not sure if i am...

a writer.

what makes a writer nowadays? do you only have to be a memoirist, a creative writer, a novelist, a blogger? what if you write things that aren't that "fun"?

i'm in the middle of writing a policy brief on transitional jobs models and homelessness for this conference in july. a nice side project for InclusionUS, and it's nice to get back into the swing of it, even if it doesn't pay. just keep putting publications no matter how big or small on the CV, i suppose. i think just the fact that i'm trying to collect publications rather than pins on pinterest is a sign that i am either a.) maybe actually trying to do this whole "academic" thing, b.) neither crafty, domestic, or trendy in any way or b.) a sad, nerdy combination of both a and b. i'm sure there are people out there like me, and i'm positive they're currently wearing sweatpants or old Adidas shorts (my writing gear of choice) and they're most likely surrounded by old glasses of water or tea.

one day i'll find my kindred spirits and they're probably hiding in a university somewhere.

so, for those who are writers, who teach future writers (that's for you, Nancy!), i was motivated by this McSweeney's column: "The Ultimate Guide to Writing Better Than You Normally Do."
one of my favorite parts of this is absolutely fantastic, and what i'm currently struggling with as i try and power through this brief:
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                                              DON'T PROCRASTINATE 
Procrastination is an alluring siren taunting you to Google the country where Balki from Perfect Strangers was from, and to arrange sticky notes on your dog in the shape of hilarious dog shorts. A wicked temptress beckoning you to watch your children, and take showers. Well, it’s time to look procrastination in the eye and tell that seafaring wench, “Sorry not today, today I write.”


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so for all those on deadline, those who can't figure out how to start (let alone finish), i stand in solidarity with you. no, Weakley, you don't need to wander into the kitchen and eat another girl scout cookie, and you definitely don't need to look through someone's Thailand photos -- again. beat the seafaring wench, everyone.