a reasonable and logical way of doing things or of thinking about problems that is based on dealing with specific situations instead of on ideas and theories
a practical approach to problems and affairs
an American movement in philosophy founded by C. S. Peirce and William James and marked by the doctrines that the meaning of conceptions is to be sought in their practical bearings, that the function of thought is to guide action, and that truth is preeminently to be tested by the practical consequences of belief
I'm trying to remember small things I'm thankful for in this moment, to try to push down all the stress, irritation, impatience, and general loneliness of being more machine than human.
It's not the big things like my children and my health and employment, but the little things of this moment.
Diet Pepsi
Good music
A warm lap blanket
And that's all I've got. It'll be enough to see me home.
Different characters of mine always have different soundtracks. This is a song that applies to my heroine's problem with impulsiveness and her slippery hold on her self-control. The line about being repulsed by restriction is also surprisingly relevant, given my character's secret fear of being bound (merinthophobia).
"havoc" by Alanis Morissette
Just when I thought I had handles on this
I can soften my guard behind false confidence
Just when I felt humble pie insipid
Exempt from this blind-side and firmly in its grip
Cause I am seduced by reaction and under the influence
I'm slipping again
I'm up to old tricks off my wagon
I have no defense I'm wreaking havoc
Wreaking havoc and consequence
I get reduced by my own willfulness as
I reach for my usual God replacements
Cause I am rich with sanction and lax in my steps
I'm slipping again
I'm up to old tricks off my wagon
I have no defense I'm wreaking havoc
Wreaking havoc and consequence
If forgiveness is understanding
Then I offer mea culpa for the millionth time
From this toppling house of cards of mine
I am beaten by my impulsiveness
By this uncanny foreshadowing of regret
Cause I'm repulsed by restriction at least that's my excuse
I'm slipping again
I'm up to old tricks off my wagon
I have no defense I'm wreaking havoc
Wreaking havoc and consequence
"The first virtue in a soldier is endurance of fatigue; courage is only the second virtue."
Napoleon Bonaparte
I'm averaging five hours of sleep this week, between my jobs, my family, my cold, and my determination to write during the brief and unfocused moments that are left over. Writing is like trying to save a fortune in a piggy bank; if you only drop in the occasional spare change when it's convenient, you're not going to reach your goal. You have to be thinking about it constantly, disciplined enough to never skip a day, never skip an opportunity to invest. It's at the expense of my health that I soldier on through my overwhelming workload, raising a family, and keeping a home, toward the very last page.
It's an adjective that I've always loved, because its definition captures a trait that feels significant to me personally and as a creator of characters.
This is the official author blog for writer Lindsay Dawning. I'll be sharing writing pitfalls, fun facts, and any advice I find helpful, as well as the status of my novels-in-progress. Eventually, I hope to hear from readers.
The time is now; no more sitting and waiting for a good time to chase down my dream.
