Power Outage: Dont MoanImprovise!
Yesterday when the power went out in the midst of editing on my computer, I just kept on going, in the dark . . . . Then I grabbed some other editing, and took it outside where it was nice and bright. The power outage lasted a couple of hours, but it also brought a smile to my face, because it reminded me of an article I wrote for New Straits Times in 2000, titled No Wind, Row! This was the first article of mine that Im aware of that a total stranger, an editor for a highly successful magazine, was so inspired by it, she made photocopies and mailed them to her friends. Of course, now a days, we send online links!
Although I blogged the re-titled article (Dont MoanImprovise) back in 2007 when I was first starting out as a blogger, it has had since been revised a couple of times and even included in Tropical Affairs, under the Being a Writer section. Even though the article feels a bit dated since I was writing about the 1990s (I havent, thank God, dusted off that manual typewriter for a long time, nor have I been playing tennis), the advice still rings true today.
Dont MoanImprovise!
No wind, row! barked William Churchill, no doubt to a group of hapless sailors bemoaning the lack of wind to fill their sails. Although Im no sailor, I often apply this nautical advice to other facets of my life. When things dont go according to plan, instead of moaning, I force myself to make a new plan by improvising. In other words, I do whatever I have to do to! get wha t needs to be done completed on time.
For instance, in Malaysia where I live as an expat, we occasionally have power shortages, so if Im in the middle of writing, Ill permit myself to groan a little, then Ill say, No computer, type!
Ill dust off my ever dependable manual typewriter and get the job done. If the typing isnt urgent, Ill take advantage of the down time by completing other non-typing tasks, like editing or brain storming new ideas for articles, short stories, screenplays or novels.
This is also the time to reorganize my writing notes, straighten out my files, update my non-computer records, and clear away everything that has been accumulating on my desk, so when the power and especially my computer is back on, Im raring to go with a clear mind and an uncluttered office.
Then on those days when I have errands to run and my car refuses to cooperate, which happens a lot with my less-than-trusty old car, Ill boldly announce, No car, walk!
By walking, I still get to my destination and pick up some much needed exercise in the process. If the distance is too far, as is often the case, Ill take a bus or a taxi, or if I feel truly inspired Ill ride my bicycle. I just do what I have to do to get wherever I have to go. Instead of complaining that I have no car and use that as an excuse, I get on with my life.
To make sure that I get to my destination or to my appointment on time, Ill leave early to allow for delays, and will often bring along an umbrella in ! case of rain as well as a book or a magazine to read while waiting for the bus or taxi.
Every now and then when I go to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, Ill make my rounds visiting magazine editors and publishers, and if I cant make an appointment ahead of time because the editor is out or if I just happened to be in the area, Ill stop in and present myself and my work. If the person I want to see is busy, which is usually the case, and if coming back later or the next day is inconvenient or impossible, Ill tell myself, No appointment, wait!
While waiting, Ill browse through the publishers latest publications, go over my manuscripts, and rehearse my selling pitch for articles, short stories, or a book proposal.
Invariably I get to meet the person whom I came to see, even if its only for a few minutes while they are rushing out of the building to meet their own appointments. More importantly Ive put a face behind my words and have established contact, which later will lead to sales.
Now that Im teaching writing full time and freelancing part time, I have these days, weeks, months, when theres just not enough time to complete all of my tasks, so I think back to a time management seminar I once attended and say to myself, No time, make time!
So Ill get up an hour earlier, shorten my lunch hour, cut out unnecessary breaks, limit phone calls, cut short e-mails, avoid idle chatter with colleagues, leave the TV off, and just try to work more efficiently both at work and at home.
Then du! ring tho se intense periods of my life when I feel that all I ever do is work, Ill use my final battle cry, No life, get one!
So Ill go to a movie, play tennis, visit a beach, read a novel or just play with my son whos always so full of life.
Now whenever I find myself in the middle of the sea of life and theres no wind, I rarely moan or shrug my shoulders in defeat and say, What to do? I just do my best William Churchill imitation and get on with my life and gain a little life in the process.
*Oh, it looks like we're going to have another storm here in Borneo, so I'd better post this before the power goes out...
Robert Raymer, Borneo Expat Writer
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