Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts

Monday, November 3, 2014

A clear writing mindset: Quitting sugar and Google

A clear writing mindset: Quitting sugar and Google
by Alex
Late last month, I felt like I was in a rut, trying to finish a short story for a collection. I'm still not done, but I feel like the end is in sight after a period in which it couldn't have seemed further off. A few changes helped me get back in the right mindset.
The Internet is often portrayed as an enormous distraction for writers. Writers like Jonathan Franzen have even made a big deal about disabling their networks in order to get some work done. I can understand the impulse. But I don't think such severe blanket action is needed.
Instead, I believe that many writers (and everyone else, too) would be amazed at what life is like if you just give up on Google's services. No Gmail, no YouTube, and no Search. Giving them up wasn't too bad for me since I'm not a big YouTube watcher and find Search too filtered and customized, so I understand how this technique may not be that extensible.
Still, avoiding Google's endless abyss of answers is liberating. If I wanted to know something, I would consult a book or use DuckDuckGo if I had to - both of which require much more effort. Not having it there to lean on was amazing - I could just write or think instead of trying to sate my curiosity about an inconsequential question.
Around the same time that I went off Google, I went off sugar. Not completely, but pretty close. I don't even put sweetener of any kind in my coffee now. After I felt terrible for days (sugar really is a drug, and withdrawal is palpable), I eventually felt much calmer and happier. It felt good to just write and not feel the background urge to eat something really sweet, which would take away time and then set me up for a crash after the high wore off.
Being a writer doesn't entail being puritanical like this (quite the opposite, in fact). I might relapse eventually - low-stakes, since we're talking about Google and sugar, not something more serious - but it's refreshing to know that it's not that hard to upend your entire experience of the world with a few simple actions

Sunday, May 25, 2014

A New Start, Beginning, and Adventure

As of lately I have been doing a lot of writing as of late, I have decided to write my first novel. I have never knew how much work this will all take but to me it will all be worth it at the end when it is said and done. Also I have also started a new blog on this site as well. And here is what I want to get accomplished on my new blog.
About the blog: rough drafts, non edited, entries of my new book. Random entry of the book will posted.
Readers, and followers could join. Start a community that everyone could enjoy. Also have other people join in with their stories as well. Also welcoming a lot of opinions as well, and advice. “I know that I’m going to need it.” Thanks for my new, and current followers of "Studio 1215 News Blog" this blog. For all of your support.  Storytelling Morris Hayes Jr