Oh I’ve been jumping up and down and squealing at the new followers. Thank you; thank you Rach for your Platform-Building Crusade. Actually I have to be honest I don’t like reciprocal following for the sake of increasing numbers but what I do like about this is that we’re all writers, right? So that’s not just for the sake of it…
Another confession I have to make to my new followers is about tea stains. If I’m talking about writing it’s often a sign I’m not writing… obviously, to someone who wants to finish her book, this is A Bad Thing.
I’m trying to change the Bad Thing into Good Thing. Good Thing is writing; or editing. So I’ve implemented a new habit: I’m ending each post with an edit status. Public humiliation tactic: progress (or otherwise) on my edit: page xx. This is working well in that I’m embarrassed to have to say I’ve done very little editing since yesterday. It’s good that I’m embarrassed but that’s not really enough. I need to move the embarrassment and inaction towards pride and action because I’ve made progress. I am determined that pitiful progress won’t happen again tomorrow. Watch this space.
So, when I’m not talking about writing because I am writing (Good Thing) I quite often post about my life as a British woman in Thailand or my family or something I see on the street, or somewhere I go. This might mean my blog is somewhat eclectic but that’s just the way it goes. Anyway, now you know.
Public humiliation tactic: progress (or otherwise) on my edit: page 39
16 comments:
I've never been to Thailand, so I think it could be interesting to read about your life there. And I think it's great that you're trying to put your writing first.
Remember, JJ, even pitiful progress is progress. (I should know. Grand total of words written so far this week: 688. But I have done lots of subbing and other writery things... honest...)
Hi Jenny, it is quite tough, isn't it. In fact when I see all these wonderful people (writers)doing posts so often, helping and supporting one another AND have studies and family to care for as well, AND need to finish that novel at the same time, I am absolutely amazed, and always wonder how they do it.
I guess it comes down to passion. And you can be passionate about more than one thing, I suppose. In my case when I write or read I cannot farm. Simple as that. But I am crazy over both, so...
I'm sure you'll enjoy Thailand. It may be rough to begin with, and the people may be difficult to get through to sometimes, but the country and the people are some of the nicest I have been to and met.
It's fascinating to see the psychological games we have to play with ourselves to get us to do the work we all so much want to do. Funny. but we've all got them. Sounds like a good idea for a blog post....
How exciting getting new followers, says she who has just lost one. :-(
Perhaps I need to join the crusade.
:-)
I second Queenie. It's progress.
Thanks Quinn. I am trying but I keep getting distracted...
Queenie, good point - thank you.
Grandpa, thank you. Yes, there's a lot to fit in indeed. Actually we've been in Thailand for over five years now so this feels pretty much like home. I think we all have cultural idiosyncrasies that take getting used to... I do love it though; the people and the food are fabulous.
Sue, that's very true. I play tricks on myself all the time... I will email you soon.
Amanda, do join. I got 15 new followers. I hope they'll like coming rather than feel they have to but it's not much different to the novel racers' principle.
Ooop, missed you there Lane. Yes, you're both absolutely right. Thank you.
Hi Jenny, I'm a fellow Crusader coming to say hi. (Oh, and Happy Birthday for a few days ago.)
Hope the public humiliation thing works for you with the page edit count! I'm all for private shame, but maybe if I blog for long enough that will change...
I think this public humiliation thing has a lot of merit! I may try it. After NaNo, that is, for my own editing.
I'm returning the Crusader visit & follow. :)
I'd also love to hear about your adventures / transition to life in Thailand. Looking forward to it; I don't mind eclectic content at all!
Sounds like a great idea to me! :D I do still just want to talk about writing all the time, whether I'm writing or not, but I definitely don't want to talk about my progress if it's been rubbish. So if it actually gets rubbish, I may just consider the same tactic ^.^
Also, agree about the Crusade! And it's lovely to meet new followers! I do try reciprocal following - not for the sake of numbers, but because I actually like to get to know the people who follow my blog :)
Writing always needs to come first, that is, without question. We all understand because we are writers. I look forward to reading about your life and getting to know you better. I haven't left North America so I find it fascinating to hear about other places.
Everyone needs an editing break, right? And that's why blogs were invented? Or something like that.
I'm totally happy to read posts about life in Thailand. Or what kind of tea you're drinking. Or your mixed-culture experience (I'm an American woman who lived a couple of years in Scotland, so it's fun for me to read other people's culture-shocked adventures). Or anything, really. Blog-reading is almost as much fun as blog-writing! :)
Every little helps hon...don't beat yourself up so much about it!
C x
There's nothing wrong with spicing things up now and then! And if that's what works for you, then no worries! I do the opposite, usually - when I'm writing I want to share, but when I'm stuck I'd rather think about something else:)
Hi Jenny, I'm so glad you've got so many new followers. And great idea to give updates on your writing status, would love to hear how well it works for you :)
Rach
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