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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Pastry Primer - IWSG February




It's IWSG time again.  The first Wednesday of the month, when writers help other writers.  This is a blog hop so if you want to  read other posts, click here.  Today's post represents a blogoversary, too. Seven years ago this week, with absolutely zero forethought, I started Middle Passages.  Imagine that spontaneous decision lasting this long.  Happy writing to all!

One day this fall, I stopped into a French Bakery in my town.  I have quite a fondness for the place, not only because they bake croissants so flaky that when I finish one, the golden fragments remaining on my plate beg for a moistened finger.  No, food aside, seven years ago, while newly unemployed and trying to find my way, I spent Thursday mornings writing there while I waited for the library to open. Sitting at a colorful bistro table, sometimes I free-wrote.  Sometimes I took direction from one of my new writing books  (Natalie Goldberg’s, Writing Down the Bones comes to mind), but regardless of the topic, the work I did there lubed up my brain for some real writing once I claimed a spot at the library.

My recent visit to the bakery reminded me of those days, and before Christmas, I decided to step back into the habit.  I get out of work early on Fridays, so lately, rather than allowing myself to go home to get caught up in who knows what, I’ve been heading to the bakery for a little lunch. Then I go to the library. With a full belly, it’s easy to immerse myself in the quiet and serenity of the place and get a chunk of work done.  Between these now-sacred afternoons, and my routine of writing first thing each morning, I can happily say I’m approaching the end of my first-draft. 

My IWSG tip this month?  Get yourself something yummy to eat.  Then go somewhere you can’t be distracted and write.  Just say'n.  There's nothing like a cup of French Roast and a chocolate croissant for triggering an inspirational jump-start.

19 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Happy seven years!
Good that you got back in the habit. One pastry a week won't do you in either. (One a day might be a problem. Or at least it would be for me.)

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Yum! Sounds good to me. :)

Keep going with that draft! You're doing awesome!

Diane Burton said...

Sounds like a plan. Since it works for you, keep it up!

Joanne said...

seven years and moving forward. The croissant sounds delicious and you've hit the write (!) formula and timing. Continue onward - two croissants might be needed for editing (!)

Bish Denham said...

I'd LOVE to find a place to write where I can't be detracted, but that would take getting a motel room! :D

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I know I write quicker and get more done when I go to a cafe or someplace that isn't my writing office. Good advice and good for you for returning to a place that works for your process.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Liza - well done .. it's making that extra space in life isn't it - and then utilising it effectively - seems you're doing that: good for you. Cheers Hilary

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

I do use the cafe for writing--if I've spent the money for a coffee and/or pastry, I will insist that I make it worth while by working for a set period, instead of letting myself be distracted as I am at home!

Rebecca at The Ninja Librarian

Karen Baldwin said...

Yay on finishing your first draft! I too have an early morning writing ritual. It's my favorite time of the day. BTW, I'm a new follower by way of Alex's IWSG.

cleemckenzie said...

Treating yourself to something special does set the day right. Good idea. And that bakery sounds delicious.

Connie said...

Congratulations on the first draft! It sounds like you found a routine that works well for you.

Unknown said...

That sounds like a truly delicious habit :-)

And congratulations on the blogaverery!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Happy seven years! I'm glad you re-discovered a wonderful writing habit!

Juneta key said...

Coffee and chocolate definitely sound like a recipe for success. Congrats on getting back in the habit and getting some writing done.
Juneta Writer's Gambit

Pixel Peeper said...

Coffee and chocolate...those are a few of my favorite thing! I'm not surprised they inspire you.

I'm jealous of your Friday afternoons!

Ravyne said...

Congrats on your blogoversary, Liza! Wow, seven years. I absolutely love your memory of the bakery from seven years ago and how you are now back in the habit. What a beautiful way to begin writing! ~Lori~

Jan Morrison said...

Yay for seven years (feeling the itch?) and double yay for getting that first draft done - I'm straggling behind!

glnroz said...

thank you for the inspiration that has found its way south. Your writings have always be a source of enjoyment...glenn

Tabitha Bird said...

Happy bloggoversary! Xx