The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – May 7

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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 128 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

Tongue Tied – 3 Line Tales

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From Sonya’s 3LineTales at Only100Words.
You can find the original prompt here. Thank you, Sonya.

woman in black leather jacket holding white ceramic mug in frond of a laptop

Photo by Elijah O’Donnell on Unsplash

Stephanie’s mind raced, shifting into overdrive, she yearned to scream for all to hear.

Words slammed into one another, creating an abominable multi-car pile-up during rush-hour traffic.

Fear stripped her ability to enunciate, kept her from forming coherent thoughts, and left her staring at a blank page.

______________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Freedom to Choose the Possibility of Failure – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 4 Comments

an-artist-must-be-free-to-choose-what-he-does-certainly-but-he-must-also-never-be-afraid-to-do-what-he-might-choose.-langston-hughes

Outsiders often think creative people can do whatever they wish. You wield great power when you are the boss. But freedom comes with an equal measure of responsibility. The creative must manage every step in the creative process, from idea generation, creating the work, marketing, selling, managing submissions, to staying organized and on target. With luck, they invent a strategy that gets results.

It is a wonderful feeling when you devise a blueprint that works. The design’s strictures can lead us to question the wisdom of messing with the constructs of a proven method. Success raises the cost of failure. Making an adjustment is intimidating, and choosing a different path is frightening.

We can’t stop taking risks or trying a fresh direction. Picasso’s works exemplified radical change. He began with realism, switching to what they now call his Blue Period and his work continued to evolve. Each innovation he undertook, carried the possibility that no one would buy his art. But each stage allowed him to grow as an artist. His evolution strengthened him.

When we take risks, we run the chance of failing.  But we can’t let the fear of failure stop us from doing what we were born to do.

Is there a project which frightens you?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – May 6

/ 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 127 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

Plotting A New Path Forward – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 6 Comments

you-need-to-set-near-term-milestones.-put-the-assumptions-down-on-paper-and-make-it-to-your-vision-or-ultimate-product.-your-team-has-to-understand-where-theyre-going.-your-partners-need.

Every month I review my goals. I try to remain objective. I don’t pass judgment or beat myself up for doing less than I planned.  Numbers, facts, and an honest assessment of my current position help me determine how I got to this place today. Two details hit me hard this month. The first was how much the crisis derailed my hustle. Uncertainty, anxiety, and concern for my family had a profound impact on my normal productivity. The second realization was the fast approach of this year’s midway point.

Realizing you are substantially off-target is not pleasant. Many people’s reactions demand they press harder, double up, and do more. They add an extra hour to their day, cancel scheduled time off, or vow to focus. This tactic works in situations where you might have a slight timing issue. If you set aggressive and detailed calendars, with tight deadlines like I do, the prospect of an increased workload is not attractive. It may not be sustainable in the long run. While I live by my to-do list, I would much rather succeed. My answer is to simplify.

My list for this year’s priorities shrank, and I focused on my most important goals. The goals are still ambitious, but they are also within my ability to accomplish without compromising my sanity. I have eliminated, reduced, or set aside less important targets. No one wants to fall short, but life happens, and priorities must change. Living a calm, and fulfilled life is not negotiable.

Have your annual goals changed?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – May 5

/ 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 126 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 Smallest Detail – Friday Fictioneers

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 14 Comments

Title: The Smallest Detail
Source:  Friday Fictioneers sponsored by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple
Word count: 100 words

set dinner table with snow outside the window

PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

Lacey flipped through Mama’s checklists. She chewed her lower lip, then dropped the Blush Pink wedding binder into the trash. Dread colored what Mama said would be the happiest day of her life. Her stomach lurched the way it always did when Mama discovered one of Lacey’s many faults.

She tugged at the dress’s too-tight bodice, and a fake pearl fell. Freed, the tacky embellishment ricochet off the discarded notebook and bounced toward the window. Lacey became aware of the raging storm.

Guests texted their regrets. Mama cried when the groom followed suit, and Lacey realized what she had forgotten.

________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Optimal Velocity – Flash Fiction Challenge

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 8 Comments

Title: Optimal Velocity
Source:  Flash Fiction Challenge
Prompt: Write a story that features longboards.
Word count:  99 words

greyscale photography of woman using snowboard skis 1940

Photo by Austrian National Library on Unsplash

Miners extracted millions from Gold Mountain, but Peggy didn’t want money. She sought powder and speed. The day dawned bright and clear, as she and the longboarders climbed the 1,700-foot slope to the starting position.

Reaching the top, she strapped on her 12-foot long Norwegian skates. She had rubbed her secret dope into the hand-hewn, kiln-dried, vertical-grain Doug fir skis. The mixture of paraffin, tallow, tar, and hemlock oil guaranteed optimal velocity.

The contestants crouched, waiting. The starter hammered the giant saw blade. Peggy pushed against her pole and shot downhill.  Sixteen seconds later, she began her next ascent.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Weighing the Dangers of Inaction – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 10 Comments

the-fishermen-know-that-the-sea-is-dangerous-and-the-storm-terrible-but-they-have-never-found-these-dangers-sufficient-reason-for-remaining-ashore.-vincent-van-gogh.

We face many obstacles when we set lofty goals for ourselves. The journey takes us into storms, rough seas, and we confront the demon of self-doubt. The unrestrained monster sends messages advocating we abort our cherished mission. Stepping into the wilderness demands courage and a willingness to engage the unknown, making the enormity of the task seem that succeeding is impossible.

Forward progress requires unwavering trust, and we must master the ability to place one foot in front of the other. We advance by excruciating increments, meeting each formidable obstacle as they arise to challenge our resolve. We surmount the first problem then move to the next. The succession of dilemmas continues in a steady stream.

Perceived hazards must be weighed against genuine risk and balanced against the perils of inaction. Instinctively we know to remain in safe harbor, bobbing with the tides, is the tactic of the fearful. Facing fear is the test, the price of admission. If our desire is powerful enough, no danger can keep us from following the path and attaining our goal.

What perceived dangers are keeping you ashore?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

 

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – May 4

/ 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 125 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