Sometimes, for professional writers, anything can be preferable to putting words down on paper. Some Geographic staffers pace the floor aimlessly, some stare intently out the window – at nothing in particular. Still others admit to sudden urges to tidy up; somehow, the worst chores are welcome when you’re waiting for inspiration.
Assistant Editor Mike Edwards, who has produced 40 stories for the magazine, offers this advice to aspiring writers:
“Before you start, paint the living room. Fix the gutters. Clean out the garage. No writer should live in a new house – that denies them essential avoidance manoeuvres.”
Do YOU carry out EAM (essential avoidance manoeuvres) activities to get inspiration?
(Cartoon accompanying article)
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog 
I LIVE IN A NEW HOUSE!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
LikeLike
ARRRRGGGGHHHHH – You can always come over here and decorate my TREE Erik LOL 😀
LikeLike
Good idea! I’ll start packing my ornaments! 😀
LikeLike
Grrr, all I have to do is get in the shower! No pen, no paper, no computer.
LikeLike
Sad but true. My apartment is never cleaner than when I’m “working” on a project.
LikeLike
EAM – ha, ha, my essential avoidance manoeuvres are endless, including reading this article, that too belongs on the list.
LikeLike
So true!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Jo Robinson and commented:
Well – yes I do….
LikeLike
My home was never so clean as when I was taking creative writing classes at the university.
LikeLike
this is great and so funny )
LikeLike
Sometimes I will check e-mails, read other bloggers posts. Anything in fact which puts off the moment when I will put fingers to keyboard and start writing!
LikeLike
LOL So people like me are holding up the production of Bestsellers LOL 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Have We Had Help? and commented:
Been there, done most of the things mentioned…
LikeLike
I bet cleaning the bathroom and kitchen tile grouting with a toothbrush is favourite 😀
LikeLike