I am a champion procrastinator. To keep that tendency in check, I periodically review what counts as writing, and what does not.
1) Sitting down at the computer and typing words that flow from my head is, obviously, writing.
2) Sitting down at the computer intending to write but playing games instead is not writing even if I try to con myself by insisting I am considering important plot points while attempting to get three stars on Level 2,341 of Bubble Witch 2. (If you know how to get three stars on level 2,341, please use the comment section to give me your secret.)
3) Placing a pen or pencil on paper and pouring out words is writing, although hand muscles geared to typing cramp after too much of it. Writing by hand only occurs when:
A) I am bored in a crowded meeting but need to look like I’m paying attention and/or taking notes (I outlined a complete novel during one hellishly dull 8 hour seminar); or
B) I mistakenly travel somewhere with none of the electronic gizmos I normally use and I’m desperate.
4) Dictating my story into my digital voice recorder while I'm driving, while not winning me "safe driver of the year" award, is writing.
5) Thinking about my story is, alas, not writing. If it were, I'd have a completed work rivaling the unabridged Oxford English Dictionary in length. (The last published version of the OED was the 2nd edition in 1989; periodically, the OED also publishes single volumes with words that have been added. Now, the OED is online and is, per its web site, a guide “to the meaning, history and usage of over 500,000 words and phrases across the English-speaking world.")
6) Talking about my WIP is not writing.
7) Preparing a pitch for a completed work is writing. In fact, it may be one of the hardest parts of writing.
8) Signing up for a writing class without actually attending it is not writing.
9) Completing the first writing assignment in a course and then ferrying the rest of the lessons and information into an e-mail folder for that future mythical era where I have time to catch up is not writing.
10) Completing a writing course is writing and time well spent.
11) Buying books on writing is not writing. This stricture includes books with topics such as how to complete a novel in 30 days, time management, steps to a writing life, writing exercises and creativity, especially when said books remain on the shelf unopened. (My husband says I have more time management books than anyone he knows. He just wishes I'd read at least one of them.)
12) Reading such books is writing - to a point. Reading on how to improve my craft is useful but only if I practice the knowledge I gain by – you guessed it – writing.
13) Editing is writing, but I have to keep a close rein on my inner critic, a snarky, surly lass always popping up with the worst comments at the worst time.
14) Reading other mysteries is not writing. I am mesmerized by a good book. Growing up, my youngest sister would come home from school and talk to me for fifteen minutes before I realized anyone was in the room with me. My very patient family has learned to say my name three times progressively louder and pull on my arm at least once if they need my attention while I’m reading. In case of fire, I expect them to save themselves and leave me to my fate. At least I’ll die happy. (Reading other people’s work is essential to my development as a writer, so I make time for it. I just don’t count that time as writing time.)
What activities do you count as writing versus non-writing?
You nailed it with this blog. My newest distraction because it takes 35-60 minutes is to be letting my subconscious work on writing while playing Realcanasta or Canastajunction on the computer.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you do need to just let your subconscious stew in the background!
DeleteA great list, Connie! Going for a walk and talking out loud to myself about where the book needs to go next counts as writing for me.
ReplyDeleteYes, because I imagine you then go and write about what you decided. A lot of times, I just think about writing the book without following it up with writing.
DeleteListening to my computer read my words back to me counts as writing.
ReplyDeleteYes, listening to your work being read provides an entirely different way of editing, and points out things just reading it might miss.
DeleteA few of us are forming a Procrastinators' Club, but we haven't got around to setting up a meeting.
ReplyDeleteI began a Woman's World romance with a similar premise - unfortunately, I haven't finished it yet. There's time. It's only been a year or so.
DeleteI probably would qualify as a Charter Member!
DeleteI beg to differ about reading not being writing. I think it can be. I just finished a novel that I chose specifically to learn some new techniques. It was a masterclass in tension, conflict, and keeping the reader off balance.
ReplyDeleteI have to second this idea. It works for me, too. EXCEPT, I often have to read the book twice. The first time I simply get lost in the magic. The second to dissect the craft.
DeleteI understand and agree with you the way you do it, but the way I do it is just to keep reading regardless of what it is doing to my writing time!
DeleteNancy, I consider thinking about one's WIP to be writing. It often leads to new plot points. But I must admit that I look at my word count to see how much I accomplish each day.
ReplyDeleteWhen you think about your writing and then do something with your thoughts, you're right, that does qualify as writing.
DeleteShowering is not writing even if my best ideas appear. Unless I'm able to solve a plot point or two. Then it counts, for sure.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how some of our best ideas pop up in the shower?
DeleteThe stars have to align and the force be with me to write. I do my best work on deadline.
ReplyDeleteA deadline almost always provides inspiration for me, too.
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