Spaghetti on the Wall

You know that saying about throwing spaghetti on the wall to see if it sticks? First of all, I suggest you do that sometime because it feels a bit exciting in a very non-dangerous way. But also, I’ve made a giant sticky note revision chart and it looks like a whole lot of spaghetti on my wall. Each row is a different title, but each title went into the pot at a different time. Some are almost done and will stay stuck to that wall for a while. Others may hang out for a bit, their loose ends not quite sticking yet. And others may just drop to the floor, because not all ideas are good ideas. The columns are elements I check as each line takes shape. It’s empty this morning, but won’t be for long. While some boxes are already done and just need notes, others will require time and revision.

Expanses of time to write have been limited lately, though I’ve been revising, mostly in the margins of my days. New ideas are springing up too, but are being saved for the “Soon” file.

I’ve been eager to work lately but when the opportunities arise, I’ve needed a tool to focus on “what” to work on in the moment. I wanted a visual reminder of the work I’ve done and a way to help me focus on individual elements so I can feel progress one pocket of time, at a time. 

If you have a creative profession, or personality, what things motivate or shape your work, when time to create is crunched? Maybe it’s finding focus through lists, or having no structure and allowing for creativity as it comes, or perhaps it’s taking a step away from the work entirely and trying your hand at new outlets? Me? I have a new wall list that helps for when the creative time comes, and a shelf with new paints, brushes and rubber cement for when I really need to noodle around with something new.