I'm trying out a new tool for writing. Rather than using a complicated program like Word or Open Office, I'm now just using Windows Notepad. There are almost no functions or options, just a full white window with a blinking cursor.But the software is only half the story. I'm also using an old Gateway laptop that I bough off a college buddy for $20. There's no Internet connection or media player. Later, I plan to wipe the hard drive as well to get rid of any possible distractions. I want to have a tool that is entirely dedicated to writing.
I spent a lot of time over the weekend working on the look and feel of this blog, but now the focus has shifted. The most important item on the agenda now is filling the pages with compelling content that is worth reading. I could have the most beautifully designed blog of all time, but without that, I will not be able to attract or grow an audience.
It is likely that the first several posts on this blog will seem somewhat disconnected. This is part of my process of finding my voice. I am confident that after working for awhile that I will find that flow and rhythm that all good writers have. That, I don't believe, are what my problem will be. Rather, as always, my problem will be thinking of what to write about, and having the confidence that my choice of subject is worthy of being read.
It turns out that my attempts to find a simpler method of writing is not without its drawbacks. In what was meant to be a distraction free environment, I've managed to spend more time figuring out how to get this dinosaur to recognize my jump drive and to recognize my plug in key board. The space key on the laptop is unreliable, and I'm not in the mood to back space over every few words.
However, I'm determined. I'm passionate. And nothing can stop me now that I've begun. The life of a writer is a difficult one, especially for a young father with a full time job that I'm dedicated to and a little family that I love, more than anything, to spend time with.
Finally, I figured out now how to both run my jump drive and my keyboard on this paleontological computer. I brought my brush and have scraped away the dirt, and now I am ready to go.
I have it set up now where I can comfortable type with my feet up, keyboard in hand, with my computer sitting comfortably at my side on the near by coffee table. This is a very comfortable way for me to write and to map out my ideas. I don't know if it will bring me closer to being a writer or not.
But it seems like many writers have very peculiar habits, and need to have things just so to work. Maybe me too. Maybe I've found what I need to work effectively. I cleaned out much of the clutter, and I've tried to make it so my focus can be on creating something new without the constant distraction of things that are old at my fingertips.
