Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Killing Time

Top ten procrastination methods from writing a novel:
(In no particular order)

1. Blogging - and checking for 'comments' - a black hole of time, but fun!
2. Checking out everyone else's blog's - essential for staving off writer's isolation blues.
3. Email - almost as bad as blogging, almost.
4. Dealing with the laundry - hoping inspiration comes when pegging out on the line, and the bl**dy rain stays away.
5. Vacuuming - because those cornflakes can't stay on the carpet a second longer.
6.Cleaning the shower - Really desperate now.
7. Going to the letterbox - ever hopeful for cheques, letters from Creative New Zealand to say yes, we think you're worth it, or even any letter, written with those archaic tools, pen and paper.
8. Writing said archaic letters - yes, I'm an old fashioned kind of a girl.
9. Dealing with the kids strewn toys - handy hint for other parents - invest in a rake.
10. Doing the recycling - procrastinating with a clear conscience.

Other suggestions welcome...

10 comments:

Hugh Macmillan said...

Moving house is good too.

Vanda Symon said...

How appropriate that Dr Dictionary should send me this word of the day:

dilatory \DIL-uh-tor-ee\, adjective:

1. Tending to put off what ought to be done at once; given to procrastination.
2. Marked by procrastination or delay; intended to cause delay; -- said of actions or measures.

Hugh Macmillan said...

Yes.

Peter Rozovsky said...

In order to help your writing, I will refrain from commenting on this post.
==============
Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://www.detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/

Vanda Symon said...

Very funny, guys.

Mary McCallum said...

And here's another one -- getting a stat counter on your blog. Rachael King put me onto it. You can spend hours, Vanda, admiring the barcharts and pie charts showing how many people came onto your blog, which pages they read, where they came from ... It is fascinating. There's even (oh goodness yes) a map with little flags to show which country people have come from!!! I could stare at it for hours... to think they might live in Qatar and google Qatar and my blog comes up (with photo of The Blue in Qatar) is astonishing to me. Go to www.statcounter.com Vanda and be similarly distrac - sorry, delighted.

Mary McCallum said...

Ha ha -- just saw the title for this post.... Killing Time. Great stuff.

Rachael King said...

I can't believehow spectacularly I used to procrastinate before I got into the swing of my novel. You've probably read this, but I kept a diary of it one day:

Diary of a Writing Day

Vanda Symon said...

The link wouldn't work any more Rachael, but I have a vague recollection of reading that when it first came out.

Part of the procrastination has been enforced due to everyone ending up at home sick off work and school. Just call me nurse Vanda. It's been one of those winters...

Rachael King said...

That's weird, it works when I click on it! Maybe it's a Mc/PC thing...