There is this thing my oldest son does every morning. He gets up, walks deliberately to a specific spot on the couch, sits, and absorbs the content of a handful of specific streamers. I joke about this in my head often–largely because I identify him as a consumer vs. creator and I’ll always have issues with that, but I respect his dedication to his rituals. It is something I envy and have tried over the years to mimic. So, every day I get up, I come to the page, I write something–anything down and I have my coffee. It isn’t much, but it gets me started.
I did it this morning as I did yesterday with this new project and I can feel my brain shifting into the new project in a positive way. Wake up to the work is what I mean to call it when I eventually write the book on writing. Of course, for that book and my voice to have value to readers I need to show them (you) how impactful and effective that is. What I really want to do is chart the development of this next novel and teach people how to fall into the 6 month schedule of writing a novel. There needs to be some other broader argument about the work before that–perhaps a generalized book on writing as a Life path, but if I am thinking about what has me curious, it is that fast turnaround schedule that mass market authors seem to be able to achieve.
Everything is ritual–be it the daily or the weekly or broader. Each ritual begins as each sentence begins, with the kernel step of stringing two things together, and then we grow from that. We link these rituals in complex fashions to create our own voice and our own magic to power our days and our lives. Meditation tells us to focus on the breath. I believe the step to step is the breath of writing and that first kernel ritual you devise will become your focus. So create that moment, be it the deliberate steps to the couch or the low gurgle of the coffee machine as it churns out your morning fuel. Stick to it. Make it your mantra as you move into your day.
The writing will follow.
Some Thoughts:
- The creator vs. consumer argument is one I struggle with. I believe in the idea of content creation. I believe that people, in order to better understand and express themselves must create something on a regular basis. I have six kids. Three are creators. I consider it a failure as a father to not have instilled that creative philosophy in more of them. I value the contributions of both sides, mind you, but as a creator I want my kids to also create–even if it is just for themselves. I don’t think you can just be a consumer and be truly happy and connected.