The Living is Easy

A few days ago I was at the home of an artist friend and she commented that it is difficult to paint in the summer. "It's too nice to go up to my studio. I want to be doing this." She gestured with her hands to the sunshine outdoors, a movement that took in all the wonderful distractions a July morning in Maine might hold -- her garden, the farmer's market, the harbor, the bustling little town where she lives. In other words, everything but the canvas and paint awaiting her upstairs.

I know what she means. In the words of the old Gershwin song, "Summertime and the living is easy... " -- that is, unless you are trying to get some words on a page. Like many of you who live in a four-season climate, I've waited all year for this glorious 8-week span of time we call summer. And yes, it is difficult to pull myself away from my bicycle, or vegetable garden, or the hiking trails, and get my butt in the chair.

But Darby Farr's next mystery isn't going to write itself. If I want to work on Fatal Sale (we'll see if that stays the title), fulfill my obligations as a Realtor, and still have time for the fun stuff, I have to think strategically. Since I'm the spontaneous sort, rather than rigidly disciplined, I've come up with a few tricks to keep myself somewhat productive this summer. Here's my list:

• Aim for a weekly target. I remember my kids' pediatrician saying what they ate in a day wasn't as important as looking at net nutrition over the week. By applying this same thinking to my writing, I can allow for the days when I'm running around with real estate clients (or sailing in Penobscot Bay) and make them up somewhere else in the week.
• Jot down just a few lines. I say this to myself when I'm tempted to head out the door instead of writing. Ususally, a few lines turns into a page and I've hooked myself into getting something done.
• Use praise as motivation. When someone stops me on the street to say they loved A House to Die For, I'm eager to write. Remembering positive feedback can help me get back on track when the beach beckons.
• Take it outside. I sit on the deck, or the front porch, or take my laptop with me "up to camp" (how Mainers describe going to their lakefront cottages) and perch on the dock. I find I can get quite a bit of work done if I allow myself to also enjoy my surroundings.
• Reward for good behavior. I'm not above bribing myself with a hike or a swim IF I accomplish a little writing first.

Summer is an all too short season, especially here in Northern New England, and I want to enjoy it. Every now and then I just need to remind myself that putting words on the page will make my summer even better. What tricks do you use to keep the words flowing?