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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Excellent plan! As a fairly recent retiree, I fully understand the need for an external nudge to get oneself moving, even when it’s something you enjoy. Although, I would add that there are (ahem) people who check EVERY DAY to see if you’ve written anything here, so there’s that, too.
A fair while ago (ok about forty years back) I joined a painting class that concluded by having a group critique of everyone’s masterpieces. While initially terrifying, it very soon became an interesting and rewarding part of the session. Discovering everyone was just as anxious about their work made it possible to overcome the ‘eek they are looking at my art’ panic.
Starting to see more and more commentary about screens and addiction even if it’s not the worst thing to be addicted to. Food for thought, for me. Enjoy your writing group. Was just thinking about humanity (lol) and how it’s being stripped out of everything. Good for you, engaging with it.