Excellent piece. When asked about my own writing routine I generally lie by giving the answer I would like to be true: I write in the mornings and go for long walks in the afternoons, and read in the evenings. But the truth is these days I'm always too tired to read in the evenings, and since reading and writing are -- for me at least -- contiguous activities, reading tends to take place in tandem with the writing. But I suspect the matter of finding time has always been harder for women, because of the traditional division of labor, childcare etc . . .
Thanks, Richard. Harder, but not as much harder as it once was. Difficult to remember, in these dark times, that life has improved for women in our era. My memoir group was talking about the issue of getting to the writing: only one of us has established a daily writing routine that works for her. The rest of us often go days without getting to the desk. I like that for you reading and writing are contiguous. I often find reading a good ignition for writing.
Thanks, Pat. It’s always helpful to hear that others struggle with making time for writing. I’ve become an expert at procrastinating, especially when I’m not thrilled with the project. I’m also distressed to find that my procrastination often leaks into my art activities. That blank drawing pad or lump of clay can be just as intimidating as an empty computer screen.
BTW, the note about Maya Angelou brought back some memories. I sometimes booked a hotel room for a week or so at a time when I was a graduate student struggling with a heavy-duty writing assignment and then my thesis. I’d tell the front desk staff to leave towels at the door but not to enter so as not to disturb the piles of notes and reference material I had laid out on almost every flat surface. I didn’t have kids, but I did have a husband, so I had mankeeping responsibilities (or so I thought) :).
I have never been able to stick to a schedule, creative or otherwise. The writing just happens when I have something to say. I once gave myself the gift of a working retreat. Lovely cottage on the bank of the river in New Smyrna by myself. I got so little done it was embarrassing. Chairs were not comfortable, bed was miserable. Had to go down three steps to the bathroom and nearly killed myself in the middle of the night. There is no way - you just do it.
Comment from Sue Holbrook, who sent it in an email and gave me permission to copy it here
In 2021, I was facing a new year of dual treatment, both dialysis and infusion. That's when I wrote a timeline memoir of 18 pages. It has been shared with family and very few friends. One friend said rewrite it in story fashion to draw the reader in. Not happening. Another said it was a bit shocking but didn't tell me which part. My birthson disowned me over it, calling it "the document." So it's not going anywhere else, ever.
How many writers, I wonder, have sealed papers to be released only after everyone concerned is gone? And how many more have changed names and called it fiction?
Excellent piece. When asked about my own writing routine I generally lie by giving the answer I would like to be true: I write in the mornings and go for long walks in the afternoons, and read in the evenings. But the truth is these days I'm always too tired to read in the evenings, and since reading and writing are -- for me at least -- contiguous activities, reading tends to take place in tandem with the writing. But I suspect the matter of finding time has always been harder for women, because of the traditional division of labor, childcare etc . . .
Thanks, Richard. Harder, but not as much harder as it once was. Difficult to remember, in these dark times, that life has improved for women in our era. My memoir group was talking about the issue of getting to the writing: only one of us has established a daily writing routine that works for her. The rest of us often go days without getting to the desk. I like that for you reading and writing are contiguous. I often find reading a good ignition for writing.
Thanks, Pat. It’s always helpful to hear that others struggle with making time for writing. I’ve become an expert at procrastinating, especially when I’m not thrilled with the project. I’m also distressed to find that my procrastination often leaks into my art activities. That blank drawing pad or lump of clay can be just as intimidating as an empty computer screen.
BTW, the note about Maya Angelou brought back some memories. I sometimes booked a hotel room for a week or so at a time when I was a graduate student struggling with a heavy-duty writing assignment and then my thesis. I’d tell the front desk staff to leave towels at the door but not to enter so as not to disturb the piles of notes and reference material I had laid out on almost every flat surface. I didn’t have kids, but I did have a husband, so I had mankeeping responsibilities (or so I thought) :).
Great story about the hotel room, Linda. One of my memoir group writers is giving herself a week in a condo in the mountains to write this summer.
I have never been able to stick to a schedule, creative or otherwise. The writing just happens when I have something to say. I once gave myself the gift of a working retreat. Lovely cottage on the bank of the river in New Smyrna by myself. I got so little done it was embarrassing. Chairs were not comfortable, bed was miserable. Had to go down three steps to the bathroom and nearly killed myself in the middle of the night. There is no way - you just do it.
Comment from Sue Holbrook, who sent it in an email and gave me permission to copy it here
Yes, the Nike slogan bears remembering.
Grace Paley has some interesting things to say about writing, including the challenges posed by having children, in her 1992 Paris Review interview.
Thanks, Dennis. Grace Paley has interesting things to say always.
In 2021, I was facing a new year of dual treatment, both dialysis and infusion. That's when I wrote a timeline memoir of 18 pages. It has been shared with family and very few friends. One friend said rewrite it in story fashion to draw the reader in. Not happening. Another said it was a bit shocking but didn't tell me which part. My birthson disowned me over it, calling it "the document." So it's not going anywhere else, ever.
How many writers, I wonder, have sealed papers to be released only after everyone concerned is gone? And how many more have changed names and called it fiction?
Pleased and privileged to be one of those demanding writers.
Professionals. That's the word I should have used. :)
😊
Pages, please.
This post inspires me to find my way to giving you lots of them!
Or me giving you lots too. Ain't deadlines wonderful?