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.
I find checklists invaluable in helping me get things done. Otherwise i get sidetracked and forget things until it's too late.
ReplyDeleteShay--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?
DeleteI'm going to make a checklist right now.
Heading to the Muffin now.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
Lisa--Me, too. Menopause has wreaked havoc on my memory as well.
DeleteI use checklists too. But more and more the lists sit and have very little checked off! I am spinning my wheels these days!
ReplyDeleteC;audia--Set some small goals--some attainable ones--and give yourself some leeway. Life happens, and it should be enjoyed.
DeleteForget 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 :)
ReplyDeleteLinda--Your way of "flying" works for you. Most of us are not as talented as you are.
DeleteAnd tell Bill thanks for keeping his helicopter in his pants (pocket).
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!
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
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.
DeleteBefore you take off into the wild blue yonder.... there are all those checklists.
ReplyDeleteMichael--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.
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteTammy--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?
DeleteI hope so, because I'm going to make a checklist right now...
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.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your work hitting the shelves...and for you to taking the word 'future' out of "future novelist". :)
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.
DeleteI love that. Someday I will be a novelist and not just a future novelist. Thanks for that.
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! :)
DeleteIf 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!
ReplyDeleteJono--I think you're underestimating yourself. And I image you have a memoir or a novel inside that head of yours.
DeleteThink about it... ;)
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!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking 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.
Marcia--I think you will enjoy it. The three of them are quite different, but their poetry inspires me...
DeleteA 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!
ReplyDeleteMary--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.
DeleteYeah, less guilt is always good... ;)
So sorry to have missed your performance(s) Sioux. I hope you had a wonderful time and a wonderful Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteBravo! 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