Things I could do besides write

sometimes procrastinating writing leads to writing

On some days I would rather do almost anything than sit down and write. This is especially true during times when I am in between projects and I have so many options that I don’t know what to choose. Should I return that half-written picture book draft that I abandoned weeks ago? Revise one of my middle grade novels? Maybe look through my notebooks and see if an old, forgotten idea jumps out at me?

This morning as I worked through my regular routine of feeding all the pets, I was tempted to abandon writing altogether for today and just reorganize the storage room. But no, I thought. This is my job, and I am going to work! Besides, it’s Monday and I have a newsletter to write. But what to write about?

I thought about it as I made my bed. In truth I thought again about how I wanted to skip work today. My boss would understand! (No she wouldn’t. I should know because she is me. I haven’t missed a Monday newsletter in the past 135 weeks, and I’m not going to let a little decision paralysis end my streak.)

Why not write about not wanting to write? It’s a classic writer’s predicament—not exactly an original idea. But I could make it fun and turn it into a list poem! I’ve written before about how a list poem is often my go-to when I’m feeling creatively stuck (definitely more fun than just rambling about not wanting to write, which also helps). So, here you go. A list poem about things I could do besides write:

I do not want to write today.
I’d rather go outside and play
(with the dog, not by myself)
or read a book upon my shelf.
Perhaps I’ll find a recipe
and bake while sipping herbal tea
or take a walk among the trees—
they’re calling for a warming breeze.
I could get out my dusty bike,
stake the orchid’s flower spike,
repot all the potted plants,
even sort my shirts and pants.
I could crochet or quilt or sew,
binge a silly Netfix show,
clear my inbox, trash some pics,
learn a couple magic tricks,
paint the dollhouse, sweep or mop,
declutter the kitchen countertop,
do a puzzle, play some games,
wipe down all the window frames,
shoot some hoops, or fly a kite.
Anything instead of write.

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Alas, my boss won’t let me do any of those things. At least, not until I get some serious writing done. So, when I’m done here I will write one last stanza in a poem I was working on last week, and then I’ll revisit that picture book manuscript. I don’t think I’m quite ready for another novel project just yet! Thanks for helping me work through this. I’m feeling much more motivated now!

The weather today is supposed to be warm and spring-like, so a walk before lunch would be lovely. And this afternoon I’ll be working on the cover of my snowman book dummy! The linoleum block is ready to carve. I had hoped to have this dummy ready-ready by the end of January, but mid-February is acceptable. It should be finished by the time I send out my newsletter next week. Stay tuned!

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More list poems to enjoy

• Sick by Shel Silverstein

• Last Night I Dreamed of Chickens by Jack Prelutsky

• My Lunch by Kenn Nesbit

• An Inexhaustible List of Small and Important Things by Laura Cooney

• More list poems listed in this post from Read, Discuss, Do

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