The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 30

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 1 Comment

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 182 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

My Anonymous Voice and the Stories She Tells – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 11 Comments
one-advantage-of-talking-to-yourself-is-that-you-know-at-least-somebodys-listening.-anonymous

I have a secret. It’s embarrassing when I am caught, and I discover someone is listening. Talking to myself, in my head, and aloud is a normal occurrence. I assure you, my conversations are rather mundane. Where is my phone? Did I pay the bill? Should I buy lemons at the grocery store? Who is knocking on my front door? Why did I come into this room? Those are typical topics I explore almost daily. 

Late at night when the house is finally silent, the questions fade, and everything grows quiet. The voice changes, and I know my evening adventure is about to begin. I have heard this voice since I was a child. It has told me calming bedtime stories, created imaginary characters, and handed me the key to fantastical worlds. It is my trusted companion. Together we work through complex issues and create ingenious solutions for everyday problems. I write the tales I tell myself and share them with my friends.

What stories will you tell yourself today?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 29

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 3 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 181 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Communing with the Great Outdoors – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 5 Comments
when-i-get-up-early-i-appreciate-the-quiet-time-to-enjoy-a-coffee-or-water-my-plants.-christina-tosi

I have a favorite mug I reserve for Sunday mornings. The cup is a brilliant sunny yellow and has room for a substantial amount of coffee. While I’ve never measured, I suspect it holds more coffee than two of its dainty porcelain cousins. The walls are thick. They rate it safe for both the microwave and the dishwasher, and my coffee stays hot for hours. The handle fits my hand perfectly and keeps my fingers and knuckles far from the scalding contents, reducing the chances of unintentional burning and the potential of accidents.

My sturdy friend and I have been through countless Sundays of garden workouts. She doesn’t complain when I set her on a cement step, balance her on the edge of a raised bed, or wedge her into a spot between my gardening gloves and my trowel. I’ve misplaced her more times than I can count. But she stands out in green grass, muddy soil, and on the shelf with my garden gear.

There are hazards associated with drink coffee outdoors. I’ve plucked stray leaves I noticed floating on my coffee’s surface. Her bright color attracts bees and wasps, though I doubt they enjoy coffee as much as I do. On more than a few occasions, I discovered dirt smudges on the rim. But there was still enough clean space to sip my brew.

Do you practice a Sunday ritual?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 28

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 3 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 180 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Forgetting Everything to Access Your Creativity – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 9 Comments
there-is-nothing-more-difficult-for-a-truly-creative-painter-than-to-paint-a-rose-because-before-he-can-do-so-he-has-first-to-forget-all-the-roses-that-were-ever-painted.-henri-matisse

We’ve read the articles offering helpful advice on how to make the most of your scheduled writing time. We study craft, and how to construct character arcs, story arcs, outlines, structure, proper sentence, voice, and point of view. The rabbit holes lead us on a journey through name generators, checklists, worksheets, and tools to block distractions from email and other notifications. Instagram offers pretty pictures of perfect office setups guaranteed to provide the magic you need to create an epic fantasy.

None of the research helps when I sit to put words on a page. Inundated with negative news, anxiety, fear, and frustration rule my emotions. A million thoughts race through my overactive brain. Worry about completing my to-do list, and dread of what I might forget makes it impossible to concentrate on my task. Before I can write a single word, the first thing I must do is forget everything.  

To be productive, I have learned the trick is letting go. Dirty dishes, laundry, grocery lists, doctor appointments, school schedules, work deadlines, and dinner plans will have to wait. I close my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I gather all the baggage and set it aside. When I open my eyes again, my mind is quiet, and I write.

How do you clear your mind?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 27

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 3 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 179 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The Perpetual Hunt for Imagination’s Elusive Inspiration – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 5 Comments
you-cant-wait-for-inspiration.-you-have-to-go-after-it-with-a-club.-jack-london

This quote conjures images of Jack London traipsing through a fall field, his shotgun nestled in the crook of his arm. His other hand holds a switch he has cut from a sapling. He whistles to a pair of bird dogs as they beat the bushes in search of inspiration. They spend the morning searching through thickets and tall grass. The dogs freeze, and point, they have caught the scent.

After successfully capturing a dose of fleeting inspiration, they return to a cozy cabin, a warm fire, and a celebratory drink. The typewriter pounding lasts into the wee hours.

Where do you find your inspiration?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 26

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 3 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 178 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Whistling While You Work Helps You Through Difficult Days – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 9 Comments
when-im-feeling-stressed-out-and-overwhelmed-sometimes-ill-read-a-book.-but-most-of-the-time-i-will-either-listen-to-music-or-play-music.-im-basically-always-playing-music-even-if-im-no

Some weeks have an easy flow, everything goes as planned, events fall neatly into place, the world turns on its axis, and the sun rises in the east. Then we experience periods that try our souls. We encounter roadblocks, red lights, and unexpected problems in quick succession. Saying our plans are a disaster is an understatement. There is an answer to every challenge confronting you, but solutions only surface when we commit to doing the work, pulling apart the snarls, and creating unique ways to smooth the road ahead.

The process is stressful, and it requires long hours, determination, and a resolve to never give up. The recipe produces tension and anxiety. Music offers a wonderful way to relax, unwind, and gain the fortitude to move forward. You can’t hold on to your stress while the melody plays, your toe taps, and you sing uplifting words.

Reading allows us to escape. We can forget our reality, the endless difficulties, and enjoy a marvelous story. At the heart of the best books is a precious kernel of hope, especially as we watch our hero struggles, fights, and succeeds in attaining his goal. In music and reading, we find the courage to continue.

How do you manage the tough times?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer