Even though I often get frustrated with Boice for telling us to “stop”—I think he must (rightly) anticipate that our tendencies toward impatience will test our abilities to follow his advice, or he wouldn’t keep reminding us to slow down—I’m intrigued by his advice in these chapters, particularly his recommendations about writing with “constancy and moderation” (137-144). This is not something I’m particularly good at; though I’ve never managed to pull one of those (in)famous all-nighters, I rarely start my writing projects far in advance and, as a result, I generally feel paralyzed when the time comes to start writing.
So instead of simply reflecting on Boice’s advice this week, I’m going to test it out. Well, actually I’m going to test it next week; I’m still a bit too skeptical that I’ll have adequate spare time to stick to my resolution when classes are in session. Anyhow here’s the plan: over Thanksgiving break, I’m going to take Boice’s advice and practice writing for my upcoming papers daily. Even if it’s only five, ten, or fifteen minutes, just to keep my ideas fresh. I plan to “prewrite briefly, planfully before moving to prose,” as Boice recommends (147) and, though I’m not sure writing at a regular place at a regular time will be feasible as Aaron and I make the rounds visiting our families, I will chart my progress as I go. Should anyone actually read this post, your job is to keep me accountable: ask me after break whether or not I actually stuck to the plan. I’m a lousy liar, so hopefully the mere prospect that anyone might confront me will force me to stick to the resolution.
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