One of the biggest stumbling blocks for me, getting into this whole "writing a book" thing, had been actually sitting down and doing it. It wasn't a matter of writer's block for me, or laziness, or ADHD. (Okay, maybe sometimes it was a combo of the last two.) Some days, I just couldn't seem to get into the groove. Reading "The Journey from the Center to the Page" (thanks, Samer!) has been helpful, but I recently discovered an activity that has upped my productivity significantly: tandem writing sessions!
My cousin Cheryl down in DC is writing a novel, and found it really hard to get big chunks of work done, too. She said that she used to do this with a friend of hers, and would I be interested? I'll give anything a whirl once. Here's how it works:
- We have set appointments twice a week in the morning. One of us calls the other at the appointed time.
- We each say what we're going to try and accomplish in that session, and how long we'd like to work for. (For us, it's generally an hour at a time.)
- We also offer each other suggestions or share experiences that might be helpful.
- We hang up and get to work. I use the SelfControl app for Mac to block my access to email, Facebook and Twitter during that time.
- At the end of the hour, we call each other and relate how it went, what we were able to get done and what the next steps are.
Wash, rinse, repeat!
The accountability is what's been the most helpful part of this. Sure, I can make a "meeting" with myself in my iCal to get work done, but knowing that I have to call someone, have a plan and execute itgives me that much more inspiration to get tough chunks of the book worked out. Also, working in tandem with someone who's not in the same room doesn't offer up the temptation to just sit there and chat for the whole hour.
All-in-all, a resounding Zandt Family Success Storyâ„¢, and highly recommended to others.
My mom (cartoon'ed at left) sent the following email to her department yesterday.
–
As you may well know by now………..
I have been promoted to "Supplies Orderer". Although this promotion has added no monetary addition to my income, I take great pride in this endeavor and am looking forward to serving you all to the very best of my ability. I have listed a few suggestions below. Your cooperation is absolutely imperative to "make me look good" in this new position. After all, it *is* all about me, isn't it. (I'm a Leo….)
When you see the forms in the drawer(s) are less than ten, pls enter the form number and description along with your name to the order form taped so neatly to the outside of the file cabinet. Pencils are available nearby in a make-shift (but ever so classy) plastic pencil holder. If you prefer to use ink, you certainly may do so. However, you will be required to provide your own pen. A favorite color preference for me is green. It won't get the order filled any faster, but it will add color to the sheet and therefore, also add color to my new life as "Supplies Orderer." The lower portion of the form is for pens, pencils, sticky notes and all that other misc stuff. Items such as hair spray, aftershave and alcohol are not included.
Orders will be submitted to G.S. every Friday and hopefully filled by Monday or at the latest Tuesday. HOWEVER, if you need something that is not readily available to you PLEASE CONTACT ME via email and I will make certain you have it asap.
Feel free to make any suggestions to improve service, but pls keep them simple as I am easily confused.
Yours very truly.
Rachael, Supplies Orderer
Many of you know that I have this great political relationship with my mom– she's fun to talk to about politics because she's one of the few people I know that doesn't tow the line of any political ideology. She goes for what she thinks is right, and I have a huge amount of respect for that.
In the last couple of years, she's become more involved in fact-finding missions, and likes to investigate different candidates' and parties' viewpoints to help her make up her mind. So, when she received an email from the GOP asking her to watch Governor Jindal's response to the President's speech to Congress last night, she told me she was a little annoyed by it. Intrigued, I asked her why. Her response:
Well maybe I'm misunderstanding, but this just hit me wrong:
"…the way to lead is not raising taxes and putting more money in the hands of Washington, D.C. politicians."
and then -
"Please make a secure online contribution of $2,000, $1,000, $500, $100,$50 or $25 today to support the RNC's party-building and candidate recruitment programs."
I'll hold further comments until I've had a chance to hear the speech.
Go Mom! tee hee hee…
Drumroll, please… I went and got myself a dog! Please meet and introduce yourself to Ms Izzy Louise:
Her story: She was rescued by the super awesome folks over at Rat Terrier ResQ from a backyard breeder in Texas. Which means, pretty much, that she spent the first three years of her life in a cage outdoors, and has had to overcome incredible obstacles. Thanks to the love and patience of her foster mom, Jacki, she's done just that, and is slowly adjusting to life with me in Brooklyn. As I type this, she's snoozing on the window shelf I built for her next to my desk. It's a dog's life!
There are a bunch of ways you can keep up with her progress online, if you're into that sort of thing– I'll be posting more periodic updates in my own accounts, but here are her locations online:
I could go on and on about the month that I spent in Berlin, especially the week that I was traveling around with my mom — we had an absolute blast! Instead, tho, I'll direct you over to my Flickr collection of trip photos, conveniently sectioned off for your browsing pleasure. Enjoy!
Via Awesome — a note from someone's mom:
When you don't post something to your blog for a few days I get worried but then when you write some of the things you do i am really worried Love you anyways.Mom
UPDATE: Go see the whole "postcards from yo momma site". Utter and complete hilarity. Made my day.
While we're having a laugh, an awesome lolcat from this week:
see more crazy cat pics
I'm back in the picture-taking loop now that I've got a shiny new digital camera. Yippie! Here's some recent montages I've participated in…
The Zandt-Mänkze Family Reunion, 2007
(Here's my shots)
My birthday cocktail hour at Mo Pitkin's
My trip to Europe — Switzerland, Germany and the Czech Republic
UPDATE: Christine just sent me the most hilarious set of pictures from our IKEA trip, oh my:
Deanna's IKEA Adventure
One of the biggest stumbling blocks for me, getting into this whole "writing a book" thing, had been actually sitting down and doing it. It wasn't a matter of writer's block for me, or laziness, or ADHD. (Okay, maybe sometimes it was a combo of the last two.) Some days, I just couldn't seem to get into the groove. Reading "The Journey from the Center to the Page" (thanks, Samer!) has been helpful, but I recently discovered an activity that has upped my productivity significantly: tandem writing sessions!
