I love this question. When I feel impatient with how long my work takes, it makes me feel better to step back and think about other books people have written that I value and admire. All of them took many years to percolate. But once they were out of the writers’ hands and circulating in the world, did the length of their composition period really matter? What actually matters is to believe in the work for as long as it takes and (within the constraints of circumstances and resources) give it the time it deserves. That way we can find the stamina to stick with it, and adapt as needed when circumstances change along the way. Thanks for this reminder, Jane! 💫
I would pore over three word phrases, and the choice between commas and dashes, and spend the day turning over in my mind exactly which expletive will best do the job I want done by the sentence. When I write like that I get lost in the words and it's so deeply satisfing that it at least competes with time anxiety and sometimes obliterates it. Thanks for the reminder Jane!
For my haiku experiments, I squirrel away phrases or descriptions for potential poems in a notebook that have come to mind when out walking (as per the Day 9 prompt to ‘write with your body’!!) and then let them sit, maybe for weeks, while they marinate at the back of my mind. Coming back to them after that interval allows me to see new possibilities, better phrasings, etc that I didn’t see before. In this way, the poems evolve organically over a period of time as I dip in and out and the process is so much lighter, less forced and more fun as a result. I am also reminded me of this line from Mary Oliver: “Things take the time they take. Don’t worry...”
This is such a great pondering! As I am in my very first semester of doctoral coursework, deadlines kill the joy of taking my time... However, all that said, in all honesty, I think I get overexcited about sharing my writing with my professors. I am inspired by my learning and eager to please, but I do love the idea of spacing out time to have better experiences with my writing sessions. It's a bit of a blur at times, I'm looking forward to breaks when I can sit and revisit pieces for fine-tuning.
I love this question. When I feel impatient with how long my work takes, it makes me feel better to step back and think about other books people have written that I value and admire. All of them took many years to percolate. But once they were out of the writers’ hands and circulating in the world, did the length of their composition period really matter? What actually matters is to believe in the work for as long as it takes and (within the constraints of circumstances and resources) give it the time it deserves. That way we can find the stamina to stick with it, and adapt as needed when circumstances change along the way. Thanks for this reminder, Jane! 💫
So true. It's like trying to rush a kid to grow up
Thank you, Jane - a timely reminder about the importance and value of time.
This reminds me that writing is a form of self-care. Thanks!
I would pore over three word phrases, and the choice between commas and dashes, and spend the day turning over in my mind exactly which expletive will best do the job I want done by the sentence. When I write like that I get lost in the words and it's so deeply satisfing that it at least competes with time anxiety and sometimes obliterates it. Thanks for the reminder Jane!
For my haiku experiments, I squirrel away phrases or descriptions for potential poems in a notebook that have come to mind when out walking (as per the Day 9 prompt to ‘write with your body’!!) and then let them sit, maybe for weeks, while they marinate at the back of my mind. Coming back to them after that interval allows me to see new possibilities, better phrasings, etc that I didn’t see before. In this way, the poems evolve organically over a period of time as I dip in and out and the process is so much lighter, less forced and more fun as a result. I am also reminded me of this line from Mary Oliver: “Things take the time they take. Don’t worry...”
If I ever decided to do affirmations, this is what I would tell myself in the mirror every morning.
This is such a great pondering! As I am in my very first semester of doctoral coursework, deadlines kill the joy of taking my time... However, all that said, in all honesty, I think I get overexcited about sharing my writing with my professors. I am inspired by my learning and eager to please, but I do love the idea of spacing out time to have better experiences with my writing sessions. It's a bit of a blur at times, I'm looking forward to breaks when I can sit and revisit pieces for fine-tuning.