I agree with Stephanie and Christy about all the distractions that keep me from creating books. Why am I so easily led astray from what I want to do most in the world? This past month in particular, I have come to view the Internet as the Enemy, at least with regards to me being productive with my current book project. I tell myself that I need a break and I'm only going to check my email and WHAM - two hours have gone by. Even more than that, being on the computer affects my thinking in a negative way that I can't explain; it leaves my brain mushy and less creative. As I face up to this new book's deadline I am doing my best to follow this rule: absolutely NO checking my email until I am done with my creative work for the day.
As far as other conditions that help me with my work, having enough time to think, experiment, and play is helpful. I am a slow, methodical worker, and I'm learning to embrace that and not feel like a slacker just because others are twice as productive. But I also need deadlines, otherwise I will drag out my work for years (and years). And for a slow thinker, I sometimes come up with my best ideas under harsh deadlines (like this past Halloween when I had only a few hours left to carve pumpkins and I came up with some of my best ideas). So that's a balance I seek: time to work slowly, yet a deadline that holds me accountable.
Other than that, give me a can of Pepsi, a couple of homemade chocolate chip cookies, and the privacy of my apartment's little studio and I'm ready to work...as long as I stay away from the computer.
5 comments:
David, I love that picture of you at your desk! I like your set up-private studio, caffeine, homemade chocolate chip cookies (more caffeine). I also admire your discipline staying away from the computer. It does way-lay plans so often.
My daughter is also a slow, methodical thinker. I feel that too much value is put on being quick. Thoughts need time to germinate. Glad you embrace this.
David,
It seems that many of our spuds share the same distractions. I, too, need to set aside email and internet until after I finish my daily creative activities. My writing cabin is helping because I don't allow the internet inside those walls!
Yes, here I am on my computer responding to your excellent post! It urges me to shut this thing down so I can get to work-- but not before I tell you that "Pepsi" was a surprise. I knew about the homemade chocolate chip cookies-- but somehow I associated them with milk?
I think it is part of the experience of becoming an artist~ the understanding and compassionate acceptance of one's best way of working, despite the pushes from the outside world. Thanks for your post David.
Now- Off with the computer!
As Lauren pointed out, it's ironic that I am on the computer right now commenting on your post -- instead of doing my work!! I, too, struggle with productivity and work-pace issues, but knowing you share them while also knowing about the many quality works you have produced inspires me to keep plugging away at my own snail's pace....
Yeah, computers are evil. I'm doing NaNoWriMo and limiting my internet until I've hit my word count for the day...
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