I don’t like to talk about my butt. Besides all the obvious reasons (self-deprecation, body positive world, scatalogical humor, etc.) I am also uncomfortable telling you how hard it is for me to keep my butt sitting in a chair. I’m a doer. Although that, too, can mean many different things. Maybe “doer” is the wrong word. I’m more of a jump-upper, and move-abouter. If I’m reading, or writing, if something pops in my head, I have to take care of it right then. I tell myself that I am not a procrastinator. That when I see something needs to be done, I get it done. To the detriment of what I should be focused on.
Some folks don’t like the philosophy of keeping yourself tied to your chair to get your work done. You shouldn’t punish, nor force yourself to write. On the other butt cheek, we can’t just let Ms Muse show up on her own inclination. Is there something in between? Something in between Mussolini-esque discipline of showing up every day at the same time, and waiting for Amtrak which may never arrive? Surely, there’s—hang on….
Sorry about that interruption. I had to take care of a backsplash issue in the kitchen renovation, and if I didn’t take care of it right at that moment, then the tile guy would be held up, and the plumber is waiting for the tile guy. Nevermind that this writing had to wait.
Where was I? Oh yeah, my ass. It never sits still long enough. Right now, this kitchen renovation has me especially distracted, but this whole world is an easy distraction. To persevere, to get to the finish line, to type “The End.” on your last page of your novel, you gotta put that butt in the chair and keep it there for extended periods of time.
What happens in writing when we don’t stay seated and focused is the connection to the words and story flits about as well. Everyone comes up with their own best way to get the story written, but before you type “The End,” the innards need to be rich and powerful. This takes more than just showing up. To go deep inside, loyalty to the discipline is necessary. What the hell does “loyalty to the discipline” mean in this context? It means showing up consistently, and with intent. I just made that up. “Discipline” implies obeying. But in this context, I mean that we need to show up consistently for the muse to believe we really want her to provide us with the knowledge for our job as writer. I think the muse wrote that, not me. So if it doesn’t make sense, you can either blame her, or me for not sitting still, or write your own substack post that makes more sense.
Sorry about the snark. I will admit this is a hard thing for me to do—keeping my butt in the chair. But (or is that butt?), I have reaped the rewards from really working on staying put by getting traditionally published three times. Maybe it would be more than three if I could do a better job at it. Only one way to find out, is for me to keep trying. And, that’s the part that’s in between Mussolini and Amtrak—keep trying even if you don’t show up one day, show up the next, or the next.
If you write every day, even if it’s just 15 minutes, or one page, or whatever you want to promise yourself (2 hours is also good, or 1000 words), you’ll stay consistently connected to the story and it will come easier, or as some like to say, it will flow. Some days that one page may feel like doo doo (sophisticated scatalogical humor) or it may feel brilliant. But each day isn’t all that matters, ultimately it’s the whole tamale (which I love and make my butt bigger). When you roll up your sleeves, keep your bottom on the Eames, and are loyal to your story, you’ll sooner, rather than later, be able to type,
“The End.”
Here are some photos of my adorable little granddaughter who shows us how easy it is to get your patookis in the chair, roll up your pant legs, and get a fabulous mani-pedi with Mimi aka me, and her mom. She even picked out my polish.
I always love your inspiration and encouragement to write. If I upgrade, what other support will I get.
Hi Linda, Sorry to be slow responding. It's been a busy time writing and renovating my kitchen.My goal is to always make writing delicious and fun for aspiring authors. So, currently a monthly post will be called Recipes for Writing Success. These may include ideas on how to research agents, what to do when your agent isn't finding you a publishing house, early notification on upcoming retreat dates, and invitations to Savory Salons that are only offered to paid subscribers. And, on occasion some giveaways like my books or other authors' books. I'll include a recipe for a pie or other yummies, because that's how I survived writing my first novel--pie. See How to Write a Novel in 20 Pies, by yours truly. I hope you'll share my substack with your friends. The accountability posts will be free for this round. I'm already gathering ideas for round two.