I left off my last blog after making mention of multitasking. As I try to write this post, watch the last bit of Grey's Anatomy and have a conversation with my wife, a realization comes to me. I'm not very good at doing several things at once, and it's not just the fact that my wife is no longer answering me when I ask what 'what's-his-name' just said. Or to repeat her last few words.
However, a number of recent studies indicate that I need not hang my head in shame about this supposed handicap. One of the latest, by Stanford University researchers, suggests that multitaskers 'pay a mental price' for their willingness to surrender themselves to this modern occupational dynamic. Richard Nass, a member of the research team, went so far as to state that heavy multitaskers - those who regularly engage in a high amount of media multitasking - are 'suckers for irrelevancy' who are distracted by everything. Nass's group cites a number of tests that supported this and other claims.
However, there remain people who argue multitasking is the way of the future and that it's something we can, and must, get used to. In part, Dr. Noreen Golfman's espousal of this point of view inspired this piece. I enjoy her blog, 'Postcards from the Edge,' but today I beg to differ with her.
Dr. Golfman, I have two words for you that summarize my point of contention. Customer service. I utterly dare you to find any industry, business, or organization in which the overall levels of customer service are higher today than in decades past. I'm not speaking with regard to manners or behaviour, though. I am talking about errors of omission, lack of follow-up, and the general inability to take a service call from start to finish satisfactorily. I cannot remember the last time I had a customer service agent from a phone company, bank or public corporation call me back after promising to do so. The number and frequency of errors in billing, addressing, or any other variety of everyday functions seems to me to be an epidemic of colossal scale. This goes for management-level positions as well. And, I would wager heavily that ninety-nine percent of people reading this post are nodding along with me. So, Dr. Golfman, I disagree with your suggestion that the Stanford researchers have erred by presenting pseudo-scientific evidence that casts doubt on the wisdom of multitasking.
All you need to do is open your cable bill and see that your last payment is marked as not received, even though you sent it well before the due date. Then, try to explain your situation to the automated answering system that attempts to filter your call.
Multitasking is simply the catchword for doing more with less. In the drive to make larger profits and increase stockholder confidence or stave off calls of public mismanagement, businesses of every type are cutting back on employees. The work increases and the human resources needed to fulfill businesses' obligations decrease. This environment is the birthplace of multitasking. The technology we had hoped would change our lives for the better has now grown and matured, making us slaves to its impersonal efficiency.
The next time your bank sends your debit card to the wrong address, try to contact someone there, even a manager, and request they get back to you about the mishap. Chances are, the message will be lost somewhere in the buzz of checking email, scanning the news and holding a conversation while sipping a chai tea.
By the way, when did Gray's Anatomy end, and what's on now?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Writing as a habit: the MetalMagic journey labours on
I'm sure you've all heard about the '21-day rule' when it comes to forming habits. Some suggest that it's the number of repetitions, and not the time involved. Either way, it took me more than a few days to stop reaching for the handle on the right side of the refrigerator because we decided it needed to open into the kitchen. So, what does that have to do with writing?
Well, I was in quite a groove over the summer. I actually spent between 4 and 6 hours per day finishing off the manuscript for MetalMagic, as well as making the final revisions before sending it off to Wheatmark. I suppose, I had made a 'habit' of writing.
So, the question must be asked - what need I do to reestablish a habit of writing now that my summertime routine is all but a memory? Well, I suppose this blog is a start. Although, I have slipped a bit since the first few posts. So, no luck on a continuous series of repetitions, there.
I briefly thought about getting up early in the mornings, before work, to write. But, anyone who knows me will see just how amusing that idea is. I'm about as much a morning person as a vampire. Yes, that's a shameful and strategically-placed keyword. Maybe it'll bring in a few of the younger readers.
Ruling out the mornings, then, I am left with sometime after work. I'm thinking about setting aside an hour or two to begin with , say on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening. And, no, my friends, the Saturday night will not interfere in the least with my social life - birthday parties and trips to the park with the little ones end at nightfall.
I have one other ace up my sleeve - the NHL season starts up in about a week. I already have the regularly alternating two-hour-and-a-bit timeslots booked for the fall and winter. Now, if I could only remember what the rule is about multitasking...
Well, I was in quite a groove over the summer. I actually spent between 4 and 6 hours per day finishing off the manuscript for MetalMagic, as well as making the final revisions before sending it off to Wheatmark. I suppose, I had made a 'habit' of writing.
So, the question must be asked - what need I do to reestablish a habit of writing now that my summertime routine is all but a memory? Well, I suppose this blog is a start. Although, I have slipped a bit since the first few posts. So, no luck on a continuous series of repetitions, there.
I briefly thought about getting up early in the mornings, before work, to write. But, anyone who knows me will see just how amusing that idea is. I'm about as much a morning person as a vampire. Yes, that's a shameful and strategically-placed keyword. Maybe it'll bring in a few of the younger readers.
Ruling out the mornings, then, I am left with sometime after work. I'm thinking about setting aside an hour or two to begin with , say on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening. And, no, my friends, the Saturday night will not interfere in the least with my social life - birthday parties and trips to the park with the little ones end at nightfall.
I have one other ace up my sleeve - the NHL season starts up in about a week. I already have the regularly alternating two-hour-and-a-bit timeslots booked for the fall and winter. Now, if I could only remember what the rule is about multitasking...
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Top 5 reasons not to write today: the MetalMagic journey continues...
Here's a topic that I can write copiously about. Just plain ironic, is what it is. So, here are the top 5 resons why I'm not right now continuing on the sequel to my novel or on the new Sci-Fi book I'm planning. Or any other constructive enterprise. Hang on - I don't want to give you, the reader, the idea that I think this blog is a waste of my time (and, by extension, yours). Of course writing this is a valid exercise. I just wanted to explore the most used excuses of mine for not making better use of my free hours. Ahem...
5) "I'm tired." Yes, I know that's a lame one. Everyone is tired. But, hats off to those who can write part-time and do it regularly, while holding down another part-time or even full-time job. Add more kudos to people among this group who are parents - especially single parents - or caregivers in some form or other. I find it incredibly hard to come back home from a day of teaching, to eat supper, play with the kids (I have two), have a conversation with my wife, and then have the energy to sit in front of my computer and come up with something creative. So, lame as it is, that's number 5. I listed it first because it's probably the one most people use.
4) "But, 24 is on!" Okay, feel free to substitute your show of choice, although last season was a breath of fresh air, because some new elements came into play. But, I digress. Anyway, it always seems like I have just enough motivation to start writing when my favorite show airs. Granted, with parenthood and a continuing career as a teacher, I don't have a lot of #3 (you'll see) to spend on TV. Nonetheless, it's a solid excuse and remains my number 4.
3) "I don't have time." This one is often combined with number 5. Actually, they are pretty interchangeable. Try it and see. The next time someone asks you if you are up to doing something, alternatively switch #3 and #5. They won't notice. Even if you use it in the same conversation. Trust me.
So, why did I put this ahead of number 4, you might ask? Okay, then, I'll tell you. Number 4 is just a subset of number 3, so, I put the larger category lower in the ranking (meaning it carries more weight). Hey, it's my blog and I'll do what I want. Get going to number 2 already.
2) "Look, a distraction!" (pause) Now that you're back from whatever you were looking for, I'll explain a little about number 2. What's that, you say? Isn't TV just a distraction? How dare you insult Kiefer like that! Obviously, it's a passtime, since so many people do it. So, no, it can't be just a distraction. "Hah!" You say - if you call this category "just a distraction," then why isn't it listed further up your chart? I'll tell you what can go further up ... . (again, pause)
Ahem. So, where was I? Oh, yes, distractions. Well, I put it here at number 2 because ... just a second, there's something poking me from the bottom of my chair ... feels like a pin, or something ...
1) "No one will ever read it, anyway." If you are an author, self-published or not, you have thought this any number of times over the course of your career, and not, I would wager, just at the outset. As has been a theme with these posts from the beginning, I am trying to craft them to be helpful, or at least slightly amusing, to people who may be on the same path as I find myself now, or even just contemplating the seemingly impossible task of becoming a published writer. Have no doubt, this gnawing fear of being inadequate or inconsequential will likely be the biggest hurdle you now have to face. Just ask any author you may meet to show you their stack of rejection letters. If they aren't you-know-who, (see blog entry 1 of this series to puzzle out the identity) I can almost guarantee that the bundle rivals the thickness of your last steak.
Mmmm. Steak. Why does the number 2 now suddenly come to mind?
5) "I'm tired." Yes, I know that's a lame one. Everyone is tired. But, hats off to those who can write part-time and do it regularly, while holding down another part-time or even full-time job. Add more kudos to people among this group who are parents - especially single parents - or caregivers in some form or other. I find it incredibly hard to come back home from a day of teaching, to eat supper, play with the kids (I have two), have a conversation with my wife, and then have the energy to sit in front of my computer and come up with something creative. So, lame as it is, that's number 5. I listed it first because it's probably the one most people use.
4) "But, 24 is on!" Okay, feel free to substitute your show of choice, although last season was a breath of fresh air, because some new elements came into play. But, I digress. Anyway, it always seems like I have just enough motivation to start writing when my favorite show airs. Granted, with parenthood and a continuing career as a teacher, I don't have a lot of #3 (you'll see) to spend on TV. Nonetheless, it's a solid excuse and remains my number 4.
3) "I don't have time." This one is often combined with number 5. Actually, they are pretty interchangeable. Try it and see. The next time someone asks you if you are up to doing something, alternatively switch #3 and #5. They won't notice. Even if you use it in the same conversation. Trust me.
So, why did I put this ahead of number 4, you might ask? Okay, then, I'll tell you. Number 4 is just a subset of number 3, so, I put the larger category lower in the ranking (meaning it carries more weight). Hey, it's my blog and I'll do what I want. Get going to number 2 already.
2) "Look, a distraction!" (pause) Now that you're back from whatever you were looking for, I'll explain a little about number 2. What's that, you say? Isn't TV just a distraction? How dare you insult Kiefer like that! Obviously, it's a passtime, since so many people do it. So, no, it can't be just a distraction. "Hah!" You say - if you call this category "just a distraction," then why isn't it listed further up your chart? I'll tell you what can go further up ... . (again, pause)
Ahem. So, where was I? Oh, yes, distractions. Well, I put it here at number 2 because ... just a second, there's something poking me from the bottom of my chair ... feels like a pin, or something ...
1) "No one will ever read it, anyway." If you are an author, self-published or not, you have thought this any number of times over the course of your career, and not, I would wager, just at the outset. As has been a theme with these posts from the beginning, I am trying to craft them to be helpful, or at least slightly amusing, to people who may be on the same path as I find myself now, or even just contemplating the seemingly impossible task of becoming a published writer. Have no doubt, this gnawing fear of being inadequate or inconsequential will likely be the biggest hurdle you now have to face. Just ask any author you may meet to show you their stack of rejection letters. If they aren't you-know-who, (see blog entry 1 of this series to puzzle out the identity) I can almost guarantee that the bundle rivals the thickness of your last steak.
Mmmm. Steak. Why does the number 2 now suddenly come to mind?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It's all about me (insert 'us'): the MetalMagic journey continues...
One piece of homework that my account manager at Wheatmark gave me was to create an author autobiography. It was all I could do not to giggle when she said it. Not that I don't take her seriously. But, an autobiography about me?
After I got over my initial amusement, my friend clueless showed up and left me with a lovely batch of "You've got nothing." I mean, I haven't lived in a monastery my whole life, but neither was I in the running for that commercial featuring the 'most interesting man in the world.' Yeah, the Dos Equis ad.
Anyway, what could I say about myself? I picked a couple of books by my favorite authors from the shelf and looked through their 'about the author' blurbs. Blurbs is what they were. I guess their writing speaks for itself. Not much help there.
Then, another thought occurred to me. Maybe it was okay to write about my mostly average life so far. Isn't that the idea of self-publishing - to snatch the once-unthinkable notion of creating a book - a book! - down from the loftiest of pedestals so that normal Joes like you or I could lay claim to such an achievement?
From that point of view, my autobiography could be seen as a celebration of commonality, and in essence, of community, with all of you.
After I got over my initial amusement, my friend clueless showed up and left me with a lovely batch of "You've got nothing." I mean, I haven't lived in a monastery my whole life, but neither was I in the running for that commercial featuring the 'most interesting man in the world.' Yeah, the Dos Equis ad.
Anyway, what could I say about myself? I picked a couple of books by my favorite authors from the shelf and looked through their 'about the author' blurbs. Blurbs is what they were. I guess their writing speaks for itself. Not much help there.
Then, another thought occurred to me. Maybe it was okay to write about my mostly average life so far. Isn't that the idea of self-publishing - to snatch the once-unthinkable notion of creating a book - a book! - down from the loftiest of pedestals so that normal Joes like you or I could lay claim to such an achievement?
From that point of view, my autobiography could be seen as a celebration of commonality, and in essence, of community, with all of you.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
The MetalMagic journey begins...
It's been a long time coming. Not this blog, necessarily, although by association, that is also true. I am referring more specifically to my novel, MetalMagic: Talisman Incarnate. I've been writing for about ten years now, and it's my second novel. The first... well, maybe after some extensive revisions it might some day see the light of day.
And, I am self-publishing. Why? Well, I am a bit wary of waiting for traditional publishers and/or agents to decide my book is worth their time and investment. It has no vampires (not that I have anything against them) and it's not urban fantasy (I rather enjoy those, too). So, if I'm not willing to invest a significant amount of my own time and money on the book I want to produce, why should I expect them to?
Besides, a first-time author published traditionally probably has little in the way of an advantage over me. Again, why? Because a first-time author will likely receive little in the way of marketing and/or publicity resources from their publisher. Unless that new author is the next Stephen King, which I most certainly am not - and I doubt there are all that many waiting out there in the wings.
The way I see it, there has never been a better time for a self-published author to make his or her mark. Print on demand technology, the web, social networking sites and a host of other new opportunites beckon.
So, instead of asking why, maybe a new question is called for: Why wait?
And, I am self-publishing. Why? Well, I am a bit wary of waiting for traditional publishers and/or agents to decide my book is worth their time and investment. It has no vampires (not that I have anything against them) and it's not urban fantasy (I rather enjoy those, too). So, if I'm not willing to invest a significant amount of my own time and money on the book I want to produce, why should I expect them to?
Besides, a first-time author published traditionally probably has little in the way of an advantage over me. Again, why? Because a first-time author will likely receive little in the way of marketing and/or publicity resources from their publisher. Unless that new author is the next Stephen King, which I most certainly am not - and I doubt there are all that many waiting out there in the wings.
The way I see it, there has never been a better time for a self-published author to make his or her mark. Print on demand technology, the web, social networking sites and a host of other new opportunites beckon.
So, instead of asking why, maybe a new question is called for: Why wait?
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