A Day Off....

No insights today- I am taking a day off from all writing (except for these few words, and a few lines on an article :)). I needed to recharge my batteries.

But I Don't Want To!

So, I don't want to write today. I do not want to work out today either, and would prefer to eat chocolate ice cream and sushi (separately, of course).

Throughout the ages philosophers have debated the merits of living a life based upon meaning verses pleasure. The hedonists verses the stoics, the epicureans verses the existentialists (I am speaking metaphorically here).

To me, the good life is about balance. Every day that I can create a balance between meaning and pleasure I think I am adding to the overall quality of my life.

So, what does this have to do with writing and publishing?

Well, neither is always pleasurable, but can lead to a strong sense of meaning. Of course, many of us experience great joy from writing as well, but this is not always the case. Try to remember the powerful effect that being creative and writing can have upon your sense of meaning; this may make it easier to set some time aside to write.

Make a Change Today

Sometimes, we think we are so lost that we need to make drastic changes in our lives in order for things to change. However, a lesson from systems theory is that small changes can have far reaching impacts.

Today, make one small change in how you approach writing. Think about all the posts you have read here, advice you have received or about the changes that you have wanted to make. Just make one, a small one, and feel good about it, darn it!!

Some suggestions? Sure.

Start your day with 5 minutes of writing, ever day (everyone has time for that!)
Every other time you want to send a text message, write for two minutes instead
Buy a notebook and write thoughts you have about your scholarship
Call an old mentor you have not spoken to in a while and talk to them
Find a new mentor or coach
Read more articles in your area

It Seems to Be Rituals Week

It seems to be the week for me to focus on the topic of rituals for writers!

I conducting a workshop this week for the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity. If you do not know the Center's work, and are a new or aspiring professor, you really need to check out what they do! I will linking to a guest blog post by their CEO soon.

Coincidentally, a guest post I wrote a few weeks ago on the use of rituals in writing has come out today on Jennifer Blanchard's fine blog Procrastinating Writers. In addition to checking out my post (click on the link), take a look at the other ideas and resources that Jennifer provides.

Exercise for the Day

Ok, here is a brainstorming exercise for today. In Google Scholar, put in a random subject that does not apply to your work, or only tangentially so. Then, just based on the sound or word choices of a few titles, try to write a couple of titles on your area of interest. Mimic the style and tone, if you will, of the titles you found. This is a brainstorming exercise, designed to stimulate creativity, so do not judge what you are writing while you are writing.

Repeat this a couple of times, and see if you have not come up with a new article idea.

Sushi

What in the world does sushi have to do with writing and publication? Nothing, and everything!

Have you ever watched a skilled sushi chief work? Have you ever watched how detailed his/her work is, how precise? You may also have noticed that his/her work also appears effortless.

Repetition breeds skill and ease. So too with writing. Remember, you are not supposed to be a master the first time you try something- it takes years of effort for something to feel effortless, and in truth, writing does not feel effortless to anyone all the time.

Now, if getting an article published was as satisfying as sea urchin with quail egg- life would be grand!

When you don't think it is there....

What do you do when you don't think there is anything there? When you have no ideas to write about, when nothing wants to come?

It would be glib to say "just write," but there are times when that just does not work. First, it happens to even the most productive writer, we are all entitled to a day off. I am not talking about what is labeled "writer's block," which is a more sustained, persistent constellation of psychosocial and behavioral issues ( and for sustained lapses from writing, seek outside assistance). I am referring to a day when you just have no ideas, and can't seem to engage any you had.

First, accept it and call it a day off.  Get away from the computer, and just let it go. Don't force it for a day or so, just give yourself that "writing holiday."

However, don't make it too long; more than a day or two often breaks momentum.

Stay engaged by reading. Focus on self care that gets your mind and body right (write :)).