Mar
24
I have purchased a new laptop, which I REALLY did not want to do but my MacBook is almost 10 years old and the battery is both weak and increasingly fickle. Hey, what if I just up and died mid-sentence even though the display indicated I had some life left, is the vibe. I mean: relatable. But not very helpful for being able to use it without a power source nearby.
I want something I can count on, because among other things I think I’m going to join a writing workshop! Even though eek people eek. There’s a local place that has ongoing workshops that are simply for accountability; you’re not writing from a group prompt or anything, you’re all writing your own things but sticking to a routine.
I could definitely use some structure and motivation with writing and that sounds quite nice. I’ve also investigated photos of the place and there does not seem to be a handy outlet at each station for pale, trembling Victorian-era laptops.
I confess I have long been scared of writing groups, and I can’t really explain why. Well, we can start with a sturdy base of social anxiety, then maybe layer on a rich creamy spread of writer’s block anxiety, sprinkle in the fear of both criticism and criticizing, and finish with a bright citrus drizzle of worrying that a pleasurable hobby with no oversight will become an deadline-ridden chore. So I guess that largely explains it! Also hmmm I may have skipped lunch.
Years ago I did an online writing group and it was just terrific, so I need to just unclench and give something new a whirl. This would be a nice baby step with no group readings or review, just writing in a dedicated setting with other writers. And now that I’ve told you, I will feel like a giant chicken if I don’t go, so that is my own little motivator.
Because of the battery situation I have gotten out of the habit of using my laptop unless I specifically have a writing task, or a purchase that feels like it must be done from the Larger Screen rather than my phone. I used to start my day with the laptop, go through some news and whatnot before settling into some tasks, and I have noticed that not doing so has led to a lonnnnnnnnggggg doomscroll/caffeine sesh each morning.
Phone scrolling is deeply addictive by design, using a computer and clicking around on different things is far less time-sucky in my experience. It feels more intentional — less like a mindless algo-driven thing delivering 24/7 stress and distraction via digital IV drip. So here’s hoping a better system helps lead to some better routines.
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