On procrastination.

Just to be clear, I love writing. I love the surge of thoughts and joy that come from an hour or two of steady outlining or typing that (hopefully…) ends in creative success. What I don't love? Starting to write. It's funny how these things work out.

Over the past few weeks, I've been pondering my script, anxious to see where the plot twists and character decisions will take me. But does that mean I've started? Of course not. Instead of writing, I've been doing a variety of other things that are generally pointless. These things include, but are not limited to: exploring the Internet on StumbleUpon, watching old episodes of Modern Family, organizing my closet, painting my nails, and playing with orphaned Alaskan Huskies that I'm not allowed to adopt.

[[MORE]]All of these things would be extremely pleasurable if it were not for those looming feelings of guilt that come whenever I know I should be writing. And somehow those guilty feelings make it even more difficult to start.

Luckily, I have a plan. I've found that, when in a bind, if I hover over a blank piece of paper with my one of my lucky pencils (I always write in pencil), I eventually start writing. And once I eventually start writing, I eventually start to enjoy myself, and I realize again why I've chosen a writer's life.

And, if my highly non-scientific poll of other writer friends is any indication, I am not alone in this pool of procrastination and subsequent guilt-tripping. In fact, I'd say the only thing writers like to talk about more than their writing is procrastinating. I'm still not sure why it's such an easy trap to fall into, but I'm fairly certain I'm in good company.

How do you stomp out procrastination?

- Shelby

Photo by Flickr user jinterwas