The Helpful Pointer

Some people find it easy to work their way into routines, like the exercise brigade that sports the bratty bumper sticker: “Just Do It!”

Well, if you’re a creative person, it’s easier said, than done.

For one thing, creatives are creatures of inspiration as much as perspiration.

I sat down, for instance, wanting to write this piece; nobody forced me, and I certainly didn’t undertake it because I scheduled it on a To-Do list or because I wrote it into my calendar.

Yet, it would be nice to accomplish more, and to write more consistently.

You’ve heard the adage that real writers write every day. How do they do it?

I suppose some schedule it, sequester themselves into a room, and don’t emerge before they’ve crafted that one page of the novel they’re working on and hope to finish in two years.

I’ve found something else works better.

Instead of dragging my laptop everywhere, though I did write a few books at coffee shops that way, I simply carry a spiral pad.

It accompanies me to the car wash, to venues with waiting rooms, such as doctors’ offices, and even to social lunches and dinners.

Inspiration happens everywhere, you know this, but capitalizing on it, catching those elusive thoughts before they’re forgotten; that’s a trick!

With a pad and a pen, you can easily write something every day, and I’ll wager that you will.

By the way, by writing, literally, I mean putting pen to paper and placing words into your tablet. Your output at any given second doesn’t have to be perfect or even coherent or lengthy.

Yesterday, I was driving and one of my passengers said something exceptionally insightful. I reached behind me, and risking everyone’s life, I jotted down his eloquent phrase.

That’s writing!

I did turn it into an article later that evening, one that I’m pleased with.

If you want to write every day, make it easy and pleasant and convenient.

Grab that pad and pen!