Do you finish things? Do you wish you finished things?

I’ve done a second draft on 7 out of 12 chapters on my current WIP. I’ve had my nose to the grindstone. Maybe you feel I’ve been a little silent. It’s true. I’ve been immersed in my work. And I am committed to finishing.

What does Finish require?

  • You aim to feel: demanding, opportunistic, energetic
  • You aim to think: tactically, contextually, other minded, fast-thinking

How do you feel demanding? You require that you and those around you respect your needs. How might you be opportunistic? I recently took advantage of my husband’s business trip to have a hotel room and dinners out – as a great opportunity to take a 4-day writing retreat.

How can you think tactically? Make a specific plan, that works within your context. Think fast and permit yourself to embrace complexity.

Finishing does not imply that you must forego all else, and only do one thing. It is more importantly a commitment to finishing. It doesn’t necessarily have a deadline. It has a dedication and an expectation.

Henry Miller speaks on this energy eloquently. In notes to himself, he writes:

“Work on one thing at a time until finished.
Start no more new books, add no more new material.
Don’t be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand.
Work according to Program and not according to mood. Stop at the appointed time!
When you can’t create you can work.
Cement a little every day, rather than add new fertilizers.
Keep human! See people, go places, drink if you feel like it.
Don’t be a draught-horse! Work with pleasure only.
Discard the Program when you feel like it—but go back to it next day.
Concentrate. Narrow down. Exclude.
Forget the books you want to write. Think only of the book you are writing.
Write first and always. Painting, music, friends, cinema, all these come afterwards.”
― Henry Miller

For me, “Don’t be a draught horse!” sticks out. “Work with pleasure.” Recently I re-read a chapter of my WIP, and guess what, it was boring.

I’m pretty sure I was bored when I wrote it. (Don’t worry, I’ve edited extensively.)

Don’t be a workhorse. Prance as you write.