Comments on: Why Do Writers Procrastinate?

By: Daisy Gentry

Daisy Gentry — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:10:33 +0000

My problems with procrastination are the big Os: Overload and Overwhelm. I am pulled in so many directions that overload quickly morphs into overwhelm. When that happens, I lose focus and fear creeps in. The only thing I don’t struggle with is deadline. And that is because I’m good at setting deadlines for myself. Now, to remember a deadline is another story. But then, I have a good friend who reminds me.

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 06:49:27 +0000

100% synergistic, Bobbye. I’m so happy for you to have put all the pieces together. There’s nothing worse than “stuck” especially when you want to be somewhere far beyond that. I’m so happy we’ve made the connections also and look forward to more synergies.

Debra

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:43:13 +0000

I appreciate what you’re saying, Kathy. I struggle with big projects and the overwhelm ALL the time too. Tip #1 ought to be a good jumpstarter for you. When I chunk down my projects into bite-sized manageable to-do’s, I can get the project done 1 task at a time. Try it! And let me know what works for you too. Thanks for posting your comment. Big hug to a fellow procastinator.

Debra

By: Debra Marrs

Debra Marrs — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:09:09 +0000

Debra

By: Bobbye Middendorf

Bobbye Middendorf — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:40:20 +0000

I just realized that procrastination is rather like the shadow side of synergies. Instead of creating results greater than the sum of the parts, it’s not creating anything at all. (AKA stuck.) What I’m seeing with where I am now is that the learning and connecting situations that I put myself into — like the Book Breakthrough workshop, web site creation workshop, Molly Gordon’s “clients that fit just right course, and taking up Connie’s 30 day blogging challenge all seem to be conspiring to move me to a completely new place. They are creating immense synergies between the book, the marketing, the clients, and the audience, and doing it all simultaneously.

By: Debra Marrs

Debra Marrs — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:25:04 +0000

Darrelyn, and who might that friend be? Deadlines, writing buds, and chunked down to do lists always help me. I’ll be posting a series of how-to’s this week so stop back by for more tips. Thank you, sistah!

Debra

By: Susan Cushman

Susan Cushman — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:22:22 +0000

The “family censure” has been an issue for me as I’ve been trying to write memoir for two years. Now I’m starting a fiction novel instead. good luck, Pat!

By: Debra Marrs

Debra Marrs — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:19:33 +0000

Pat, I enjoyed your blog post. And it all sounds so familiar. You have achieved a great accomplishment with a published book. Check out Tip #1 - The Salami and Nibble Theory. Chunking down that next project may be just the key. Debra

By: Debra Marrs

Debra Marrs — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:13:44 +0000

Thanks for your comments, Susan. It sounds like you know yourself best and are on the right track with deadlines. Get a writing buddy who is just as serious as you are. And hold each other accountable. Writing contests are good for deadlines also.

Debra

By: Teaching Kids How to Cook Healthier Foods | Dr. Mom Online

Teaching Kids How to Cook Healthier Foods | Dr. Mom Online — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:47:48 +0000

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By: Pat Stewart

Pat Stewart — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:43:18 +0000

Like Susan, I just did a blog post about this – GMTA? It’s after a major work is done that I’m foundering, even if there is a new project. Just mailed the taxes. Have to paint the screen door, do a wash, food shop, and those are the necessary ones.

There’s also the family censure – “We do not talk about what happens in this family!” All those eyes, all those pointing fingers. The implied threat.

By: Susan Cushman

Susan Cushman — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:25:27 +0000

I’ve been looking forward to your series on procrastination, Debra. I just did a blog post about my own reasons (click on my name for link) for my recent bout of procrastination, but I think it’s an ongoing issue. Having a deadline, as you mention, is helpful to me, which is probably why I have 8 published essays. When I was working on a memoir, I was thinking, “If I only had a book deal”…. But now that I’m starting a novel, I realize I’ve got to finish the whole book before querying agents. I think it will help me to have to have a chapter ready to submit to a workshop here and there.