Are you writing or wasting time?

[Optimus]

I originally posted this in the novel forum, but I didn't know if any of you guys lurked over there. I think it's best posted here, anyway.

There's a user on Done Deal, "Tao," who's a pro screenwriter (not sure if he wants his identity broadcast, so I'll just use his username "Taotropics") who occasionally posts very insightful, heartfelt, rather existential analyses of writing. Of course, he's referring to screenwriting but his thoughts are applicable to all writing and artistic pursuits in general.

He's a great poster, inspirational in an avuncular kind of way, and his posts are pure gold.

Anyway, this post of his is on the differences between procrastinating and "steeping the tea" when it comes to your writing.

I hope you guys find as much value in it (and his other posts) as I have.

http://www.scriptsales.com/boards/showthread.php?t=3257

[odocoileus]

...and we get Tao's advice for free when so many less accomplished people want to charge for their opinions.

Good stuff.

[nganok]

It's funny but, everything in that post I've been learing on my own or through advice on this board for the last couple of years. I agree with most of it which is rare for me. Thanks, I once again I feel like there are others out there just like me.

[Optimus]

I once again I feel like there are others out there just like me.
And that is the real gold within his posts. He's a pro and it's comforting to know that a pro is just like us.

[StephieM]

Thanks for sharing Opti! Great stuff.

I agree with everything he said. I think putting preasure on yourself to write a certain amount of time a day or a certain amount of pages a day, only allows yourself to make exuses of why today that's just not going to happen. I'm a huge procrastinator, not because I'm afraid to write, but because some days I just don't feel like it. On these days I don't write. And on those days I feel like it, I can write all night. If I was to give myself a schedule, I would never get anything done.

Steph

[Bufty]

Thanks for the link, Opti - I don't feel so bad now.

[Ragnarok]

I agree with "There is no "right" kind of process.".