The Pyrenees---Southern France

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Friday, May 9, 2014

Checklists--Doin' Them Sioux-Style

      
My manuscript--it's been read by the four other WWWPs so far,
plus Smeagol the cat (who chewed on the corners and found it not as delectable as it should be).
 

         Aaah, checklists. They're ever so helpful, especially when you can accomplish lots of items on the list and you get the satisfaction of checking them off.

         Check.

         Check.

         Check. It feels so good.

         But what happens when a checklist goes awry. What happens when the checker is a little delusional? Worst of all, what happens when the person with the checklist is Sioux?

         Egads!

        Check out my guest post at The Muffin this week, to find out all the mayhem that happened when I created a checklist.

        And, it might not be too late to get your tickets for the St. Louis Listen to Your Mother show. There's live jazz music, shopping (a tractor trailer "thrift store" set up in front of the building) and lots of reasons to laugh (and cry). If you're free on Saturday (10:00 or 2:00) go here so you can celebrate Mother's Day with us early.

      

25 comments:

  1. I find checklists invaluable in helping me get things done. Otherwise i get sidetracked and forget things until it's too late.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shay--So THAT'S your secret. You're saying if I create checklists and stay on track with them, I will write with the same giftedness you do, right?

      I'm going to make a checklist right now.

      Delete
  2. Heading to the Muffin now.

    I LOVE lists! Every check mark makes me happy. :) Also, since menopause, I can't remember a thing. Without a list to help me I'd be doomed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa--Me, too. Menopause has wreaked havoc on my memory as well.

      Delete
  3. I use checklists too. But more and more the lists sit and have very little checked off! I am spinning my wheels these days!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. C;audia--Set some small goals--some attainable ones--and give yourself some leeway. Life happens, and it should be enjoyed.

      Delete
  4. Forget check lists; I fly by the seat of my pants. Rock that auditorium tomorrow. Bill says he's going to make his presence known when you go on stage :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda--Your way of "flying" works for you. Most of us are not as talented as you are.

      And tell Bill thanks for keeping his helicopter in his pants (pocket).

      Delete
  5. I live by my lists. It's the only way I can remember to get anything done. Good luck on the reading. Can't wait to hear about it. I know you'll be awesome!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat--Thanks for your well wishes. I did NOT trip on my skirt or my wedges, so I guess it was the best outcome possible.

      Delete
  6. Before you take off into the wild blue yonder.... there are all those checklists.

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    Replies
    1. Michael--I know you won't believe it--you'll scoff--but I think writing a book is just as scary as learning how to fly a plane...and just as exhilarating.

      Delete
  7. I couldn't survive without my lists. Then I added Post-Its everywhere to supplement the lists. Now I've added signs around the house. What's next? I guess I'll have to write on my arms and legs like kids at school do. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tammy--I'm going to say the same thing to you that I said to Shay: If I stick with checklists, will I write like you?

      I hope so, because I'm going to make a checklist right now...

      Delete
  8. Read the guest post as well, and I think it's great that you've managed to get this manuscript out Sioux! Great job! Here's wishing you much success with this. And thank you for bringing up the importance of checklists. I have to admit, I haven't yet used one for my writing, or maybe I have but it's mostly in my head...but one of the risks with using a checklist is that it can overwhelm you when, as you said, things start to go not according to plan. Thankfully, one can just put together a new one and re-evaluate the situation to pick up from that point, or to start anew.

    Looking forward to your work hitting the shelves...and for you to taking the word 'future' out of "future novelist". :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rohin--I have been having trouble leaving comments on your blog, so I'm glad you left a comment here. It is probably my lack of tech skills.

      I love that. Someday I will be a novelist and not just a future novelist. Thanks for that.

      Delete
    2. Unfortunately, this is turning out to be an extension of this period of neglect that I'm putting my blog through. Please, no need to question your tech skills...it's not like I'm technically proficient either. Here's wishing for this change to be just around the corner for you! :)

      Delete
  9. If I accomplish a check list I don't have the audacity to actually refer to it. Just making one is the accomplishment for me. What you have done is way beyond my scope!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jono--I think you're underestimating yourself. And I image you have a memoir or a novel inside that head of yours.

      Think about it... ;)

      Delete
  10. Want to let you know I received the book of poetry today! It looks a bit formidable but I am looking forward to diving in!
    Speaking of diving, I'm happy to hear you did not take a header off those lovely wedges today, and all ankles and toes remain intact.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marcia--I think you will enjoy it. The three of them are quite different, but their poetry inspires me...

      Delete
  11. A woman I once worked with told me that no one can accomplish more than three things in a single day, so limit your checklist to three items! I love that advice, and now I spread out my "things to do" list over a longer period of time. I rarely accomplish any of them, but only feel guilty about three things (instead of seven or eight) on any given day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary--That is great advice. I heard the same thing about adding new things to your "teacher tool belt." Don't add more than 2 or 3 new strategies in a single year.

      Yeah, less guilt is always good... ;)

      Delete
  12. So sorry to have missed your performance(s) Sioux. I hope you had a wonderful time and a wonderful Mother's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bravo! Wonderful performance. Too bad for those who missed it. You were great! And no crocs! :-) I love check lists. Now I'll head on over to the Muffin to read more.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comments. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by...