MY PRODUCTIVITY HACKS, PART FOUR: REST AND RESET by Max Jason Peterson

Eliot Knows by Max Jason Peterson

Rest and Reset 

Focus is one of the most deeply needed tools of a creative, and one that, along with time, can be the hardest to find. 

There's an old joke about the writer who sits down to work only to hop up again with a sudden passion for washing the dishes or changing the car’s oil. But it's not entirely off-base. Creative work is intense. It requires a lot of energy. When people talk about the discipline needed to follow through on creative pursuits, part of what they're talking about is focus: the ability to concentrate for periods of time long enough to make progress.

“Periods of time long enough to make progress,” of course, can be any amount of time in which you focus on your creative goal; leaving aside the dangers of rabbit holes, progress does include time spent searching for art references or studying an art technique you need to learn, or pursuing a small point of fact for a mystery or doing a deep-dive brainstorming session for your character’s personal habits. And the amount of time doesn’t matter—it could be a scene or plot notes you voice-typed into your phone while waiting in line at a drive-through. And make no mistake: even if you throw out all the words you wrote or erase what you drew, you’re still making progress: you’re exploring your way and getting closer to creating something that works for you.

Making art of any kind is hard but good work. It’s work that requires energy and thought and deep focus. It can take a lot out of you, but if making art is your dream, it can leave you satisfied in a way few other things do. So it’s worth finding ways to work with our own brains better to let that focus happen.

The reason I position focus as a resource even scarcer than time is simple: If you have focus, even five minutes will help you. But without the ability to focus, you may find yourself too weary to even take the time to write.

Distractions are the enemies of focus—especially the ones that you let get to you enough that you switch tasks, even if just for a moment.

A lack of focus can create a feedback loop. When you keep starting and stopping (even if it’s just to check your email or socials), your brain gets frustrated and you probably won’t get as much done as you could. (Focusing for a shorter time and then choosing to take a small break as a reward is different than letting the “breaks” interrupt the work, especially anytime you hit a stumbling block.)

Think of focus like sleep: it’s a different mental state, and it takes a little time to sink into it. With sleep, every interruption—especially frequent ones—makes it harder to fall back to sleep; even if you do, it might not be the deep sleep you need, leaving you feeling tired.

Maybe it’s hard to turn off the distractions in part because deep focus can make us “forget” the outside world for a time. Maybe that feels scary or dangerous. Maybe it makes us feel guilty or selfish. A lot of us have many responsibilities and challenges. You know what your priorities need to be. But remember that it’s also valid to take time for yourself to be creative, especially because if that’s your passion, it can improve your quality of life to do so.

Rest and taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health are very important. Feeling creatively exhausted may have a root in actual physical exhaustion or other health needs. Personal or health needs or challenges affect us in different ways; is there a way to work with or take care of your needs that might improve things even a little bit, whatever your situation is? (For example, I have insomnia. As an overbooked person, it’s hard to allow myself the extra time I need to allow for not sleeping well, in order to get enough rest. But paradoxically, I create better even in more limited time when I do so. It also makes it more important to say “no” where needed.) 

So, yes, rest of all kinds (even from working on creative projects!) is important to recharge the energy you need to make things.

Sometimes I find that taking a break from things that weigh on me can help me rest and reset my brain, allowing me to focus better when I work. I call this “reset” because I’m giving my brain a chance to stand down from all the things I anxiously think about and distract myself with, by setting boundaries and sticking to them. Whether for a day or three, I tell myself, “You don’t have to do that now. It’s okay. You can think about it tomorrow.” This helps me clear my mind. It’s a sort of mental freedom. 

It sounds contrary, doesn't it? "I don't feel I can break away from these tasks long enough to achieve deep focus. Therefore I'm going to stop doing the tasks and focus instead." But even if you only have an hour to push them back--try to give yourself permission to stop thinking about them for that hour. For myself, I find such a "vacation" from my daily mental burdens helps give me more bandwidth to dive into a creative project, or simply to let myself relax long enough to relieve some of the stress blocking me. 

Even if I don’t write or make art during that time, my "worries" are suspended long enough for my brain to settle down, reset, and clear some space to focus. (If your life concerns are too big to pause for a day or an hour—please take care of those first; you can give yourself a small vacation from them when they are not as pressing. But remember that taking breaks for yourself is also important to avoid burnout.)

Even if none of this works for you—thinking about what happens to stop, distract, or dissuade you from creating may lead to some solutions. Regardless of whether you create anything, getting more rest and finding ways to reset your brain (so you don’t keep distracting yourself) will probably help you feel better in the long run, and maybe even get more done.

In other words—taking time out to snuggle with kitties or read a book are important part of the creative process!

Earlier works in this series:

Part One: Multiple WIPs

Part Two: These Are Our Tools 

Part Three: Wake Up to Something You Love

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For more information about Max Jason Peterson (he/they), visit maxjasonpeterson.wordpress.com or the Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram links through gardnercastle.com.

 

Believing in Things by Judy Fowler

  

 

                                                As a kid, I believed I could save Tinker Bell’s life by clapping. I tried it during a televised live broadcast of Peter Pan, and it worked. I’ll never forget the tingling sensation at the back of my neck when I clapped my hands in our den on Long Island, and she revived onscreen. 

When my Sunday school teacher taught us the song “Jesus Loves Me,” I believed every word and enjoyed the positive feedback. 

When I pledged "allegiance to the flag, and to the republic for Richard Sands,” I believed he must have been one of my country's founding fathers. 

Five nights a week, my tired commuter dad descended from a sooty Long Island Railroad train out of New York City. My mother taught me a bedtime prayer, which included a request that God “deliver us not into Penn Station." This prayer made sense.  

Some beliefs involved nuance. The fine print about believing in Santa Claus meant that I also had to believe he had some frightening means of tracking my behavior for 364 days and nights before deciding if I’d been good enough to get presents. 

Did you, as I did, believe that a tiny fairy lifted your head, as heavy as a bowling ball, with one hand while she deposited money under your pillow and removed the tooth you'd put there with her other hand, all without waking you up? Sure you did. The appearance of cold, hard cash was all the proof one needed.  

Proof also existed that an Easter bunny entered and left my parents' house once each spring to deposit a load of multi-colored eggs in the living room. Wasn't I standing there each year with a basket of evidence? In the excitement of the hunt, I never asked how the rabbit got in or why a rabbit laid chicken eggs. 

I felt skeptical about some things, like how my father could find Jones Beach without a map.  I remember leaning forward from the back seat of the station wagon to ask him about it. “But Daddy, how do you know where it is?” 

“I just do,” he said. Dad believed in knowing without any training delays. And he did play the piano by ear. When he gave me a bike, he believed I'd know how to pedal it. One surprise push downhill made me believe that not all adults are gifted teachers. 

There are moments when faith fails us. Before I believed I'd ever climb the apple tree in my friend’s yard, I watched her climb. 

“Come on!” she’d say. "It's easy." 

“I can’t do it,” I answered day after day. It took weeks, but once I believed I could reach the first branch, I was up there, believing there'd be a way down.

 I was twelve when two scary-looking Secret Service agents pulled me out of the House of Representatives gallery to ask why I’d taken my camera inside and snapped a photo of my congressperson. Worse still, they demanded that I tell them my zip code, which I didn't know. That day, I began to believe in reading posted signs and always carrying my address. 

My last belief before leaving college was that I could audition and get the lead in my senior class musical. Believe me: I still treasure that Playbill!

Most of us sloughed off childish beliefs once we were on our own and independent. I traded mine for one new one: faith that if I held on to whatever job I had, it would pay for my rent and health insurance. Recalling a James Thurber cartoon, I began identifying with the father who tells his child, “Well, I’m disenchanted, too. We’re all disenchanted.”  

In retirement, however, I’ve reaffirmed my faith in the unlikely. Yesterday, I got a preview of my friend Mike Rigg's soon-to-be-released mystery novel, Voices of the Elysian Fields. When he and I met at a writing conference six years ago, we dreamt of finishing and publishing a 2,000-word story. I'd joined a friendly critique group but was so self-conscious that I refused to read them my work. I told myself that maybe in a month or two, just as I'd eventually climbed that apple tree, a day would come when I'd get up and just get it over with. And that day came. After watching Mike edit his book for a year, my newest belief is that a day will come when I, too, am eager to revise.

What belief would benefit you this year?

 

INTERVIEWING WOMEN IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY by Sheryl Jordan

Men have long dominated the trucking industry; however, many women are breaking barriers and making their mark on the road. I am working on a novel series about a female truck driver who solves mysteries while delivering her loads on time. While researching and setting up interviews with entrepreneurs in the trucking industry, I constantly ponder what questions I should ask my interviewees to ensure we have compelling and engaging conversations. I came up with these intriguing questions:

Background and Motivation

·       What inspired you to become a truck driver?

·       How did you get started in the trucking industry?

·       Were there any significant influences or role models that encouraged you to pursue this career?

Experiences and Challenges

·       Can you describe a typical day on the road?

·       What are some of your biggest challenges as a female truck driver?

·       Have you encountered any unique obstacles that your male counterparts might not experience?

·       How do you handle long periods away from home and family?

Safety and Security

·       What measures do you take to ensure your safety while on the road?

·       Have you ever found yourself in a dangerous situation, and how did you handle it?

·       Do you think the industry provides adequate support and protection for female drivers?

Work-Life Balance

·       How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance as a truck driver?

·       What hobbies or activities do you enjoy when you're not on the road?

·       Do you have any tips for managing stress and fatigue?

Industry Insights

·       How has the trucking industry changed since you started your career?

·       What industry improvements would you like to see to support female truck drivers?

·       Do you think there are enough opportunities for women in trucking?

Advice for Aspiring Female Truck Drivers

·       What advice would you give to women considering a career in trucking?

·       Do you recommend any resources or organizations for women entering the industry?

·       What skills or qualities are essential for success in this field?

Personal Stories

·       Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time on the road?

·       Have you formed any lasting friendships or connections in the industry?

·       What do you enjoy most about your work?

Curiosity

·     Do male truckers try to be over-accommodating towards you, like pumping fuel or trying to help you when they wouldn’t help other male truckers in similar situations?

·       Do “lot lizards” still exist?

·       What has been the funniest or most bizarre situation you’ve encountered on the road?

·       What do you do during your “downtime” on the road?

·       Are there any myths about being female in the industry?

I look forward to interviewing some extraordinary women for the series and getting the storyline moving along. After the interviews are complete, I will blog about the life of female truckers. What are you curious to know about our female truckers/entrepreneurs? 

The Perfect Crime in Mystery Writing by Teresa Inge

Mystery writing has long fascinated readers with its complex plots, intricate characters, and an air of suspense that keeps one guessing until the final chapter. The concept of the "perfect crime" stands out among the many themes explored in this genre. This notion—often defined by a seemingly flawless criminal act—has captivated writers and readers. What is it about the perfect crime that resonates so deeply, and how can it be utilized in mystery writing?

Between Good and Evil

At its core, the perfect crime embodies intrigue, cleverness, and ethical dilemmas. Authors are drawn to this theme for its inherent drama and complex characters. Readers are fascinated by the perpetrator's meticulous planning skills and cold detachment to evade capture. This complexity can prompt readers to engage with the criminal, often blurring the lines between good and evil.

Classic Example

A classic example is Edgar Allan Poe's The Murders in the Rue Morgue. In this story, the crime appears unsolvable due to its bizarre circumstances, yet through the keen observation of C. Auguste Dupin, the truth is revealed. The narrative highlights the tension between the intellect needed to commit a perfect crime and the analytical skills needed to unravel it. This structure enhances the thrill of the story and engages readers in applying their own analysis.

Red Herrings

In modern mystery writing, the perfect crime sets the stage for unexpected twists. Writers employ red herrings—clues designed to mislead readers. The anticipation of discovering how a seemingly perfect plan unravels keeps readers engrossed. For instance, in Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, the crime is not just a single act but a series of planned murders that build suspense. Each murder aligns with a moral lesson, making the reader contemplate justice and retribution.

Cat & Mouse

Additionally, law enforcement plays a crucial role in solving the riddle of the crime. Their journey is a battle of wits against the perpetrator. The detective’s shortcomings magnify the tension and overall uncertainty. This heightens suspense and adds depth to the characters, as readers become invested in their successes and failures.

In conclusion, the perfect crime is a rich motif in mystery writing, intertwining morality and intellect. Whether the crime is solved or remains shrouded in mystery, it’s the unexpected twists and revelations—that captivate the imagination of readers.

WHAT I NEEDED TO LEARN IN LIFE, I LEARNED FROM MY CHIHUAHUAS By: Kimberly R. Thorn

Annabelle 

What I Needed to Learn in Life, I Learned from My Chihuahuas

 By: Kimberly R. Thorn

1.     Mexican cuisine is the greatest of all time.

2.     All other cuisine is good, as long as you’re hungry and are in a pinch.

3.     Dynamite comes in very small packages.

4.     If life hands you blankets, take a nap.

5.     If life doesn’t happen to hand you blankets, it’s okay, just steal them.

6.     Winter is made for hibernating.

7.     100°F weather is the perfect temperature.

8.     If it has teeth and shows them to you, it WILL bite.

9.     Waking someone who is sleeping is hazardous to your health.

10.  Tiny IS mighty.

11.  To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. 

12.  To dominate, you seek out the biggest guy, swagger up to him, tap his foot with your foot and when he bends down to get into your face, you bite his nose.

13.  Then hold on for dear life while he screams, flailing as he tries to remove you from his sore and possibly broken nose.

14.  Your bite needs to be much bigger than your bark.

15.  When you’re mad at your mama, sit with you dad and watch baseball while giving your mama the evil side eye, at least until bedtime.

16.  Peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jacks are not just for consumption during the 7^th inning stretch.

17.  Every female should have a huge wardrobe of clothes, shoes, coats, purses, jewelry and accessories at her whim.  (and whatever else she wishes to wear).

18.  Always dress well and appropriate for every occasion. 

19.  Faux fur, jewels, glitter and rhinestones ARE appropriate for every occasion.

20.  Always arrive in style, like you’re ready to walk the red carpet, darling.

21.  Be excited to and go visit your Grandma and Grandpa whenever you can.

22.  If you want ice cream, just eat it.

23. Don't feel guilty about anything. 

24.  What’s done is done. 

25.  Do not dwell in the past.

26.  Why walk anywhere when you can ride everywhere?

27.  If you do have to walk, walk with an entourage.  It shows you are important.

28.  Everyone should share their food with you.  It’s a universal, unwritten law.

29.  Keep everyone guessing by growling at them once in a while.

30.  Just be cute, no one can dare to resist.

                       In memory of my angel, Annabelle and in honor of my current baby, Paris.

Paris

U.S. PRESIDENTS AND THEIR CATS! by Yvonne Saxon

 

 Of all the pets that have come with Presidents to the White House, I believe the cats have stolen the show! Martin Van Buren's tigers really did until Congress made him give them to a zoo, and Coolidge's lion cubs for a time, but the real stars were the domestic cats!

The first president to have a cat in the White House was Abraham Lincoln. Because the Lincolns left their dog in Springfield, Illinois when they moved to Washington, Secretary of State William Seward gave them two cats. Tabby and Dixie took up residence in August of 1861. Mary Todd Lincoln, when asked by a reporter about Lincoln's hobbies, commented with one word: cats. Lincoln was said to have quipped once that Dixie was smarter than all the members of his cabinet!

Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Hayes were given a Siamese cat in 1878 by the American Consul in Bangkok. Siam, according to records, was the first Siamese cat in the United States. Unfortunately she fell ill within nine months, and even though the President's personal physician was called in, his treatment of fish, oysters, cream, duck, and chicken didn't help, and she didn't recover.

Perfect Starts by Maria Hudgins

 

My favorite English mystery writer is Peter Lovesey so I was saddened by his recent announcement that his newest novel, Against the Grain, would be his last. His first was the prize-winning Wobble to Death, and it was published 50 years ago! Wow! He will at least continue writing short stories and I look forward to reading them. It was his novel, The Vault, that first taught me the value of a great opening line.

"Some weird objects are handed in at Bath Police Station."

I don't know about you, but I cannot stop there. Like what? What sort of weird object? Is he going to give me an example? He had better, because I feel like I HAVE to know! It can't be a gun because it's a police station and a gun would not be a weird thing to hand in there. A purse? That's not weird either. A set of false teeth? Weird, but why would you take them to a police station? I have to know more.

I read further, of course, and learn that a man wearing the uniform of a guide at the city's main tourist attraction, the famous Roman Baths, is standing in line at the front desk and holding a pizza box with a lump in it. The lid won't go all the way down.

What's in the box? I'll pause while you think about that.

I read on until I found out what was in the box but by that time I was hooked. I had to read the rest of the story.

Another Lovesey story--and I can't remember its name--starts with the single word, "Naked?" I thought about how I couldn't stop reading there and was inspired to start my first Dotsy Lamb Travel Mystery, set in Italy, with "Strip-search?" It worked. A lot of people read the book.

First lines are important. First lines in a mystery are especially important because there are so many mysteries out there. The writer is facing stiff competition. Nobody has to read past the first line if they don't want to. You have to make them want to. Here are some of my favorites:

"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again." Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier. This line is often quoted as a great first sentence.

"I have done this before." Poirot's Last Case, Agatha Christie

"Death is my beat." The Poet, Michael Connelly

"Eunice Parchman killed the Coverdale family because she could not read or write." A Judgement in Stone, Ruth Rendell. 

A first line like this one, or the one from The Vault can be used to spark the reader's curiosity or it can be used to set the mood for the whole story. It can help the reader decide if he wants to spend a few hours living in the world you have invented.

What about you? Have you ever been captivated by the first word or a first line that grabbed you and made you read the whole thing? When was the last time you felt like Tom Cruise when he said, "You had me at Hello?"

I'd love to hear your answer. Leave me a comment.