Not Right Now, I'm Writing (A Love Letter)
Maybe my new mantra could be yours, too
Mindset, motivation and inspiration for writers, with a dash of instruction about writing craft added in, from novelist, writing coach and workshop leader Charlotte Rains Dixon. I also carry on a lot about process, because: there’s no one approach to writing that works for everyone. But I can help you find what works for you. I love all of my readers, every single one of you and I’m truly grateful when you read my work and connect with me. Subscribe to get the fuel you need for your writing career. I truly adore all my readers, and a paid subscription helps my bring these words to you.
Hello lovies,
My three-year-old grandson has a problem with a slight speech delay. With two older brothers in residence and two older cousins often hanging around, it’s no wonder—he’s had lots of other people to speak for him his whole life.
He’s been in speech therapy (which I have come to believe would be a lovely career) and is progressing in his ability to speak in sentences nicely. One of his new favorite phrases is, “not right now.” Conversations often go something like this:
Adult: “Should we clean up your toys?” Tucker: “Not right now.”
Adult: “Is it time for bed?” Tucker: “Not right now.”
Adult: “Can I help you put your shoes on?” Tucker: “Not right now.”
After a week or so of this, I’ve come to realize what a handy phrase it is. I like the way it implies you’ll do it at some point—just not at the moment. Because it’s so handy, I have decided to adopt it for my writing self. So that conversations with others might go something like this:
Family member: “I’m hungry. When’s dinner?” Me: “Not right now. I’m writing.”
Partner: “Want to watch a movie?” Me: “Not right now. I’m writing.”
Partner: “We need to buy groceries.” Me: “Not right now. I’m writing.”
(Important pro tip: when you deliver your “not right now” statement to a loved one, you must do it with the confidence and supreme diffidence of a three-year-old, then studiously go back to what you were doing. Whether that is building a house with Magna-tiles as in Tucker’s case, or building a novel in your case, you must assume that anyone with half a brain can see the importance of what you are doing.)
But I think it is an even more useful phrase for conversations with myself. To wit:
Inner critic: “Your writing sucks. When are you going to quit?” Me: “Not right now, I’m writing.”
Inner procrastinator: “You better go check email.” Me: “Not right now, I’m writing.”
Inner must be-all-things-to-all-people believer: “Text alert. Somebody needs you!” Me: “Not right now. I’m writing.”
Because the truth is, right now is really all we have. Right now is everything. Tucker understand that, as he focuses all on his Magna-tiles or zooming cars around. He’s not thinking about the dishes in the sink or the plants that need watering or the bills he should pay. Because none of that is as important as figuring out how to build a house that doesn’t collapse. And his “not right now” is the only explanation that’s needed.
I’m committing to trying this for the next week, even if I only think the words rather than say them. Who’s with me? Are you in?
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Love, light, and good writing,
Charlotte
P.S. I was a guest on a podcast this week, and it was a lot of fun. See more in the resources section.
P.P.S. We’ve had a last-minute cancellation for our Italy workshop. Maybe you should nab the spot? More here.
Articles and Resources
I was on the Launch Pad podcast this week! You can listen now if you want to join the Bookish Road Trip Facebook group (it’s fun). Or, as of June 13th, it will be available on Authors on the Air Global Radio Network and Launch Pad Radio. I’ll update with links next week.
No excuse not to learn about the publishing industry:
In case you need a refresher, how to get an agent.
Even Colleen Hoover gets writer’s block.
Writing classes. Not sure where I found this, can’t vouch for them, just sharing.
Books
Chasing Hope: A Reporter’s Story, by Nicholas D. Kristof. Local boy makes good. The son of immigrants, he was raised on a farm in nearby Yamhill County and went on to become a journalist for the New York Times. I just started it, and I’m engrossed. Update: Still reading, still enjoying.
The Cloisters, by Katy Hays. I saw a description of this novel somewhere in my travels, and I bought it immediately. She had me at tarot cards that might hold the key to predicting the future.
Overseas Workshops
Yes, we just returned from one writing workshop trip but we’ve got our eyes on two more upcoming in September. Blog posts on our website will tell you all about the location of our France workshop and why we love it so much. You can read about art and artists in Céret, the crazy annual footrace there, and best of all, the wonderful local bakeries. There’s only a couple spots left, so nab them now. And here is the promised interview with our guest resident Angela M. Sanders (written by the wonderful Shari Lane, who has a book coming out May1!)
And here is the most recent blog post about Perugia. (And, as mentioned above, we’ve had a cancellation. So do join us!)
Other places to connect with me:
Instagram (trying to get back on there more regularly)
My website (badly in need of an upgrade)
Our workshop website
My original blog (now for archive purposes only, no longer updated)
This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means I get a slight kickback if you order through me. And by slight I mean slight.
I was thinking yesterday how I hold a small list of immediate concerns in my head at all times. Like. (This morning) Get up. Find a hoodie. Put on over nightie. Let dogs out. Go out and water the ducklings, check the white calf’s rear, listen to the farm, make a cup of tea, return to morning writing. From there to create the next list of the day.
‘Not right now’ is now engaged for one hour before I get up to go do morning chores.
I love it actually! I would think about more to add to the list - but ‘not right now’. Ha!! This is great!
Thank you and good morning!
I love this, Charlotte! I’ve been doing a lot of “not right now” practice lately and it’s a great improvement in my creative life. I like having a name for it now. Thank you!