Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Can you tell I'm procrastinating?


Last weekend I decided I was going to earnestly sit down and try to write. In this case, blogging didn't count. Too bad, because that is somehow so easy.

I mean I wanted to write a book. All my life I have felt there is a writer and an unwritten book lurking around in me somewhere. I just needed to find a way to extract them.

The perfect opportunity came last year, when I hurt my back, and was on disability for several months.

Tired of watching TV and reading (I know I never thought the day would come either), I decided to write. I did pretty good too. For me that is. I probably only wrote about 30 pages. But those were 30 pages I didn't have before. Now I had something to work with.

Considering I was on disability for almost a year, and unable to do anything remotely physical, It would not be unreasonable to think that I may have finished that book.

Unfortunately this would be wrong.

I never got past those 30 pages. Oh sure, I thought about it. Plenty of times. But every time I had a chance to type up a few pages, I blew it off to do something more pressing, such as laundry, washing the dishes, feed the cats etc.

Somehow all those boring old household chores needed to be done. Like now. Eventually too much time went by and I lost interest.

Until last week.

I had the urge again, and it was strong.

I decided to dedicate my four day weekend to writing. (Yes I really do get four days off every week. It's pretty cool, and I know I'm lucky, but that doesn't stop me from complaining all 3 days that I do work).

So last Wednesday, I woke up ambitious and ready to go. I had four empty days ahead of me. It was perfect. I sat down at my desk, opened my laptop, clicked open a brand new word document, and set to work.

Four days later, I still had a blank word document. Not sure what happened exactly, except I may, possibly have spent too much time reading scandalous comments bashing Ambercrombie and Finch, reading blogs, emailing, eating, updating Facebook, searching for long lost friends, eating, sleeping, emailing, reading blogs....

Um. Yeah.

Now it's the weekend again, and I told myself I would seriously write this time. Starting today. In fact I'm supposed to be in my room at my desk right now. Writing. Seriously.

Instead I find that I'm emailing, reading blogs, eating, updating Face Book, and blogging once again. Ok that's it. I'm finished now. I will go sit at my desk right now, and write.

Seriously.

Right after this nap...

16 comments:

The Rev. said...

Get to it, get to it! I feel the exact same way...I'm quite certain that there are some amazing things I could write, I just always find myself lacking the free time.

Quite frustrating.

Seriously, good luck to you! I want to hear about a 50 page Word Document next post.

Michael C said...

Hmmmm, I think we need to put you in a room with no windows and no doors (oh wait, that sounds like the Haunted Mansion at Dland) with only a computer. No internet connection of course.

I really, really want to be able to read this shitastic book in the making...some day!!!

j said...

This blogging world is a wonderful thing -- so many things to read, so many comments to make.

I wish I'd never found it. Because it makes procrastination too easy. I tell myself that at least I'm writing something, up to those mythical 1000 - 2000 words someone recently suggested I start writing on a daily basis. Between my post today and various comments, I may be pushing 700 words.

Not that they are connected or part of a larger narrative. 30 pages is good -- it shows you can do it. Maybe disconnect from the online world for a few hours, for a start. And don't worry about the laundry, etc.

Anonymous said...

Ahh, I can relate to this. I frequently procrastinate. In fact, I might be procrastinating right now.

Anyways... get to it! They say sometimes you just have to force yourself to do it... so do it!

Enough of wasting time this instant!

Jane Turley said...

A Nap sounds goooooood... is that before or after the chocolate?

Lilly said...

Why dont you start writing your book on your blog - you might find the writing comes more natually to you this way. Plus we would get to see what happens with your book page by page and keep harassing you to produce more. It could be a separate blog or a series on your blog. Come on you have it in you for sure!!! Funny how blogging comes so easy to us all but more serious writing....tough isnt it?

Anonymous said...

Same problem, I am a disabled vet, I work on my laptop for 4 hours tops a day. I sold my business after I fell ill, so, I do a few thing for them for a few bucks.

The rest of the time is spent on finding things to keep me busy!

I started working at the age of 13 and I am in my 40s now, so the transition is rough!

HEALTH NUT WANNABEE MOM said...

Good for you about the writing. I want to be one of the first in line to get your book. I love your style of writing!

Anonymous said...

Loved the shot of Lucy. You'll get it going - just don't beat yourself up. All the best!
P.S. Nice Post!

Jessica said...

Your writing is hilarious! Good luck with writing a book and if you do I'll be one of the first ones to buy it!

Stace said...

Hey I came to your blog for the first time in ages because I've been starting a novel (ha ha!) I wrote 20000 words no problem at all but now I realise it's all pretty crappy and am starting again. Have you heard of NaNoWriMo? Why don't you join me on that this year? The plan is to sit down and during the month of November write 50 000 words without editing yourself AT ALL as you go along. It sounds good because my biggest problem is censoring myself as I go. OH, and looking at blogs like this one... and blogging. I'm planning to write on my laptop, which isn't hooked up to the net!! Then I might actually get something done!

BusyDad said...

I am "working" from home right now. Solidarity! Nap? sounds good.

April said...

lol, I wish you luck with that! Your blog is great, so I am sure your book will be too!

The Josh said...

I fill my free time with useless information. I fill my busy time worrying about how to fill my free time. I'm glad you understand

Erica said...

I know exactly what you mean when you say you have a fear of leaving the room not wanting to disturb everyone. Basically you didn't want all the attention on you.

Erica said...

I love this blog. Interesting and funny!