This weekend was spent, again, by not writing. Though I did turn in something to the publisher on Friday. As much as I’d love the idea of making a career out of writing (and editing and publishing), I’m a terrible procrastinator, much like many writers. I’ve explored the idea of a ‘writer’s block’ elsewhere on this blog. Tonight I revisited this article in The Atlantic. The idea of churning out crap in one’s first draft and then revisiting and reworking it is admittedly quite excruciating. Writing is also a terribly lonely pursuit: desk-bound for hours on end, staring at that fucking blinking cursor and toying with words and sentences for long stretches of time. Not something I’d consider fun. I’d much prefer going on my ramblings in the city, looking at people and feeling the rhythm of things happening around me, getting lost in thoughts.
And onto the random thoughts:
- Can this blog turn into a publishing project?
- Can this blog turn into some sort of an ‘art’ installation?
- When will I work on the book I proposed to a publisher back in 2015 and got accepted?
- Genres of writing, something in between fiction, non-fiction and academic writing (see The archaeology of an imaginary city by Dung Kai-cheung)
- If only I could write for publishing the way (and at the rate) I churn out emails, blog posts, notes, and reports. What’s the best way to put the pressure off writing for publishing?
- That PhD that I started back in 2013 but never finished (on hold)
- Another book that I’d like to write
- The writing/editing work that I should really be getting on with
Have to agree with much of what you say (write) Keith. But I too spend much time writing, I view it as word sketches, just as enjoyable as drawing. Mine are memories jotted down as they surface among my retired days (20 years retired now). I read recently that old farts like me who go gaga and demented in old age, are happier to read stories from when they were young. Even happier, about themselves when young. Well, I identify with that, I wrote about my growing up and art school days and I now like to read about it, remembering names I have normally forgot. So Keith, keep writing, don’t forget.
Wow, Cal, thanks for visiting, and thanks for your encouragement! I do remember reading your book when I was an undergrad student. I, too, am interested in the intersections between typography and language. Best wishes to you.