Managing the Divided Mind

I've been working in two genres - non-fiction (Liz's Lymphedema Logbook) and fiction (short story).  Oh, and then there are the blogs.  And the marketing.  So as you see I have numerous projects that differ from one another.  Normally this creates a tension/angst that can frustrate any progress but not so at the moment. 
I am taking a mental assessment - more or less wondering 'How did this happen?' followed quickly by 'How can I keep this going?'  The first and rather simple answer that came up is
I've learnt to pace myself with projects.  I don't know when that lesson was taught but I'm rather glad it is in my tool box.  Sweet. 

Pumpkin field - Mitchell Farms, Vancouver Island

A Published Essay - Collaboration

https://issuu.com/ellenkartz/docs/westword_octdec_2016_web   On page 21, there is an article titled 100 Days - Three Ways that I am part of - I'm the third author and my words begin on page 22, but read the whole thing.  West Word magazine is produced by the Writer's Guild of Alberta.  All three of us are thrilled to be part of October's issue.  Personally I note that it around this time of year, that we began our 100 Day Challenge.  Perhaps it is time for another. 

Cluster

When all else fails- cluster.  It’s a writing technique that I use often.  I use it to expand an inkling that hasn’t yet become an idea.  I use it when I have bogged down.  I use it just to play with words. 

What is a cluster, and how does a person cluster? – The first step is to choose a beginning word or phrase.  It isn’t necessary to spend a lot of time choosing this beginning; it will be written in the center of the page.  Then associate words are added and words that come forward from those.  You can circle them if you like and draw little dashes that suggest the order they arrived.  The center word usually ends up with a number of word chain legs, as some ideas will be loosely connected and need their own development.  Again, don’t think too much about what you are doing and why these phrases or ideas are coming forth.  THEN, there is a little bit of magic that happens.  The thing that you want to write about will jell in your mind.  The click happens.  That’s when you write. 

My cluster this morning is around an inkling that I believe holds a storyline.  Cluster pages, here I come.