Conversations with Calliope- Dealing with Distractions

(Seaside Setting)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What are you thinking about today?
JOE: Distractions. I have been reading what Julia Cameron has to say about necessary surroundings for writing.
CALLIOPE: What does she have to say?
JOE: Among other things that there is no ideal writing environment. Even if there were, it would not guarantee that our writing would be any better than in the midst of distractions.
CALLIOPE: What do you think?
JOE: I think she's right. I sometimes dream of an ideal writing environment. Before you ask, it would be a seaside villa in the Caribbean with a breeze strong enough to rustle but not rumple the pages I am working on.
CALLIOPE: Have you ever had that experience?
JOE: I've been in such an environment, but found it too peaceful to bother writing. There's something about the bustle of everyday life which stirs me to action.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: Everyday events give me topics for my columns and also a context for other writing.
CALLIOPE: Don't they distract you as well?
JOE: They do but the also keep me from getting bored with long hours of writing.
CALLIOPE: I guess there is no ideal context for writing.
JOE: Not that I know of, but I keep plugging along. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Fuzzy the Clown- Oatka Festival Parade, Leroy, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. Aren't you running a little late?
JOE: No. I've just been busy. I moved my chair to Carol's house yesterday and decided to write my journal entry in the back yard before coming to Batavia.
CALLIOPE: What was it like?
JOE: I had the pleasure of listening to cardinals in the background while I was writing rather than the roar and fumes of great trucks and speeding cars. Very relaxing.
CALLIOPE: Maybe the move will enhance your concentration and creativity.
JOE: My thoughts exactly. I am looking forward to getting settled there.
CALLIOPE: And in the meantime?
JOE: I am quite busy with packing and letting everyone know of my move.
CALLIOPE: That must make it hard to concentrate on your writing.
JOE: It does. My mind has been on the move and not on anything literary.
CALLIOPE: What's up for today?
JOE: More moving related activities. I would also like to write out an outline for Are You Afraid of This Book. I know I keep promising to get to it. No excuses. I just haven't yet. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. Did you just get up?
JOE: I think you know me better than that. I was up before five, read the paper, walked with Carol, served her breakfast on the porch, watered my plants, did some painting, wrote today's journal entry and now here I am.
CALLIOPE: Impressive. And I thought you were loafing.
JOE: I must admit the thought did occur to me. I thought you could survive for a day by yourself. Once I got painting, I felt more enervated and ready to do some writing, at least with you.
CALLIOPE: I'm flattered. Is that all you plan to do today?
JOE: No. My story, Child Bride was posted a few days ago in Critique Circle (www.critiquecircle.com.) I plan to read the critiques posted and take them to heart. I am trying to be more observant, especially of myself and my inner workings.
CALLIOPE: What prompted that?
JOE: To some extent, reading Eckhart Tolle's Power of New and The New Earth. Yesterday I received a copy of Guy Finley's book, The Essential Laws of Fearless Living and started reading it last night.
CALLIOPE: What have you discovered so far?
JOE: The message is similar to Tolle's but to me the writing is more accessible. His essential point is how to stop worrying about all the things you think about yourself and concentrate on just being who you are without worrying about it.
CALLIOPE: Sounds good if you can do it.
JOE: I hope to. I think my recent funk came from fear that I wasn't a good enough writer. If I'm hopeless I might as well give up writing. Finley points out that entertaining such thoughts gives them life and lets them take over who I otherwise could be.
CALLIOPE: Interesting point.
JOE: I plan to read more of his book over the weekend and will let you know what I discover on Monday.
(Riverboat- Erie Canal)

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE:Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Well, than you. My cold is hanging on but is close to banishment.
CALLIOPE: Did you get much done yesterday?
JOE: Alas. I had other commitments which kept me from concentrating on creative pursuits.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: A mental health meeting, dentist appointment and exercise.
CALLIOPE: I see. Did you work on your writing at all?
JOE: I did wander around MySpace trying to figure out how I could use it to my advantage.
CALLIOPE: What did you discover?
JOE: Not too much. It still seems like an electronic playground. I will have to explore a bit more to see if it can be useful. I wonder how other writers use it.
CALLIOPE: Me too. Maybe some of them will favor us with their opinions. What do you plan to do today?
JOE: I write up an agenda for today already. I plan to work this morning on benefits of my books and finding famous quotes to support my writings. This afternoon I will get back to work on Marital Property.
CALLIOPE: You sound like you are still struggling with working consistently.
JOE: I guess I am. Not having regular phone service has thrown me off somewhat. But I will keep working at it and try to regain my balance.

(Warming up in San Juan)

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you yesterday.
JOE: It was quite hectic. On Monday I wandered around Rochester with my brother from Hawaii. In the course of our hegira, I bought a new printer and set it up yesterday morning. At first it would shoot out three pages, eat one and spit it out and print nothing. After two hours on the phone with someone who seemed to be living in India (He wasn't sure how to spell "street,) I was as far as it printing out a jumble of colors, none of which were intended. I ended up exchanging it for one that works.
CALLIOPE: And then?
JOE: My goal yesterday was to write a Thanksgiving column on gratitude. It took me quite a while to get back into the gratitude mood which initially motivated me.
CALLIOPE: So you finally got it done?
JOE: I did, but that was about all.
CALLIOPE: I see. What about today?
JOE: I plan to work on my Christmas booklet this morning and see if I can get it to a draft stage. This afternoon, I will work on the novel.
CALLIOPE: At least you have a plan.
JOE: I do. And I better get going on it before I run out of day again.
CALLIOPE: Have a nice Thanksgiving.
JOE: I will and thanks for being you.

(Sculpture at Charlotte Beach-Rochester, NY)