Your bag of frogs

This is how Process Week ends, not with a bang, but a lot of frogs

Hey, Runners!

Last time, we talked about fixed and shifting processes; today, we’re going to talk about how we approach finding the processes that work for us.

Many times, I see writing advice from established writers that set out, proscriptively, what every writer should do.

The advice isn’t bad, but like I said last time… just because a pair of pants fits me doesn’t mean they’re going to fit you, and trying to wear them just because I said so ends up being a waste of your time and energy, both precious resources.

So let’s change our mindset about process. If a Great Writer You Super Love says, “Write in the bathtub,” your response should be, “Huh. Interesting,” and then you take that suggestion and put it in your bag of frogs.

This is a screenshot from the mobile game Pocket Frogs, which I haven’t thought about in years. But see how pretty they are? Collect them all! Image credit: Jamey Stegmaier

Question: What genre do you prefer to write in?

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Your Bag of Frogs

As soon as you switch your writing advice mindset from “Do this thing,” to “Try this thing,” you’re 90% of the way there. Think of a process like kissing frogs; one of them could be a prince at any time, but you have to kiss it first to find out.

You want to collect as many frogs as possible, and keep them handy for when you need them.

But this is important; don’t throw it out, just put it back in the bag. What doesn’t work for you today might well work for you tomorrow, so keep your mind open and your bag of frogs handy.