perfection protest!
I’m not blogging much because I am on fire writing a new book. I’d write for 10 hours a day right now, if I could. But, of course, I can’t–so I have this crazy feeling every morning of excitement and tension as I wonder how much I’ll be able to get down on paper before I have to leave the story and get back to my “real” life. It’s very intense–the longing I feel to just sit down and write for weeks and weeks with no interruptions. But I also think it’s good to be interrupted, too. That intensity fuels the writing.
All this to say, there’s no time for blogging right now, or tweeting, or goofing around online. There’s no time for anything except for the bare essentials–writing and playing with my family.
But my pal Brené has a new book that’s just come out, and this week she’s inspired me to join her protest against perfection. Of the many, many wise things that Brené says about life, her take on perfectionism–and how it isolates us from each other–really sticks with me. She talked about it in her first book, which I devoured. Especially since I’m kind of the opposite of perfect. My house is strewn with toys, my car hasn’t been washed in months, and it’s a good bet I’ll be driving the carpool line in my pajamas today.
I just don’t have the time. Or the interest. I’d much rather be writing this novel than doing my hair. I’d much rather goof around with my kids than clean the house. And Brené says that’s a good thing. Which is one of the many reasons I love her.
SO! My first blog post in months!! And my first giveaway ever! If you want a chance to win a copy of her new book, leave a comment below.
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I can’t wait for your new book! I have loved reading the others! And I would love to win a copy of Brene’s book! Pick me! Pick me!
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Hi, Katherine,
An inspiring thought to wake up to! Perfection does dampen creativity, and fun… when I feel it flaring it’s grumpy little head, I try to reframe it as caring so much it is throwing me off balance. Then (sometimes – I can still catch the perfection paralysis) my heart can soften and play a bit more freely.
Love seeing you here, imperfect picture and all!
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Truly Inspired!Thank you for sharing! As a professional organizer who has struggled with this perfection idea for years, I have recently decided after some life events to get off the roller coaster…again!
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Glad to hear why you have been gone. Write on! Would love to read Brene’s book.
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Love your two signs and that you are embracing the imperfection! Would love to win Brene’s book!!
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I’m so excited for you, being in the frenzied state of writing!
I would love to win Brené’s book! I am in love with the idea that imperfection makes us kind of… perfect.
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Brené’s book sounds fab. And fangirl grinning here at the news you’re deep in a new book, hooray!
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it`s nice to be passionate with writing, to forget some of the “i had to make things” and to make your own list of what are my prioritys….you have only one life and you can choose what to do next. that means liberty….so enjoy writing and playing with your kids…..xx ute
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Good to see you back for a post
Have fun finishing your book and playing with your family.
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Winning this book would be PERFECT!! =)
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Funny… I was here, visiting your blog yesterday, because I thought the link in my Google Reader was broken… And here you are with a new blogpost!
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Amen! The moments fly by too fast to waste them doing laundry and cleaning the bathroom — perfection is overrated
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Hi Katherine! So happy that we’ve connected over the past few months. Since we have our Twitter/FB connection, I know why you’ve been away.Miss you. I’ve also been following Brene for a year and have seen her Perfection Protest recently. All I have to say is BRAVO!I love your books, site and blog. My perfection protest piece would be that I don’t think I’m very good at blogging, or writing(also a slow typist)…so I don’t. I’m in the process of working through that. Maybe gonna get “Dragon Naturally Speaking” because I am a very good speaker! My small tribute to you. ~Lisa http://teachingwithsoul.wordpress.com/2010/05/10/im-a-woman-a-mom-a-teacher/
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Honored to be on your blog today! I know your readers miss you! We all want as much KC as we can get!
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I’ve been recommending your books willy nilly (my personal favorite is Everyone is Beautiful) and would love to read Brown’s book, too. Thank you!
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Thanks for offering a free copy of Brene’s book! Yippee! Love your signs, made one of my own yesterday!
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It’s funny. My husband and I were both just about tortured with the idea of perfection when we were kids. And to some degree still are when family gets their hooks into us.
We’ve made a concerted effort to say “practice makes progress” and other such things to lessen the emphasis on perfection and increase the chances that our kids will try things.
But, weirdly, I forget about it for myself. I’m trying, but I’m not quite there.
Also? Thrilled that there’s a new book in the offing (even if it is in the *way* offing). I know the feeling of not blogging for a while. I took a break in August and am considering making it an annual thing. It really refreshed my brain and brought me back to why I blog (among other things).
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So true, perfection does block creativity, a lesson I have been learning.. great pics.
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I love your “anti” perfection photos! And good for you for writing and writing and writing. Yay!
I would love to win a copy of Brene’s latest book!
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working on Brene’s first book, would love a copy of her second…thanks for the opp!
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Sounds like a great book! I am off to find her first one. SO excited for your next one! Happy writing!
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Striving for perfection, what we perceive as perfection as defined by others, may be the most devastating, destructive epidemic of our time for all women.
Thanks for letting me know about this book through your blog!
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As a writer, I get that! The dirtier the house = more writing for me
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Wow! Can’t wait to read your new book! I fight perfection by not doing anything LOL. Total overwhelm.
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Yes, we’ve missed you.
Excellent choices for your Perfect Protest sings. I whole-heartedly agree with both of them.
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Looking forward to reading your new book!
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When people ask me how I do as much with my life as I do, my stock (and heartfelt) answer is that I don’t do *anything* well. I do lots of things adequately, but nothing perfectly.
To be honest, I always saw that as a BAD THING. Always felt like I needed to apologize for it. But suddenly, reading your post, I see that it’s not — and I don’t. And if I had a little more information, from someone as brilliant as Brené, I might be able to inspire someone else to be comfortable being less than perfect.
Oh, how I’ve missed you, Katherine! Add me to the list of people breathlessly waiting for your new book.
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thank you for this generous offering. miss you, but thrilled that you are in a creative flow (killing perfectionism). i devoured brené’s first book and all of yours too! happy writing and playing.
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Love that first photo of you with the sign. Thanks for the chance to win! Heard Brene speak today and was inspired
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This post came at the “perfect” time because for the past week, I’ve been waking up at 3am, working on my manuscript and anticipating a writing conference coming up in a few weeks. It seems crazy, even to me, but I’m doing it because I have two small children and it’s equally important that I spend time with them. This is the only time it’s quiet around here. The reason I’m commenting on your post right now, instead of writing, is because I was feeling stuck and overcome with perfectionism. So thanks! Okay, back to work!
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Happy October 1st!! I just discovered Brene Brown today, thanks to my daughter who was lucky enough to see her speak in KC. Then I found you! What a great day! I intend to play more w/my family and repeat to myself throughout the day: Progress is what I strive for, not Perfection. Have a Wonderful Day!
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I’m OK with being imperfect — most days anyway. Now, if I could only stop searching for the perfect pair of shoes or the perfect bag! Happy to know you’re writing so much…can’t wait to read the next one!
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YAHOO! So wonderful to “hear” from you again but even more exciting to hear about your new book in the works! Enjoy the process :-}
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I cracked up when you said: “it’s a good bet I’ll be driving the carpool line in my pajamas today”. That is so my sister. I on the other hand will get to work most days, only to realize that I forgot to put on makeup…and still not put it on, oh well.
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I was lucky enough to get to give Brené a hug this past Saturday – she is such a total light, and I can’t wait to read her new book!
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Would love to win this book!!!
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I have long been against perfectionism. As an alcohol/drug therapist I see perfectionism at the crux of this disease.
YAY! for being OK to be imperfect, make mistakes and be human!!
I love Brene’ and would LOVE her new book!
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Love your books and would LOVE to win a copy.
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eew perfectionism is for people with WAY too much time on their hands!
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Thank you for this post, as I think perfectionism is at the root of many problems we have these days. As I write, there are dishes to wash, floors to clean and laundry to start, finish and fold. And it will all be there when I am done writing.
Thank you for your books. Although I love all of them, “Everyone is Beautiful” is my favorite. “Get Lucky” struck a little too close, as I was a surrogate. But, it also gave voice to some things that I had felt, but couldn’t voice. Thank you. Looking forward to the new book.
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I don’t just want this book…I NEED it! Boo to perfectionism; hooray for freedom and creativity and playing with your children! But I still feel the urge to clean up after! Sigh. See…I need the book!
Write away, my friend!
Xo,
Linsey
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Is it too late? I’d have commented sooner, but life hasn’t been perfect the last couple of weeks (e.g., family fire, relocating Mom, and impromptu weddings!). I’d love to just sit back and enjoy a good book!
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You can see from my twitter pic that I embrace imperfection… in fact this year I’m working on elevating imperfection to an art form… THANK YOU – THANK YOU – your concept delights me and and I’d love your book to affirm me!
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Just coming over here from Brene’s tweet…so glad I followed the link! Just “meeting” you now and will be poking my head around a little more.
Wishing you smooth paths to the finish of your book!
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i join you in the perfection protest.
someone posted a link of a video you had made about streamlining your writing.
i’m about to embark on the nanowrimo for the first time ever. i’m a songwriter, not a novelist so it’s really so far out of my comfort zone. but i loved hearing your tip. i love reading stuff that isn’t overly verbose so that things keep moving along.
i’m going to have to find your books and read them. i bet i’d like it. best of luck with the current novel you’re working on!
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I’m with you. I’d much rather be creating than worrying about the dishes and whatnot. Brene’s new book sounds fantastic! Thanks so much for doing this giveaway. And happy writing!
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oh i am more than pleased that you are on fire!! writing a new book! i can’t get enough of your books and will be waiting with baited breathe for this new one…
please don’t include this comment for one of brene’s books. i have them all! and love them very much. a copy should go to someone that hasn’t read her words of wisdom…
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As a new mom of two-month old twin girls, I can’t tell you how much your two books The Bright Side of Disaster and Get Lucky helped me through my pregnancy and beyond. In Bright Side, your description of the first few weeks of life with a newborn very much mirrored the first hours and days at home with my sweet young ladies. In Get Lucky, the picture you painted of the twin pregnancy size increases was right on the money. And I love your happy endings, which remind me how much a writer can accomplish in creating realism while still controlling her characters. It’s nice to know that there are people who can capture these unique mom experiences in novel form. Would love to receive a copy of this book, I have not read anything by the author yet.
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I had been wondering where all your fun FB updates were! Glad to hear the writing is going so well. That’s good for all of us!
I, too, embrace imperfection! And I love that you do in your writing. The reality of life in your stories is why I hold them so dear to my heart.
I haven’t read Brene’s books, so I’d love to be entered to win one!
Wishing you the best and hoping to hear more from you soon!
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‘Perfectionism kills creativity’ love that! I will think twice before washing the car or mowing the lawn or ing ing ing anything else (washing up, cleaning – especially that!, ironing, hoovering…) Creating? yes please! That’s what I’d rather be doing.
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