At my Writing Group tonight the task set for each member was to compose a list of ten things we need to create the perfect productive writing environment. Mine read:
1. Sleep – I can’t be tired
2. Clean teeth – furry teeth = furry thoughts
3. Big knickers - no distracting elastic bites
4. A tidy house - makes me feel like I’m in control
5. Bananas, milk and bread - so I have no popping out urges
6. Gold FM or Spotify for a bit of mood music
7. Constant Internet Access – so I can still be a citizen of the cyber world as I write
8. A Deadline
9. Pink Grapefruit Squash - one pint
10. The dog to rest my feet on
I realised just how very lowbrow I am - call me Philistina - when my neighbour started to read his list. It began with ‘Thoughts about Cubism’ (to examine character from every angle and as a route into complexity) and ‘Meditation’ , and became even more thoughtful and metaphysical as he developed and articulated his ideas.
And what did I learn tonight? Imperfect isn’t just a tense.
Just think how long your list would have been should you have suffered from OCD—— now that would certainly be a route into complexity!!!!!!!
I loved your list, especially the big knickers bit. You are no Philistina and your short story was perfect – good luck with it
Moya, if complexity was to do with complexions, red and spotty ones, then I could out-complex the best of them !
Jan, thank you. I was thinking about you last night and decided that ‘rich’ is the best word to describe your writing.
Anna May x
The big knickers thing is especially important the more bananas, milk and bread you get through, I find.
I realise I need a dog. That’s what I’m missing.
Hahaha Fran, and a chihahua wouldn’t work.
Anna May x
I have a similar list when writing my weekly shopping list. !. An empty fridge 2. an empty belly 3. a dog to put my feet on. Only joking about the dog but that’s so cute that I thik I should add a dog to my shopping list
Thanks Anna. Now if my writing could only make me rich I’d be happy x
i think your list is much more realistic than your neighbour… Your neighbour sounds like someone who the class groan at when he/she speaks!!
Jan, one day soon.
Eternally Distracted, Welcome – and thank you for voting for my list!
Anna May x