There is so much going on in my creativity plans that I have to learn to FOCUS. As if fate was taking a hand in this epiphany a friend posted a novel writing template today and encouraged people to finish their projects with it or any other PLAN. I feel this is the perfect time for me to do something well beyond the scope of my weekly blogs, guest blogs or a set creative project commissioned or voluntary for others. I still want to make films and develop my photography, and I do need to do commissions for the cash, but one thing I can do regardless of money and equipment is get on with writing stories I am really passionate about and intrigued by – who knows one might even be a brilliant film idea and I will just know it when that happens and be passionate to devote even more time to it.
So with my friend’s template in hand I am embarking on a quest to finish my projects! The hardest thing in getting started is dipping into the pool of creativity and working out which half finished project to go back to, or whether to totally start from scratch. Should it be:
1- Nanowrimo fantasy novel from 2009 and planned in a workshop.
2- Memoir pieces which I have been sporadically writing, and several which can be drawn from my blog.
3- Blogs of Cyclone Yasi (this one has been drafted so many times, its more editing and working out the best structure).
4- Historical fiction novel idea after a few days of brainstorming and looking for my story.
5- Children’s poetry book (not a novel but in need of a polish for my ever patient illustrator).
6- A series of songs or poetry novel.
7- Historical fiction series for young readers I want to co-write with my hubby.
8- Several short stories – are they actually novel ideas????
9- Writing and creating short films, but with more of a script.
10- A Brilliant idea for a play I have had for 9 years and it is still itching in my head.
Which of the projects above in my list would you work on the most?
See told you my head was bursting with ideas – that’s not my problem, but focus! Hmmm………..
My old primary school teacher said – ‘you have enough for many years of projects’ and this is my challenge for the next two days – Work out which one is the most urgent, timely and one that I feel passionate enough about to stick it through the hard days and not feel I am on the wrong track. No time for abandoning whatever I set out to do this time, it is the time to COMPLETE.
It occurs to me that a couple of projects are almost complete, maybe I could do those at the same time and have this primary project being driven along firmly by the template. All it takes will be some serious work ethics and a don’t give up attitude. Will this make me lose focus, or will completing those almost complete projects drive my determined project along even faster. I could see what a month teaches me and take it from there.
For relaxation – I will be doing photography, reading , and make short poetry films- which might find ways of driving my writing. I will eat well and exercise (especially running!) to give myself energy to write. Whatever happens in my life I want to keep on with my goal, so if I get a day job to help the family out or commissions I will still set time aside for this great propelling project.
What will I cut down on? Probably spending so much time on social networking, other than to touch base with sources that will encourage my writing project . This is really neccessary as every second counts, and I need to find a daily rhythm. Watching useless television to relax – replace with walking, reading, quality time with the kids and hubby, and good quality films. As for blogging: a reflection on how I am going and a photograph here and there will be the way to go. This is part of learning to FOCUS.
What else can I make more time for? Research trips to library and life to help me with the novel. At least telephone chats or a coffee with close friends now and then and then back into the world of finishing a writing project.
So here we go, let Project Focus begin. Thanks to all my friends who have been reading my sporadic writing efforts and the nanowrimo novel draft, as well as to Traditional Evolution.
I am going to FOCUS now.
(c) June Perkins
Gumboootspearlz 
June, you have so often inspired me that I am sure any project you pick will lead you (and those of us who are so happily following your course) to an incredible place! I can’t wait!!
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I too need to focus, June, and I have cleared my hard drive of everything but those projects I feel I can complete – it’s finishing anything that is so hard! But you have so many great project5s there, I would hardly know where to start…
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I suspect many of us can relate only too well to what you are expressing here, this one certainly can. I am so good at starting things, not so great at completing and I am mistress of distractions, oh and explaining to self why that is okay. I admire you so much already and have absolutely no doubt you will succeed in getting your focus on ; o). Thanks for a great post, synchronicity at work again!
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Thanks Sally, it is encouraging to know you have readers you have not met before, urging you on to the finish line, and all the best with your work too.
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Goodluck Gail! I think I’ve an idea where to start, it’s been a challenge having too many things running around in my head, but it might be the fantasy novel as I have a lot of the template for that one set out…
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All the best for finishing your projects Jill, I always look forward to seeing what you are up to!
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Like you I have a really strong urge to finish some unfinished projects at present. I’ve decided to go with the unfinished project that is closest to finished and is ‘itching in my head’. I hope you sort out which one of yours to work on first. I think the best way is go to the one that you feel most drawn to. That way you will have the energy and drive to work on it. No point of trying to finish something you feel half hearted about – you will probably run of steam before you get to the finish line. All the best. Sue
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You go, Gal. It seems you are brimming with ideas and projects. I guess you have to take one at a time and zero in…not easy to do, I know. I know you will go forward and accomplish much if not all of what you want to do.
Vi
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Vi and Suzanne yes it’s true it’s gotta be the one I feel the most drawn too. I think once I am started and really into it I will feel a bit like I have a nice clear new pair of glasses.
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I do know the feeling of having so many possible directions. Interview each and let one persuade you.
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Great idea – will do that now, thanks Heather.
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1- Nanowrimo fantasy novel from 2009 and planned in a workshop.
World mapped, Characters mapped
Commercial possibilities
2- Memoir pieces which I have been sporadically writing, and several which can be drawn from my blog.
Heartfelt
Creative
Possibly difficult as it features real people need to fictionalise them more ???
3- Blogs of Cyclone Yasi (this one has been drafted so many times, its more editing and working out the best structure).
Nearly there,
Not much work
Get it out of way and send it off
Editorial choices more than anything.
4- Historical fiction novel idea after a few days of brainstorming and looking for my story.
Not in my head
Could be adventurous and fun
Love this genre
5- Children’s poetry book (not a novel but in need of a polish for my ever patient illustrator).
Nearly there
Just needs a polish
Commercial market low
Self- publish
Friend wants to do it
6- A series of songs or poetry novel.
Experimental form
Interesting
No firm idea in my head
Something happens when I pick up my guitar
7- Historical fiction series for young readers I want to co-write with my hubby.
Need to map concept out
Good idea
Would be a good bonding exercise, and could get input from the kids
8- Several short stories – are they actually novel ideas????
Have lots of started ones, need to compile and edit, some call to me quite strongly but are they novellas? Some are memoir stories, but I need a structure to work to, or to speak in different narrative voices…
9- Writing and creating short films, but with more of a script.
Love film making
Limited resources financially but passionate about it
Need a story idea would like to do poetry films, short films
Not sure if something will leap out, will look at all competitions around… need to do some outlines…
Will keep working on editing as its fun….
10- A Brilliant idea for a play I have had for 9 years and it is still itching in my head.
Strong characters.
Could do this in couple of weeks.
Might potentially be a film.
Plot so worked out in my head… just need cadence of the voices.
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Just another thought June. When I was studying children’s book writing at Deakin Uni in 2008 I was told that rhyming books and poetry are not currently in fashion and aren’t selling well. Publishers aren’t all that interested in them.
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Yes, you’re right Suzanne, you have to consider commercial possibilities, hence I think the kids poetry would be self published, have its own website, and be used if doing lots of workshops for kids – the fantasy series idea, historical fiction all more marketable, as well as self help etc. M
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