Journal // 2nd July 2024

On this day I…

After the last few days screwed up my schedule, I’m now actively trying to get it all back on track. Up early, read, work on my blog (like right now), go for a walk etc.

Is this structured life a good thing?

Maybe or maybe not. But if it works, it must be good, right?

If it works it works.

As a writer, I think that structure beats inspiration hands down.

“I only write when inspiration strikes. Fortunately, it strikes at nine every morning.” - William Faulkner.

Setting aside time to write every day will train your mind to be actively set to write. Even if you just show up every day at the same time to write and just sit and stare at a blank screen, the important thing is that you showed up. Do that every day and your brain will catch on. And suddenly, you’ll be able to write.

I set aside time to write these blog posts every day, though I only post the daily kind Mon-Wed, as I have the bar job and other, more important things to do in the short space of time between waking up and getting ready for work.

But at 07:30 every morning, I sit and just start typing, and the rest just happens. Sometimes, like today, I have no idea what I’m going to write, I just start with whatever comes to mind and let it flow.

I have noticed over time that I can sit here and write with ease, and in doing so get more out of a subject than is necessary, but it keeps the work flowing. Amid the usual noises of a household filled with people who only really care about what they can see and hear. This means a lot of potential for interruptions.

If they can’t see me working, then I’m not working.

Then I guess I’m just sitting here waiting for them to call me to go do something. That’s how it feels sometimes. Letting them know that I write at whatever times of the day I write is pointless because out of sight out of mind. Getting that small box from the high shelf is far more important (to them) than letting me write in a flow state.

Being pulled out of writing in Flow is tantamount to anti-inspiration. It can knock you out of your mindset and make it hard to get back in. This is why it’s important to let people, if they care at all, know that when you’re writing, you are to be left alone.

Personally, I just ignore them, I’ve gotten used to working in the noise. The fact is I don’t have a choice. I either work through it or I don't work, I get frustrated and angry which achieves nothing. So I’d just give up.

Soldiers train in harsh conditions to get them used to the noises of battle. They do the same to Horses. They get “broken in”. And Like the horses, soldiers and us writers can get ‘broken in’ too. We can get used to writing in shit conditions, not because we want to, but because we have to, otherwise we’ll get nothing done.

All of this comes down to structure.

Set aside time to write, and get your mind in the right gear at the right time. The conditioning will come with time and necessity. You will train yourself to be inspired when you need to be. For me, it’s 07:30 after a reading session.

Then again at 10:00 after some mild training.

And Again at 12:30 after my lunch.

Make the time. Set the time. Do the work. The habit will come, but only if you ‘Will’ it to happen. Hoping gets you nowhere. Talking about it gets you nowhere.

“Action advances action, the obstacle in the way becomes the way” - Marcus Aurelius.

Books don’t write themselves. Get to work.

Making the time between idea and action as short as possible is the best skill you can learn in today’s society. Don’t wait, just do

“Do or do not, there is no try.” - Yoda.

I’m a Professional Photographer who dabbles in Writing and Documentary Film Making.

I’ve recently quit my job of three and a half years as a Bartender/Manager. Photography began as a hobby and quickly became a passion.

I’m a Professional Photographer, Filmmaker, Writer/Author and this website is where I’m going to document all of it. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Event Portfolio

Street Portfolio

Other