Life Of E's » writing inspiration

Signs That You Are Just ‘Pretending’ to Write – #32 -38

Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D. — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:27:13 +0000

Here are yet more indications that were sent in when I asked folks for their best pretending-to-write ‘sign’:

32. You have Microsoft Word open and you’re fiddling with the styles to get one that’s “just right.”

33. You’re surfing the net-not aimlessly but for some really good examples of the kind of thing you’re trying to write.

34. You are reviewing your “to do” list just to make sure that you haven’t overlooked something that’s even more important than writing whatever it is you sat down to write.

35. I actually don’t sharpen pencils anymore (although I do sometimes refill both fountain pens, just in case!) Connie Knapp

36. I redo my calendar…I am back to using a written, paper calendar. I erase sloppy writing, add things for next year, rearrange the priority of lists for next week…

37. I also clean off the top of my desk, just in case it is not clean enough yet! Patti McClelland

38. You’re craving your second nap of the day. You can never get enough sleep when you’re avoiding a deadline (Ellen Williams)

Put yours in the comment section, please!!

Hey, we’re all in this together, right? If you would like to get inspiration, direction, and structure for your writing, join us for the upcoming tele-workshop & coaching event, “30 Articles in Just 30 Days.” Here’s where you can learn all the scoop:

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(c) 2009 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., “The Ph.D. of Productivity”(tm). Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh works with bright people who want to be more productive so that they can consistently keep their emphasis on excellence. I’m thankful everyday.

Signs That You Are Just ‘Pretending’ to Write #25 – 31

Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:26:41 +0000

Here are yet more indications that were sent in when I asked folks for their best ”pretending-to-write ‘sign’:

Your question and your examples made me laugh out loud! As you know I am in the process of writing my dissertation, so I have much experience with this. For me, the signs that I’m pretending to write include:

25. My house is cleaner than usual.

26. The cats need a “play date” outside with supervision.

27. I am thinking.

28. I am looking for more resources in the library.

29. I am scheduling yet another meeting with my committee to discuss my progress and have to wait before I proceed.

30. I have to beat my score on the Visual Thesaurus Spelling Bee.

31. I am searching through the APA manual for the proper way to punctuate and indent. Lisa Evans (soon to be Dr. Evans)

Hey, we’re all in this together, right? If you would like to get inspiration, direction, and structure for your writing, join us for the upcoming tele-workshop & coaching event, “30 Articles in Just 30 Days.” Here’s where you can learn all the scoop:

** http://30articlesinjust30days.com

You will see what others who have participated in previous events have to say. Check it out!

Signs That You Are Just ‘Pretending’ to Write #17 – 24

Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D. — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:10:38 +0000

Here are even more that were sent in when I asked folks for their best ‘indication’ of pretending to write (thanks, Vickie Galindo!)

17. Seeking out people to talk to

18. Going to our other building

19. Flipping through things on my desk, or in my 1-31 planning system

20. Going to the restroom,

21. Getting a snack

22. Making a deal with myself when I will actually start and then another deal, and … well you get the idea

23. Checking in with the students.

24. Guess I am now busted!!!! Hope this helps.

** http://30articlesinjust30days.com

You will see what others who have participated in previous events have to say. Check it out!

Signs That You Are Just ‘Pretending’ to Write #11 – 16

Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D. — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:03:54 +0000

Here are more to add to the list – and they are from others when I sent out the question about what people’s best ‘indication’ of pretending to write is:

11. You’re not able to tell yourself which _exact problem_ in the writing you are working out in this very moment (i.e. it is a more vague “working on the project”). -anonymous

12. You’re lying in bed thinking about the writing you are going to do when you get out of bed. Marydee Sklar

13. You’re reading about writing (Kelly J. Eveleth)

14. Greetings! E-mail does me in. I am working on cleaning up chapter 2 and then ….e-mail monster strikes in! I can ignore the phone, but e-mail…. always gets me! Please feel free to share. Smiles and I am writing, right after these e-mails. Kimberly Smerkers

15. Another sign … you begin organizing or straightening your desk or your office. (OK to share anonymously).

16. Suddenly, cleaning the toilet or oven (something you hate and try to rarely do), sounds good. Anonymity is fine.

** http://30articlesinjust30days.com

You will see what others who have participated in previous events have to say. Check it out!

Signs That You Are Just ‘Pretending’ to Write

Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:03:26 +0000

1. You’re cleaning out your desk drawer for the second (or third) time this week.

2. You’re on deadline and you’re answering the phone – or worse yet, you’re making calls.

3. You’re sending and receiving emails. Hello?! How many times do we have to talk about this?

4. You’re on FB, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

5. You’re flipping through magazines “for inspiration.”

6. You’re noodling around on the internet.

7. You’re out to lunch – and it had not been previously scheduled. You just now rustled up a lunch date or accepted one.

8. You’re sharpening pencils.

9. You’ve noticed your keyboard is dusty and you’re spraying it with compressed air (I guess so the dust doesn’t interfere with your words).

10. You’re musing (mentally or out loud) about how hard it is to write and other people just don’t ‘get it.’

** http://30articlesinjust30days.com

You will see what others who have participated in previous events have to say. Check it out!