The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – May 22

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 2 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 143 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

Ensuring A Busy Day Isn’t A Waste of Time – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 11 Comments

did-you-know-theres-a-difference-between-being-busy-and-being-fruitful_-did-you-ever-stop-to-think-that-just-being-busy-running-around-in-circles-all-day-but-not-accomplishing-anything

I detest having to deal with trivial tasks that do nothing to move me closer to achieving my goals. I ignore, delegate, or pay to minimize them. Still, certain obligations require my attention. Since I like to pretend to be a responsible person, there is only so long I can delay the inevitable. So, I set another goal, one where I accomplish the dirty deeds in the most efficient, and least disruptive manner possible. Grouping these repugnant duties, and dispatching them all at once, makes them less obnoxious. Every few weeks, I schedule a busy-ness day.

On the appointed day, I create a game plan and trick myself into completing as many of the horrible necessities as I can manage. I map my route, and with my agenda in my hand, I stand at the starting line. The starter’s gun fires and the race begins. I dash around the house, a maniac on a mission, while the clock measures my efficiency, and I frantically cross items from my list. Time expires, I collapse, exhausted. There is a touch of self-satisfaction, and of course, a well-deserved reward. Tomorrow I can return to more productive and fruitful work.

How do you ensure your busy day bears fruit?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – May 21

/ 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 142 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

Rock ‘N Roll Band – Friday Fictioneers

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 39 Comments

Title: Rock ‘N Roll Band
Source:  Friday Fictioneers sponsored by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple
Word count: 100 words

makeshift stage with band at a festival with tents

PHOTO PROMPT © CEAyr

“I’m not a fan.”

My smitten boyfriend never heard a word.

“You’re gonna love ’em,” Ken insisted before launching into the reasons this band was on a collision course with destiny.

I caved, and let Ken drag me to the sold-out show. His date night extravaganza included backstage passes and an exclusive meeting with the lead singer.

That’s when it happened. Our eye locked, he rocked my world and brought me to my knees. The rest is history. I’m his muse, he’s my man.

This VIP no longer needs a backstage pass.

Still, I sometimes wonder whatever happened to Ken.

________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Staying True to Your Dreams – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter

stay-true-to-yourself-yet-always-be-open-to-learn.-work-hard-and-never-give-up-on-your-dreams-even-when-nobody-else-believes-they-can-come-true-but-you.-these-are-not-cliches-but-real-to

The start of each new day provides an opportunity to recommit to your path. It is human nature to stray, to falter, and sometimes fall. It is easy to listen to the naysayers who spread doubts and question your sanity. They laugh, saying you will never reach your dreams, and they encourage you to abandon your plans, thereby pulling you to their comfort level. They want to discourage you because your victories highlight their failures.

The closer you move toward your success the more insistent they become. As difficult as it may be, following your true direction could mean your friendship is at an end. If you are open, you will discover new friends on a similar journey. Perhaps they will share your dream, urge you forward, and rejoice when you succeed.

How do you stay on your path?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – May 20

/ JoHawkTheWriter

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 141 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

Building A Writer’s Toolbox – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 15 Comments

do-not-wait-the-time-will-never-be-just-right.-start-where-you-stand-and-work-with-whatever-tools-you-may-have-at-your-command-and-better-tools-will-be-found-as-you-go-along.-george-herbert

I have seen the endless prerequisites listed for becoming a successful author. You must get an agent, submit your work, set up your platform, suck it up when they reject your work, start a newsletter, cultivate your voice, love reading, build your street team, read everything in your category, manage your brand, decide on your genre, learn your craft, daydream, and find your compelling reason for writing. What am I forgetting? Oh yeah, you also need to create brilliant work. The list is endless, daunting, and impossible to master in a short timeframe.  No wonder people quit.

I made a radical decision. I plan to ignore the mandatory requirements, and helpful advice, opting instead to compose stories. There is a saying which says, “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” I trust the devices, tools, instructions, and skills will arrive at the appropriate point in my journey. I intend to keep an open mind, learn what I can today, and continue to write with the tools I have.

What is your favorite writing tool?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – May 19

/ 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 140 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

Dark Encounter – Flash Fiction Challenge

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 13 Comments

Title: Dark Encounter
Source:  Flash Fiction Challenge
Prompt: Write a story that answers the question, “What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you are in absolute danger?”
Word count:  99 words

selective focus photography of fox

Photo by Geran de Klerk on Unsplash

I stayed too late. Perils line the path home, and no guiding lights pierce the darkness to keep dangers at bay.

A rustling bush. I freeze. Frozen. Heightened awareness, my senses alerted to keep me alive.

Muscles tense, heart pounds, breath held, pupils dilate. My mouth fills with cotton balls.

Grasses sway without a breeze, an inky silhouette and steely eyes regard me. Somehow, they seem as surprised as I.

Flight or fight. Fight or Flight.

Sinews prepare for action as we stare, access, evaluate.

Golden orbs wink, I inhale and dip my chin.

Tonight, we go separate ways.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Seeking Safe Inspiration – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 13 Comments

-can-write-most-places.-i-particularly-like-writing-on-trains.-being-between-places-is-quite-liberating-and-looking-out-of-the-window-watching-a-procession-of-landscapes-and-random-ish-

Everyone knows JK Rowling got her inspiration for Harry Potter on a train ride from Manchester to London in 1990 and wrote the manuscript in a series of Edinburgh cafes. But John le Carré used his daily commute on train rides from Buckinghamshire to London to draft his debut novel, Call for the Dead. Gertrude Stein reportedly wrote in her Model T Ford parked in various parking lots, while Maya Angelou chose hotel rooms with everything removed from the walls to minimize distractions.  D. H. Lawrence wrote alfresco, in pine forests, and Dame Edith Sitwell opted for a pine box. Yes, as in a coffin.

With quarantine restrictions easing I am eager to explore alternative possibilities for inspiring locations. Writing on trains conjures romantic thoughts of the Orient Express, the 1930s, and Agatha Christie. But you won’t find me attempting to write in any moving vehicle due to my motion sickness. Pre-lockdown, coffee shops were an excellent solution, but I am not brave enough to entertain the logistics required to maintain proper physical distance while distracted. Parking lots with access to free WiFi would be an option, except that I drive a tiny two-seat sports car. Her steering wheel eats into any space available for my laptop. And I will have to give a coffin a hard pass.

In the past, I have written in doctor offices, hospital rooms, waiting areas, stairwells, lobbies, grocery store lines, and airport boarding zones. None of them are appealing now. The best I can hope for is warmer weather, sunshine, and a comfy chair on the patio.

Have you considered alternate locations?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer