Trevor's Writing

People ask me how I am enjoying retirement from teaching. My response is usually to complain that I’m busier than ever before. I usually add that I have no idea how I fitted in going to work. Many other retirees claim to suffer from the same dilemma. This strange malady, however, is not restricted to retirees. I find, as I talk to people, that it seems to be right across the broad spectrum of society.

Moira Allen, of Writing-World.com has written about this 21st Century problem in her latest email newsletter (Writing World 6:06):

I think we all have increasingly begun to suffer from
the plague of the 21st century: TOO MUCH TO DO. I have yet to
talk to anyone who feels that they have fewer demands on their
time than they did five years ago.

The Plague of the 21st century

She has dubbed it a plague. It seems like a illness that almost everyone has caught, but no-one seems to know what to do to fix it. Consider some of its symptoms as it relates to writers:

• An overwhelming desire to write 10, 12 or more hours daily to get in front of the pack
• A need to read countless emails or newsletters about writing to find those opportunities that will give one a much needed break one’s chosen field
• An urge to constantly research on the internet trying to find information that will make your writing shine, or rise above the common, ordinary work of others
• An urge to write pieces that exhibit perfection, constantly revising and polishing
• For bloggers, having a guilt trip if one hasn’t posted anything today – or even in the last hour or so.

I could go on and on.

But enough of my grumbling.

What can we do about it?

I’m pleased you asked. Here are a few of my humble suggestions on overcoming the plague of the 21st Century. Note: these suggestions are aimed at writers and bloggers in particular. They may not work for everyone, but they are at least worth a try.

1. Switch off the computer. (Ooooh – that’s a tough one to conquer)
2. Go for a walk.
3. Do some stretching exercises
4. Read a book
5. Attend to your hobby (you do have a hobby?)
6. Start a new hobby.
7. Do a crossword.
8. Smell the roses.
9. Watch a bird.
10. Weed the garden.

Then come back to your writing refreshed and invigorated.

It will show in your writing.

Stop. Revive. Survive.

This is the slogan used in many driver safety campaigns. Drivers are encouraged to stop driving, especially on long journeys in the country, take time out to revive and in so doing to survive. Good advice.

Writers and bloggers are vulnerable to writer’s fatigue. Setting a cracking pace can ultimately have a negative effect. The pressure of posting daily or an upcoming publisher’s deadline can have a crippling effect on one’s effectiveness as a writer.

Shai Coggins has taken up this point in her posting called “Stop. Revive. Survive.”

…blogging is like a journey. When you start to blog, you open up a whole new world online. And, like with any kind of journey, it is always exciting to begin.

But, excitement fades at times and exhaustion creeps in eventually. When this happens, it’s time to stop and revive. Otherwise, bloggers who try to continue past this stage end up feeling burnt out – to the point of completely giving up.

She goes on to give some very sound advice in maintaining motivation as a writer or a blogger. I believe that creating a mental and physical freshness will result in far more effective writing. I know that a dull mind can easily create dull writing.

Some Suggestions:

Here are some of my suggestions for remaining fresh and motivated:

• Get up and do some stretching exercises.
• Go for a walk around the garden and literally smell the roses.
• Turn away from the computer screen and see how many different birds you can see out side (I’m a bird watcher so this can be VERY refreshing and VERY distracting)
• Read today’s newspaper – a change of pace and often a source of inspiration for writing.
• Take time out for thirty minutes and do the crossword in the paper; it’s an excellent mental stimulation and increases your word knowledge.
• Revisit your favourite book and dip into it anywhere (but don’t keep reading for hours (keep it for bed time).
• Ring a friend and chat for ten minutes about anything (but don’t talk for hours).
• Go to your favourite chair and day dream for twenty minutes (but don’t have a “grandpa nap” like I find myself doing, especially late in the afternoon).

These are some things that work for me.

Each person has a different way of reviving the flagging spirit and body.

What works for you? Leave your comments so that we can all benefit.