually I stopped writing as I couldn’t “find the time”. It is kind of sad when we think we are too busy to even sit quietly for ten minutes to do some writing or even just some “meditation”. Your blog is a great reminder to do this again.
It's a fantastic technique and you'd be amazed at the gems that appear!
Thanks Patrice, that's a good point! I do spend time complaining about not writing when I could actually be writing!
Sonya, you've always amazed me with your ability to keep going and do so much. And you've given us some incredible tales of your life adventures. I look forward to seeing what you write and do next!
Hey Kieran, I can't take credit for the idea, it was my friend Diana who first suggested trying it. But I find it applies just as well to vacuuming and other mundane tasks as to the joys of writing. ;)
Loved your blog! I, too, am a Procrastinator.
I also remember those ten minute writing sessions. When the timer went you eith went, "Whew! Rescued!" or "No! I can't stop now!" Amazingly, the latter happened more often.
When was the last time that happened? To figure that one out could take quite a while (Procrastination Techniques #107).
Keep on writing!
You're so right, Di! It's a great technique if I'm feeling stuck, 'cause then I just write anything and sometimes that gives me a new idea or helps me get unstuck. One time I just looked around the room and fixed my eye on something, a plant in a window, and started writing a story idea around that. I came up with a post-apocalypse story. Not sure how I went from a plant in a window to a disaster fantasy, but hey, it works!
Your words of wisdom and encouragement couldn't have come at a better time! I'm struggling through a dissertation process painfully and slowly - huge amounts of avoidance and procrastination - and such a sense of frustration and feeling overwhelmed that I was on the verge of throwing it all in today -when along came your suggestions which helped no end. Thank you so much, my friend - well timed and happily received!
Take the train or bus to work and you will be amazed how much time you have!
Christian, you are right, but I get sick on the bus. I tried writing but couldn't do it. I use it for thinking (or sleeping) time though, so it's not wasted. ;)
Post a Comment
Please feel free to comment, but keep it clean. This is a site (mostly) about books for kids after all. Thanks!