I have post-its on the edge of my computer (a lot have fallen off, but I have them there anyhow) with things to think about while writing (or while despairing why I can’t write ALL THE THINGS) and this is one to add, absolutely.
I have post-its and reminders around sometimes too! In my journals, on my walls, on my desktop, etc. Somehow there are never enough though. :P
Julia
Okay, so I have this rather odd concept about the brain. It’s this: the brain is like a sponge. It soaks up things, and then when you squeeze, it spits them out again. And you go through different phases at different times. Sometimes you’re in the soak phase, – most of childhood, during research, traveling, etc. Sometimes you’re in the squeeze phase – when actually writing, drunken lectures, debriefing with colleagues, etc. But like a sponge, no matter how hard you squeeze, it stays moist. The only way to get every bit of moisture out of a sponge is to not use it for a while. Which, I have determined, when applied to the brain, is a bad thing.
That’s an excellent metaphor, Julia. And lately I’ve felt very much like a sponge — even telling a few folks that I was in a “sponging phase” — so it really resonates with me right now. :)
8 responses to “Lost in translation”
Truth.
I totally need to print this out and keep it on my desk as a reminder while I edit!
So true!
I LOVE this! I need to print this out too!
I have post-its on the edge of my computer (a lot have fallen off, but I have them there anyhow) with things to think about while writing (or while despairing why I can’t write ALL THE THINGS) and this is one to add, absolutely.
I have post-its and reminders around sometimes too! In my journals, on my walls, on my desktop, etc. Somehow there are never enough though. :P
Okay, so I have this rather odd concept about the brain. It’s this: the brain is like a sponge. It soaks up things, and then when you squeeze, it spits them out again. And you go through different phases at different times. Sometimes you’re in the soak phase, – most of childhood, during research, traveling, etc. Sometimes you’re in the squeeze phase – when actually writing, drunken lectures, debriefing with colleagues, etc. But like a sponge, no matter how hard you squeeze, it stays moist. The only way to get every bit of moisture out of a sponge is to not use it for a while. Which, I have determined, when applied to the brain, is a bad thing.
That’s an excellent metaphor, Julia. And lately I’ve felt very much like a sponge — even telling a few folks that I was in a “sponging phase” — so it really resonates with me right now. :)