Friends,
People sometimes ask about the writing process for my “donut
manifestos”. Many assume I have a dossier of drafts queued-up in cold storage,
waiting to be used. Most are surprised to learn I usually write them when I
arrive at the office on Friday morning. Granted, I sometimes get an idea early
in the week, but, more often than not, inspiration strikes on the drive to
work. When it comes to creativity, I think it is good to remain open to ideas.
As Mo’at, the sage in James Cameron’s Avatar put it “it’s hard to fill a cup
that’s already full”. Remember that meeting where you wanted to sound smart so
you neglected to hear what the person preceding you was saying because you were
too busy preparing your own statement? Inspiration and writing are often
mutually exclusive. Once I start writing, focus demands I shut-out a broad
range of new ideas. So, I try to stay open until the last minute and then I
decide what to write about. Sounds risky, but I feel it’s the best approach.
Sure, there are days, like today, when no ideas come, so I end-up writing about
writing, but more often than not it pays-off. Keeping an open mind is also
useful when picking a donut. You may have your favorite, but this morning, why
not wait until you see the selection before deciding which way to go. You may
be pleasantly surprised.
Happy Friday!
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