Writing - A Lot.

Having just finished a huge unmentionable writing project (curiously mentionable - that's 3 so far in two blog posts), I thought it would be useful to read a book about writing a lot - after the event. It was kind of recommended in Oliver Burkeman's 'This Column Will Change Your Life' in the Guardian Weekend Magazine a couple of weeks ago. I think the column will actually, finally, live up to it's moniker. I fully expect this book to revolutionise my life. It's called 'How to Write A Lot' by Paul J Silvia. It's a practical guide to productive writing for academics. In fact this is the sub-title, more or less. But the advice could apply to nonacademics and beyond writing. I'm going apply the basic tenet - schedule writing time and respect it - throughout my life.  I'm hoping it will put paid to any paralysis and procrastination dogging my professional and personal life. Just a small ambition. I was reading it on the train the other day and the fella next to me said 'excuse me, but that's rather a strange ambition'. He was incredibly polite. The only other thing he said to me was an apology for not saying excuse me when he first sat down. That might have been because I was busy cramming my face with burger. Nice to know that interrupting a lady gorging on a whopper is deemed more impolite than not saying anything when you take the seat next to them.

Haven't quite got to the point of getting my diary out and ring-fencing slots. I ought to do it RIGHT NOW if I'm really taking on board Paul J Silvia (PhD)'s advice. Blessedly short volume, by the way, probably so recalcitrant writers can begin to exercise some finger-outtage and get on with it, rather than wasting time reading about writing. One unfortunate side-effect I should mention is a sudden attack of paranoia about my writing style as a result of reading Silvia's tips on style. I want to go back to every report etc I've ever written, effectively to cringe at every flabby, flowery phrase.