In a previous post, I wrote about how creating something tiny, like a drawing for instance, can show us just how distracted we are. By creating something tiny, we build focus. We might even achieve flow state.
Creating something large and majestic, on the other hand, can show us something different. Creating a larger piece of art does something more than build focus. It shows us our level of inner maturity.
Continue reading “Create Something Great”
Over the years, when I talk to people about mathematics, reading, writing, and even artistic pursuits, like painting and drawing, I encounter this block that says, “I’m not smart enough to do that.”
This idea of not being smart enough prevents many people from trying anything new. It prevents them from stepping out of their comfort zone. It prevents them from exploring new interests and skills.
Continue reading “Not Smart Enough? Or Just Afraid To Feel?”
Faarland came to me at a time in my life when I was struggling to get any writing done. I’d just finished a post-apocalyptic sci-fi which pretty much got ignored by every agent I sent it to. Needless to say I was deflated and sad that this manuscript that I’d spent endless hours working on wasn’t getting any attention.
Continue reading “Faarland: A Story About The Quest For Truth”
Lately I’ve been playing with this idea of not trying to get things done. This might sound strange but there is something enjoyable about this approach. There’s something enjoyable about writing just to write. Instead of focusing on word count or end goals, I can just focus on the next sentence.
So, because it’s the end of the year, and because I usually allow myself to be a little more inefficient during this time, I’ve noticed that not striving to get stuff done, is actually an enjoyable way to get things done.
Life’s getting increasingly complex. I have many days where I feel fearful about the future. In South Africa, many things are exceptionally unstable. Many things that happen are out of our control too. But there are certain things that are not out of our control. These are the things that I come back to again and again. These are things that centre me. Things that strengthen my sense of agency. Things that help me access more flow in my life.
Continue reading “Maximising Time Spent in Flow State”Sometimes getting into the right state is the first step in writing a great scene.
When I want to write good fiction, I have to be focused, alert and at least somewhat in the mood. I can’t be rushed, or distracted, or angry, or tired. Those states aren’t optimal for great writing.
But anyone who has done extensive fiction writing (or any writing for that matter) knows that focused eagerness is rarely the state that you start off with. It’s the exception, not the rule. But there are a few things one can do to cultivate a better state.
Continue reading “Writing a great scene”
Robert Greene in Mastery talks about how easy wins or successes can sometimes be a curse rather than a blessing. Greene argues that most things in life do not come easy and if we have the expectation that it should, then that can cripple us. This is because the expectation for things to be easy can cause us to give up too quickly. When I read Mastery years ago I did not fully appreciate that insight, but over the years, I’ve seen that it’s not only true but also beneficial to not expect quick results. In other words, it might be better to expect certain things to take a long time. Your best strategy is to favour process over progress.
Continue reading “Process over progress”
A pizza isn’t just about the cheese. But it’s not just about the base either. You have to have quality cheese and a good base to make the slice palatable. The base cannot merely be a delivery device for the cheese and the toppings. The base has to have its own characteristics—soft in the middle with a little crunch on the outside. Salty, with a hint of sweet, maybe.
In the same way, a science-fiction story cannot just be about the idea.
Continue reading “Delivery device”Meditation teachers often speak of the importance to bring your practice into your daily life. For example, finding stillness and spaciousness during daily tasks and observing your emotions and thoughts throughout the day and especially during turbulent moments.
Continue reading “Writing is a spiritual practice”Writing is an exercise in trust.
To hear the voice of a character you have to be receptive and calm. You have to sit at your desk, stare out of the window for a while, and trust that something will come to you. You don’t yet know if it will be a good writing day or a bad writing day but you’re showing up to find out. You’re sitting in silence, thinking about things.
Continue reading “Writing is an exercise in trust”