the craft. pondering vs procrastination.

We’ve talked a lot about this idea that there is writing that happens outside of sitting in front of the laptop or picking up the pen. That’s fair enough, right? But how do we know the difference between our need to take time to ponder an idea and our tendency to procrastinate?

I don’t know about you, but it literally takes me FOREVER to sit down and write sometimes. I mean I am scrolling Twitter, cleaning the apartment, straightening up my workspace. Literally, any and everything else but writing! Why is it so hard at times just to write?

However, specifically when it comes to editing, I know I need space to think. When I’m working on my story structure and how to add to what’s already written, there’s a cool thing that happens with my brain where walking away from the computer, helps things fall into place for me. For instance, in my work in progress, so much is leading up to the main character’s comeback show. I realized away from the work that there wasn’t as much build up and anticipation as there could have been before we got to that moment. That was a great place to go back and start filling in this skeleton of a story I started telling myself in the first draft.

Writing needs space. At times, it’s the hardest thing about it. I hate how long writing books, in my case, takes. I cannot figure out for the life of me how people are putting out books every year. And the jury is out on whether or not they’re actually good books, but the sheer amount of time I need away from a story feels like that would be impossible in my own writing career.

I wrote a manuscript draft in 2020. It is literally two years later and there is still so much I’m thinking about when it comes to that story. Heck, I’m in a whole new work in progress while I”m still digesting certain elements of that piece. I think it serves us when we literally walk away from a piece of writing and come back to it with fresh eyes.

It’s such an invigorating experience to have felt stuck and to put something away for a month or two and come back to it with so much figured out.

So you might ask, how do we make the distinction? How do we know when we’re wasting time or needing time? And although I wish I could give you a fancier answer, the truth is, only if you’re honest with yourself. You know yourself better than anyone else. When I am completely like a squirrel in a room full of nuts jumping from one thing to the next, it is the quickest way for me to tell that I’m procrastinating. However, when I’m truly into the work, but can’t seem to move forward, I know that it may be time to tuck it away for a bit.

We cannot also forget that perfectionism is also just the cousin to procrastination. So if that’s sneaking in there, this idea of getting it all right before you move on with getting feedback or pitching, then you already know it’s a problem. My remedy in those moments is just setting myself up for optimal writing capabilities. For me, it’s making a cup of tea, lighting a nice scent, probably throwing on some music. All these things almost trick my brain into thinking, “it’s writing time.”

You know the craziest thing too about those moments of procrastination? Every time I overcome it and finally get to the page and start writing, I’m normally like, “why was I wasting so much time?” Ha!

Writing is both awful and my absolute most favorite thing. I think we’re all in that fight 24/7 with this craft. But recognizing that you’re stalling is often the first step. And then once you can settle into your practice, it’s like the age old adage of riding a bike. It becomes so familiar and hopefully fruitful.

Writing/Job Opportunities

Ilana Kaplan is looking for pitches for Alt Press that cover alternative music, culture & style. that includes profiles of cool musicians & creatives, in-depth features on niche subcultures & scenes, oral histories, internet culture/pop culture features, etc. email: ilana@altpress.com.

Insider wants pitches on digital culture, influencers, and the on- and off-platform impact of social media trends. Rates start at $200 per story but increase for more reported out pieces. Reach out at jgerstein@insider.com for more details.

Slate is hiring an Associate Writer, Culture.

The TRiiBE is hiring a Digital News Editor. (CHI based)

Sistah Girls Book Club is accepting submissions for short stories. All genres welcomed.

Behrman House is hiring a Publishing Assistant.

PEN/Faulkner is looking for three (3) Writers In Residence.

New York Focus is hiring a Managing Editor.

The Wall Street Journal is hiring a Newsletter Writer.