“I love being a writer. What I can’t stand is the paperwork.” — Peter de Vries
November 15, and I’ve made it through half of my imposed discipline without major scathe. I’ve needed to get “creative” with the dating twice — in other words, I’ve backdated a couple of articles when I couldn’t write on the day in question. But, generally, I’ve managed to keep up with the goal of writing an article a day for Around the Grid throughout my anniversary month of November, which coincides with BlogHer’s NaBloPoMo November theme of “Open Writing — whatever you want to write about.”
Have I enjoyed it? Not entirely, the reason being the next question.
Am I writing good articles? Not really. In order to meet my deadline every day, I’ve had to rap out short little pieces that have no meat, no real content to them. I will admit to a lazy streak — you should see my RL house — but I also much prefer to write for quality. I want to have time to really photograph something, choose the photos and sign them and add whatever touches I like, and then come up with good, thoughtful commentary on them that will attract someone’s attention and make them think in turn. Yes, writing and publishing on a regular basis tends to get you more attention. But if you don’t have anything really good to say — then where’s the sense in saying anything? I’m firmly in the same camp as Goethe, who said the one sentence that sums up the humanities, the liberal arts, the best: “Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem, see one exquisite picture, and, if possible, speak a few sensible words.”
I’ve made it this far, and I plan to complete the month of writing. After this, though, I’ll be satisfied with my previous once or twice a week. It gives me time to write good stuff. And that’s what I want the most — not to be known for the amount of my output, but for the quality of my work.
