So I’m supposed to be revising a picture book text.
It is short — the shortest piece I’ve ever written and turned in — so what’s the big deal, right?
I’ve had the first batch of editorial notes for nearly three weeks and plenty of opportunities to tweak.
But noooo.
It has apparently been more crucial that I wipe down the outside of my washer and drier (?!?!!) — during a remodel no less.
And switch out the containers for the cat and dog food.
And make spring rolls from scratch.
I mean, the spring rolls were yummy but give me a break.
What should I do tomorrow — make puppets out of all the bachelorette socks in my drawer???
Sometimes it occurs to me — when I realize that I’m the boss who’s got to keep myself accountable —
that I’m not cut out for managerial positions.
Somebody tell me to sit down, shut up and kick it into gear!!!
(Well, maybe not shut up since I have to read aloud. But you know what I mean…)
LOL. Allow yourself an hour to procrastinate and then back to work. (says she with an unopened packet of edits due in less days than I have fingers on one hand.)
Good luck!
Miss Rumphius Says
I’ve found another kindred spirit! I have been called the queen or procrastination. Here’s what is hard for me. I love to work at home when no one else is here. It’s quiet, it’s comfortable, and it’s often inspiring. However, there is always laundry to be done, dishes to be washed, dinner to be planned, prepared, etc. It is so darn easy to be distracted.
The other problem is that sometimes my best work comes under the pressure of a deadline. I spent months working on a dissertation size report on my program for accreditation, but left the hard, hard work of revision until the end. I spent many weeks staying up late and getting up early. Yes, I was tired and cranky, but the energy and thought I put in at the end made the product so much better.
I know this isn’t always the best way to work, but I know part of this working style comes from my reluctance to let go of a project until it is perfect. One day I’ll recognize no work will ever be perfect and get it done and let up on myself.
What does all this mean? Procrastinate a bit, then go for a long walk. When you get back, BIC!
Oh, and one other idea on this. Since I am now doing some podcasting, I’ve been recording my poems and listening to them on my iPod. They are short, I can replay over and over, and really hear the meter and rhythm. It’s made revising much easier.
Good luck! You’ll get there.
Re: Miss Rumphius Says
Ooo, I love that iPod idea.
Re: Miss Rumphius Says
That is a very good idea, especially since one of my top five working goals for this year was to learn how to podcast. Maybe now’s my chance. (Love your podcasts, Tricia…)
Well, doesn’t this scenario sound familiar!?
Suddenly, it’s imperative that I clean out all my kitchen cabinets. I never thought of wiping down my washer and dryer . . .
Good luck on those revisions!! Time to turn into your chair.
Well, I’m of no use here. You saw where it took me over four months to gear up for a revision. Part of me says you’ll know when you’re ready. And the other part of me says you’ve just got to dig in and be willing to try a bunch of different ways to do what you’ve gotta do. And eventually you’ll hit on the right mix. If you need eyes, I’ve got ’em. But you may not be there yet. If you’ve got ed notes now, then more eyes may be one too many cooks standing with spoons at the ready.
OK, Susan, Tricia, Jama and Kristy,
Maybe we should all get together and go to a flea market and then spend the rest of the week sorting old spoons?
Misery loves company…
OK, everybody’s being MUCH too nice. Get your butt in gear and get that revising done–today!
Report in tomorrow and let us all know how wonderfully it came out.
And have fun :>)
Reporting for duty, Sergeant 🙂
LOL. Laura is great, isn’t she? I was going to say something sweet, like honey, you ARE revising as you wipe down that washer and dryer–you know, wheels spinning while you work—but now, I’m with Laura. If you’re blogging about it, IT’S TIME! 😉
I think you’re right on both accounts. Things are always churning away in there, and there’s a sort of pre-productive productivity going on. But comes a time where the actual work’s gotta get done. Washer and dryer be damned…
so????
How goes the revision?
Susan — You are so sweet to check in on me.
Today: two stanzas, completely re-tooled!!! Wahooooo.
(I know, it sounds like very, very little… and it is. But it is forward motion, folks. Forward motion…)
Hey, two stanzas is a lot in a picture book!
Way cool about moving forward. (says she who is scrambling to find the last of her notes on the Alamo as she powers through her own edits.)
Scramble!
Power!
Scramble!
Power!!!
Dude.
You will feel better once you give it one pass. Just one.
Hope you’ve kicked it up a notch and got more accomplished today! Good luck! Every word written in one step closer to done.